Aine Sawyer
The number of wet diapers a newborn baby produces in a day is an important indicator of their health and nutrition. Newborns have small stomachs and feed every few hours, so it is normal for them to feed eight to twelve times every 24 hours. In their first week, the number of wet diapers a newborn should produce increases daily. On the first day after birth, a newborn will probably pee once, so a parent can expect one wet diaper. On days 2-3 of a newborn's life, parents should expect 2-4 wet diapers. By day 4, the baby should have 4-6 wet diapers per day. On day 5 and beyond, the baby should have 6 or more wet diapers per day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of wet diapers on day 1 | 1-2 |
| Number of wet diapers on day 2 | 2-3 |
| Number of wet diapers on days 3-5 | 3-5 |
| Number of wet diapers on day 6 onwards | 6 or more |
| Minimum number of wet diapers by day 3 | 3 |
| Minimum number of wet diapers by day 6 | 6 |
| Number of wet diapers after the first week | 6-8 |
| Number of wet diapers after the first week (another source) | 4-6 |
| Number of wet diapers after the first week (another source) | 4-8 |
| Number of wet diapers after the first week (another source) | 6+ |
| Number of wet diapers after the first week (another source) | 6-10+ |
What You'll Learn
The number of wet diapers per day increases as the baby ages
Newborns have small stomachs, so they need to feed every few hours. In the first 24 hours after birth, a newborn will probably pee once, so you can expect one wet diaper. In the following days, as the baby consumes more milk, the number of wet diapers increases.
By day 2, you should see at least two wet diapers a day. On days 3 to 5, this should increase to at least three to five wet diapers. By day 6, daily wet diapers increase to around six or more. After about a week, a typical peeing routine for a baby will result in about four to six wet diapers per day.
As your baby ages and their bladder is able to hold more, you may notice that they begin to hold their pee for longer and soak the diaper more thoroughly. You'll likely go through closer to 6 to 8 diapers a day instead of 8 to 10 when that happens.
Some newborns will pee up to 20 times in 24 hours, and that's okay. If your baby is sleeping, you don't have to wake them up to change a diaper. A change before or after each feeding, approximately every two to three hours, is fine.
It's important to monitor your baby's urine output, as it can be an indicator of their health and whether they are getting enough to eat. If your baby has fewer than six wet diapers each day after day five, or is only making a small amount of very dark yellow, concentrated, smelly urine after day four, contact your healthcare provider.
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A newborn's urine output is directly related to their fluid intake
A newborn baby's urine output is directly related to their fluid intake. In the first 24 hours after birth, a newborn will probably pee once, so you can expect one wet diaper. In the following days, as the baby consumes more milk, the number of wet diapers increases.
By the second day, there should be two wet diapers as the mother's milk supply increases. On days 3–5, the baby should have at least three to five wet diapers. From day 6 onwards, the baby should have at least six to eight wet diapers every 24 hours, with some babies needing a diaper change after every feed. This is considered normal and indicates that the baby is getting enough nourishment.
Breastfed babies may not have many wet diapers in the early days, but as the mother's milk supply increases, the baby will produce more urine. The number of wet diapers can also be an indicator of dehydration, which is dangerous for newborns. If the baby has fewer than six wet diapers each day after day five, or is producing only a small amount of very dark yellow, concentrated, and smelly urine, it could be a sign of dehydration.
Other signs of dehydration include lethargy, prolonged sleep, unusual sleepiness, dry mouth and lips, and a sunken soft spot on the top of the baby's head. If you suspect dehydration, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
It is also important to note that the colour of urine can vary. While light yellow urine is healthy, darker shades indicate concentrated urine, which may mean the baby needs more fluids. Pink, orange, red, or brown urine may be caused by highly concentrated urine or the presence of blood, and should be monitored. Strong-smelling urine could indicate a bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Monitoring the number of wet diapers and the colour and smell of urine can help ensure that the baby is getting enough fluids and is urinating normally.
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Wet diapers can indicate if a baby is getting enough to eat
Wet diapers are a good indicator of whether a newborn is getting enough to eat and is well hydrated. In the first 24 hours after birth, a newborn will probably pee once, so one wet diaper is expected. In the following days, as the baby consumes more milk, the number of wet diapers increases.
By day two, parents should be looking for at least two wet diapers a day. This is when a mother's breasts will start to fill with milk, and the more milk the baby consumes, the more they will urinate. On days three to five, the baby should be producing at least three to five wet diapers.
By day six, the baby should be producing around six or more wet diapers every 24 hours, and this should continue beyond day six. Some babies will need a diaper change after every feeding. After the first week, a baby should be producing at least six wet diapers a day, and this is a good indicator that they are getting enough nourishment.
