Dirty Nappies: What's Normal For Newborns?

Newborn babies typically have at least 6 wet nappies and about 2 dirty nappies a day in their first few weeks, but this can vary depending on individual needs. On average, newborns will go through about 10 to 12 nappies a day, while older babies may need 6 to 8 nappy changes. Newborns usually have their first bowel movement, called meconium, within 48 hours of birth. Meconium is very dark green, brown, or black and sticky. After a few days, the colour changes to yellow or mustard and the texture becomes softer and more liquid.

Nappy sizes are organised by weight, not age

When it comes to nappy sizes, weight is the most crucial factor in determining the best fit for your baby. Nappy sizes are organised by weight, not age, and this ensures that your little one stays dry, comfortable, healthy, and clean. A well-fitting nappy sits snugly just below the baby's belly button, with no gaps around the leg cuffs to prevent leaks.

While age isn't the best indicator of nappy size, weight ranges on nappy packaging can give you a good idea of what size your baby might need. These weight bands can vary slightly between brands, but they typically start with newborn sizes for babies under 3 kilograms (6 pounds) and go up to size 1 for infants between 2 and 5 kilograms (4 to 11 pounds). Size 2 nappies are usually designed for babies between 4 and 8 kilograms (9 to 18 pounds), and size 3 nappies fit babies between 6 and 10 kilograms (13 to 22 pounds).

It's important to remember that babies grow at their own pace, so it's a good idea to wait and see before stocking up on a particular size. Having a variety of sizes on hand is helpful, especially since babies can gain weight quickly in their first year. Additionally, some weight ranges overlap between sizes, so it's crucial to monitor your baby's fit and adjust accordingly.

To ensure a correct fit, you should be able to fit one or two fingers between the nappy's waistband and your baby's tummy. If the fastening tapes don't meet in the centre or leave red marks on your baby's skin, it's time to size up. Conversely, if the tapes overlap, the nappy may be too big. A nappy that is too small can lead to leaks and skin irritation, while one that is too big can cause discomfort and allow moisture to escape, potentially leading to nappy rash.

By focusing on weight-based sizing and regularly checking the fit, you can ensure your baby's comfort and minimise skin irritation.

A newborn's first poo is called meconium

Meconium is considered healthy and normal, and it is expected that it will pass through a baby's system within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. Ideally, a baby's poop will change colour and consistency within the first few days, turning yellow or mustard-coloured. This change indicates that the baby's digestive system is working properly.

Meconium aspiration, or MAS, can occur if a baby passes meconium while in the womb or during the birthing process. MAS is a dangerous lung condition that happens when meconium is inhaled into the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. MAS can be treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with oxygen, antibiotics, and a ventilator if needed. Most babies with MAS recover completely.

After the initial meconium, a newborn's poop will continue to change in colour, consistency, and smell as they transition to a diet of breast milk or formula. Breastfed babies typically have softer, yellow poop, and may poop multiple times a day or go up to 7 to 10 days without pooping. Formula-fed babies tend to have darker, smellier, and firmer poop.

It is important to monitor a newborn's poop colour, as certain colours may indicate a health issue. For example, white poop can be a sign of liver problems, while red or black poop may indicate the presence of blood.

Young babies may need up to 10-12 nappy changes a day

Newborn babies need frequent nappy changes, and this can be as many as 10 to 12 times a day. This is because babies have very delicate skin, and leaving a dirty nappy on for too long can cause soreness and redness. Nappy rash can be prevented by changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've urinated or passed a bowel movement.

In the first few days after birth, a newborn will have fewer nappy changes. On the first day, expect only one to two wet nappies. On days two and three, this will increase to two to four wet nappies. By day four, your baby should be having four to six wet nappies per day. From day five onwards, your baby should be having six or more wet nappies per day.

The number of bowel movements will also increase over the first few days. On day one, a newborn will pass a sticky, green-black bowel motion, known as meconium. On day two, this will be softer and remain green-black. By day three, the bowel motions will be greenish-brown. On day four, they will be lighter in colour, either greenish-brown or brown-yellow. From day five onwards, your baby should be passing three or more mustard-yellow, soft or liquid bowel motions per day.

From six weeks onwards, the number of bowel movements will decrease. It is normal for breastfed babies to go several days without a bowel movement. Formula-fed babies may continue to have softer, more frequent bowel movements.

Breastfed babies may poo more than formula-fed babies

Newborn babies typically have 6 to 12 nappy changes per day, with 2 of those being dirty nappies. This number varies depending on the baby's age, how much they are feeding, and whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.

Breastfed babies may poo more frequently than formula-fed babies. In the first few days of life, all babies will produce meconium, a sticky, greenish-black substance made of amniotic fluid, mucus, and skin cells. After this, the stool of breastfed babies will become more yellow and seedy, and remain within the green-yellow-brown colour palette. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, will have poop that is more tan or brown and less yellow than breastfed babies. Their stool is also usually thicker and not typically seedy in appearance.

After a couple of months, the number of dirty nappies per day may decrease for both breastfed and formula-fed babies, with occasional poo-free days or just one dirty nappy a day. However, breastfed babies may continue to poo more frequently than formula-fed babies.

It's important to note that babies can go several days without pooping, and this is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your baby hasn't pooped in four days, it's best to consult a doctor as it could be a sign of constipation.

Nappies should be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled to prevent nappy rash

Newborns may have at least six wet nappies a day and about two dirty nappies. On average, young babies will go through about 10 to 12 nappies a day, while older babies may need about six to eight. Every baby is different, and days can vary, so it's essential to monitor their nappy usage and adjust as needed.

To prevent nappy rash, it is crucial to change nappies as soon as they are wet or soiled. Nappy rash is a common skin condition caused by the skin in the nappy area becoming irritated and damaged due to prolonged exposure to moisture and friction. The main cause is wearing a wet or dirty nappy for too long, as the skin can be irritated by ammonia present in urine and faeces.

To prevent and treat nappy rash, it is essential to keep the nappy area clean and dry. This involves changing nappies frequently, cleaning the skin gently with lukewarm water and cotton wool or a soft cloth, and patting the skin dry. It is also recommended to use protective barrier creams, such as zinc cream or petroleum jelly, to create a barrier that protects the skin from moisture and friction. Additionally, allowing nappy-free time for the skin to air dry and ensuring a proper fit to avoid friction are crucial steps in preventing nappy rash.

By following these steps and changing nappies promptly when soiled or wet, you can effectively prevent nappy rash and keep your baby's delicate skin healthy and comfortable.

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