Starting your cloth diaper journey can feel overwhelming. Between new routines, unfamiliar products, and the sea of online advice, one of the first hurdles parents run into is… the snaps.
If you’ve ever looked at a Lil Helper cloth diaper and wondered, “How on earth do all these snaps work?”—you’re not alone. The good news? Once you get the hang of it, snaps make your life easier, not harder.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to use them, so your Lil Helper diapers fit comfortably from newborn stage all the way to potty training.
Why So Many Snaps?
Lil Helper cloth diapers are designed to grow with your child, fitting from 7–35 lbs. Instead of buying multiple diaper sizes, you’ll only need one set. The snaps are what make that possible—they let you adjust the fit at the waist, legs, and rise (length), so you always have a snug, leak-free diaper without the bulk.
Think of it as customizing the diaper to your baby’s body. Once you know which snaps to use, it becomes second nature. Check out our Quick guide here
The Snap Map: Breaking It Down
Here’s how the snaps work:
1. Tummy Snaps (Top Row)
These control the waist. A snug (but not too tight) fit here prevents gaps and leaks. With our new guide snaps, you’ll always know where the middle is, so it’s easier to line things up evenly.
Tip: Fasten the tummy snaps first, then check to make sure you can still slide two fingers between the diaper and your baby’s belly for comfort.
2. Leg Snaps (Second Row)
The leg snaps adjust the openings around your baby’s thighs. This is the most important area for preventing leaks, since most accidents happen when the diaper isn’t snug around the legs.
Tip: Aim for a “sock mark” level of snugness—not too loose, but not digging in either.
3. Rise Snaps (Front Lower Rows)
The rise snaps change the length of the diaper to match your baby’s size. For smaller babies, snap up the rise to shorten the diaper. As your little one grows, let it out to full length.
Tip: After snapping the rise, tuck the fold upward. This helps the diaper sit flat and prevents pulling at the front.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Uneven Snapping: Make sure both sides are symmetrical—crooked snaps can lead to leaks or bulkiness.
Too Loose at the Legs: Even if the tummy looks snug, gaps at the thighs mean trouble. Always double-check leg fit.
Forgetting the Fold: If you don’t tuck the rise fold, the diaper can bunch up in front.
And yes, we’ve seen it all, even diapers snapped so oddly that they looked like origami gone wrong. Don’t worry, you’ll get it!
Helping Caregivers Get It Right
If grandparents, babysitters, or daycare providers are helping, snaps can be confusing at first. That’s why we created a printable snap guide (aka Snap Map). You can mark the snaps your child currently uses so caregivers can easily follow along. No guesswork, no disasters. Download the Snap Guide here.
Extra Resources
We know sometimes it’s easier to see it in action. That’s why we’ve made step-by-step fit video that show you exactly how to get the perfect fit. You can find them in our YouTube channel; we also have a step by step Fit Guide and Helpful Guides.
For more fitting demonstrations, please check out these videos:
Fitting a baby with skinny legs
Also, find our blog "Cloth Diapering a Newborn with Umbilical Cord" here.
Final Thoughts
Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be scary, and fitting your Lil Helper diapers definitely shouldn’t be. With a little practice, those snaps will become second nature—and you’ll love how one diaper grows with your little one from birth to potty training.
Still stuck? Our Delight Team is always happy to help with fit checks, tips, and troubleshooting. You can reach us at delight@lilhelper.ca or by phone at 1-877-2-877-930.
Our LilHelper: Unsnapped Facebook group is also a great space to ask for help, share tips, and connect with other cloth diapering families who’ve been there. Because let’s be real — it takes a village to raise a tiny human, and we all need backup sometimes. We’ve worked hard to create a space that’s safe, supportive, and full of parents who just get it. Helping our customers — and each other — is what we care about most.
Happy snapping, and welcome to the cloth diaper journey—you’ve got this!
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