Newborn Diapers: How Long Before A Change Is Needed?

How long a baby uses newborn diapers depends on their weight and rate of growth. Most babies stop using newborn diapers once they're over nine or ten pounds, so if a baby is born weighing less than that, they'll likely grow out of newborn diapers by week three. Newborn diapers are typically designed for babies weighing between eight and fourteen pounds.

Babies born prematurely may require smaller sizes, with diapers for preterm babies weighing less than six pounds, and diapers for babies weighing less than four pounds or one pound and eight ounces also available.

It's important to note that diaper sizes are organized by weight and can vary from brand to brand.

Newborn diaper sizes are organised by weight, not age

When it comes to newborn diapers, it's important to ensure a proper fit to prevent messy leaks, rashes, and discomfort for your baby. Unlike clothing sizes for older children and adults, diaper sizes are not based on age but rather on weight. This is because babies can vary significantly in size, even if they are the same age. By using weight as the primary indicator, diaper companies can provide a more accurate sizing guide for parents.

Diaper Sizes and Weights

Different brands may have slight variations in their sizing, but generally, newborn diapers are designed for infants weighing up to 10 pounds. Some brands, like Huggies and Pampers, also offer preemie sizes for premature babies weighing 6 pounds or less. It's worth noting that sizing may also depend on your baby's body type. For example, a lean and long baby might need a smaller size, while a larger baby will require the bigger size.

The duration that a baby stays in newborn diapers can vary. On average, newborns tend to wear these diapers for about a month and a half. However, this can range from a few weeks to three or four months, depending on the baby's growth rate and weight. Some babies may skip newborn diapers altogether and move directly to size 1, especially if they are born larger or grow quickly.

Choosing the Right Diaper Size

To ensure a snug and comfortable fit, it's crucial to consider both your baby's weight and appearance when selecting a diaper size. A well-fitting diaper should sit securely just below the belly button, fully cover the baby's bottom, and fit snugly around the legs without being too tight. It's also important to allow for a small gap between the baby's skin and the diaper—you should be able to fit two fingers between their skin and the diaper.

Signs Your Baby Needs a Bigger Size

As your baby grows, you may notice signs that indicate it's time to move up a diaper size. These signs can include a diaper that sits much lower and doesn't fit snugly around the belly button, tight leg openings that leave red marks, or recurring issues with leakage. Additionally, if you can't fit two fingers lengthwise between your baby's stomach and the diaper, it's likely time to size up.

Newborns may use up to 10 diapers per day

Newborns use the smallest diaper sizes, which are organised by weight rather than age. For example, Pampers offers size N (newborn) for infants weighing between 8 and 14 pounds. Most babies will stop using newborn diapers once they are over nine or 10 pounds, so if your baby arrives weighing less than that, they will probably grow out of newborn diapers by week three.

You can tell it's time to move up a diaper size if your baby's urine is leaking out of the diaper, if the diaper is too tight on their legs or tummy, or if the latch doesn't reach the front of the diaper. To avoid skin irritation and diaper rash, you should change your baby's diaper every time it's wet or soiled, which is typically every two to three hours.

Diapers should be changed every 2-3 hours

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, with estimates ranging from 5 to 12 diapers per day. This means that newborns may use up to 10 diapers per day, or about 70 diapers per week. That's a lot of diaper changes!

To keep your baby's skin healthy and happy, it's important to change their diaper frequently. Aim to change your newborn's diaper every 2 to 3 hours, or whenever it becomes wet or soiled. This will help to prevent skin irritation and diaper rash.

During the first few weeks, newborns urinate very frequently, sometimes as often as every 1 to 3 hours. They also tend to poop a lot, especially if they are breastfed. Some infants may poop after every feeding, but this frequency will gradually decrease. By 3 to 4 weeks old, some babies only poop about once per week.

As your baby grows and gains weight, they will move up to larger diaper sizes. Most babies stop using newborn diapers once they reach 9 or 10 pounds. You'll know it's time to move up a size if the diaper is leaking, too tight on your baby's legs or tummy, or if the latch doesn't reach the front of the diaper.

While it's a good idea to have a pack or two of newborn diapers on hand, don't go overboard with stockpiling. Many stores allow you to exchange unopened boxes of diapers for a different size, so you don't have to stress too much about getting the exact right amount. Instead, focus on having a variety of diaper sizes on hand, as your baby will grow and change quickly.

Babies can grow out of newborn diapers in three weeks

It's not uncommon for babies to grow out of newborn diapers in three weeks. In fact, some babies born over 9 pounds may never use newborn diapers at all!

It's a good idea to have a pack or two of newborn diapers on hand, but you don't want to overdo it. Most newborn diapers fit babies up to 10 pounds, and the average 8-pound baby will go through about 240 newborn diapers before moving up to the next size. So, if your baby arrives weighing less than 9 or 10 pounds, they'll probably grow out of newborn diapers by week three.

You'll know it's time to move up a diaper size if your baby's urine is leaking out of the diaper, if the diaper is too tight on their legs or tummy, or if the latch doesn't completely reach the front of the diaper. As a general rule, you should be able to fit two fingers between the diaper waistband and your baby's stomach, and one finger between your baby's leg and the diaper's leg elastic.

Stocking up on diapers

When it comes to registering for baby items, it's a good idea to go light on newborn-sized diapers and instead opt for more size one, two, and three options. Babies tend to stay in these bigger sizes for longer; some babies can wear a size-three diaper up to their first birthday!

Stock up on diapers but don't overdo it

Stock up on diapers, but don't overdo it

Stocking up on diapers is a great idea, but it's important not to go overboard. Here are some tips to help you find the right balance:

Don't stockpile too early

While it's a good idea to have some newborn diapers on hand, it's best not to stockpile too many before your baby arrives. Newborns grow quickly and will often outgrow the smallest diaper size within a few weeks. Some babies born over 9 pounds may never even fit into newborn-sized diapers! It's hard to predict your baby's size and growth rate ahead of time, so it's best to wait and see how things go before stocking up on too many diapers.

Start with a small supply

When it comes to newborn diapers, it's a good idea to start with a pack or two and then adjust as needed. Most newborn diapers fit babies up to 10 pounds, so if your baby is born at an average weight, you'll likely go through about 240 newborn diapers before moving up to the next size. Keep in mind that diaper sizes are based on weight, not age, and can vary between brands.

Take advantage of exchange policies

Many stores like Target, Sam's Club, and Costco allow you to exchange unopened boxes of diapers for a different size. So, if you find yourself with too many newborn diapers, you may be able to swap them for larger sizes. Be sure to check the exchange policies at your local stores.

Register for larger sizes

When creating your baby registry, consider registering for larger diaper sizes rather than just newborn. Babies tend to stay in bigger sizes for longer, and some can wear size three diapers up to their first birthday. You can also ask for gift cards instead of diapers to give you more flexibility in choosing the right sizes as your baby grows.

Be mindful of storage space

Diapers take up a lot of space, so if your storage space is limited, it's best not to stock up on too many sizes at once. Focus on the sizes you'll need in the next few months, and you can always buy more later as your baby grows.

Try different brands

Different diaper brands may work better or worse for your baby, so it's worth trying a few different ones before settling on the right ones. Some brands may fit your baby better, absorb more, or cause less skin irritation. You may also find that a more expensive brand is worth the extra money if it works better for your baby.

In conclusion, while it's important to have a good supply of diapers on hand, it's best not to overdo it. By starting small, being mindful of your baby's growth, and taking advantage of exchange policies, you can ensure that you have enough diapers without going overboard.

Frequently asked questions