If a baby is not producing enough wet diapers, they may be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include lethargy, prolonged sleep, and a dry mouth and lips. If a baby is not producing enough wet diapers, parents should contact their healthcare provider.
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Dehydration in newborns can be dangerous
Dehydration in newborns is a serious issue that can develop quickly and require urgent medical attention. Newborns are more at risk of dehydration than adults because they are on a purely liquid diet and have tiny stomachs that can only hold a few teaspoons of milk at a time. As such, they can become dehydrated if they are not fed regularly and frequently.
Signs of dehydration in newborns
Common signs of dehydration in newborns include:
- A sunken soft spot on the top of the head
- Sleeping too much
- Crying with little or no tears
- Cold or discoloured hands and feet
- Dry mouth and lips
- Irritability or drowsiness
- Fewer wet nappies/diapers than usual
Preventing dehydration in newborns
To prevent dehydration, it is important to ensure that newborns are fed regularly and frequently. Breastfed babies should be offered the breast frequently, especially in warm environments or when the baby is unwell. Bottle-fed babies should also have access to their bottle or cup frequently throughout the day. It is also important to ensure that newborns are dressed appropriately to avoid excessive sweating or shivering, which can lead to fluid loss.
When to seek medical attention
If you notice any signs of dehydration in your newborn, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician as soon as possible. Dehydration can become serious if left untreated, and in some cases, hospital treatment may be required.
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A newborn's urine colour can vary
The colour of a newborn's urine can vary for a number of reasons. Generally, a newborn's urine should be a shade of yellow, ranging from light to dark. However, there may be times when you see different colours in your newborn's diaper, and this can be quite normal.
Light to Dark Yellow
The colour of a newborn's urine can vary from light to dark yellow. Light yellow urine is a good sign and indicates that your baby is getting enough nourishment and is peeing regularly. The darker the yellow colour, the more concentrated the urine, which may mean that your baby needs to consume more fluids to stay hydrated.
Pink, Orange, Red, or Brown
A pink, orange, red, or brown hue to your baby's urine can be caused by a few different things. It is often assumed that a pink stain on a diaper is blood, but this is usually just highly concentrated urine. As long as your baby is urinating frequently, there is usually no cause for concern. However, if this colour persists, it is best to contact your healthcare provider.
For newborn baby girls, a pinkish stain on the diaper could be caused by blood in the urine, but it is typically temporary and caused by the mother's hormones. If your baby girl continues to have pink spots on her diaper or pink urine after turning one week old, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
An orange, red, or brown tint may indicate the presence of blood in your newborn's urine, which is not normal and usually means there is a problem. The medical term for this condition is hematuria, and it can be caused by various factors, including high levels of minerals in the urine, hereditary conditions, or immune system abnormalities. If you notice any of these colours in your newborn's urine, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Red or Brown and Cloudy
If your baby's urine is cloudy and accompanied by a colour change, it could indicate a urinary tract or kidney infection. A kidney infection is a type of UTI, so these two conditions can occur together. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice cloudy urine, especially if it also has a red or brown hue.
"Brick Dust"
A red-brown hue in baby urine is often described as "brick dust". It can be mistaken for blood, but it is actually urate crystals, which will disappear once your baby consumes more fluids and nutrients.
Sweet-Smelling Urine
In rare cases, your baby's urine may smell sweet, like maple syrup. This odour indicates a serious condition called Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to convert food into energy. Diabetes is another condition that can cause sweet-smelling urine. If you notice a sweet smell in your baby's urine, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Strong-Smelling Urine
Strong-smelling urine in babies can indicate a bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can lead to serious illness if left untreated. Look for other signs of infection, such as blood in the urine, cloudy urine, fever, or increased frequency of urination. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect an infection.
In summary, while the colour of a newborn's urine is typically a shade of yellow, it is not uncommon to see variations. Most of the time, these colour changes are harmless and temporary. However, if you are ever concerned or unsure about the colour of your baby's urine, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider.
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Frequently asked questions
No, this could be a sign of dehydration. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice this.
On the first day, one wet diaper is normal. On the second day, this should increase to two wet diapers. On days three to five, you should see three to five wet diapers. On day six and beyond, your baby should have at least six wet diapers every 24 hours.
Your newborn's urine should be clear to light yellow. If you're breastfeeding, certain foods can alter the color of your breast milk and your baby's urine.
Signs of dehydration include cracked or dry lips and mouth, a sunken soft spot on their head, and a lack of tears when crying.
In general, you'll want to look for at least four to six wet diapers each day.
