Hard To Secure Diaper Tags
If you notice that you have to pull harder to secure the diaper tags or that your baby has red marks on his legs or waistline, your baby is ready for the next size up. Sometimes, the diaper tabs start to pop open because theyre stretched too far.
This isnt comfortable for your baby its time to size up!
How Many Diapers Per Month
If you want to plan for your babyâs first month, then all you need to do is a little calculation. If you can expect up to ten diapers a day, thatâs about 280 diapers per month. But remember how often you’ll need to change newborn diapers each day varies from baby to baby and will change as babies grow and mature. For example, older babies may urinate only after a feeding, so the number of diapers needed decreases.
Are Newborn Diapers Necessary
How long your baby wears newborn diapers depends on their birth weight and growth rate. The average birth weight for babies in the US is about 7.5 pounds, but healthy weights range anywhere from 5.5 to 10 pounds. Additionally, around 8.3 percent of newborn babies are born underweight .
Newborn diapers fit babies up to ten pounds, while size 1 diapers typically fit babies eight to fourteen pounds. Of babies born at 40 weeks, about 20 percent of them are eight pounds or heavier. This means many babies may be able to bypass newborn diapers entirely.
If your baby is under eight pounds or close to eight pounds, you will likely want to start with newborn diapers. Its important to remember that most babies lose about half of a pound in the first five days of life, which they will likely gain back by the second week.
So, if your baby weighs eight pounds when they are born, it may be a good idea to stick with newborn diapers until they begin gaining weight.
Most diaper brands have a two-pound overlap between their newborn and size 1 diaper. This gives parents some time to transition to size 1.
Some parents may stick with newborn diapers until their little one truly outgrows them at around ten pounds, while others may jump to size 1 when their little one is eight pounds.
Also Check: How To Treat Newborn Congestion
How Long Will I Use Newborn Diapers
Newborns go through a whole lot of diapers in the first month. Due to this, many people advise new parents to stock up on boxes of newborn diapers but this might be a bad idea.
Yes, you will save quite a bit of money by buying bulk newborn diapers, but your baby will only be in newborn diapers for a short amount of time. The amount of time your baby spends in newborn diapers will depend on how quickly they grow in their first few weeks, but by understanding the average, you should be able to plan a little better.
When Should Babies Switch From Newborn To Size 1 Diapers
Baby diaper sizes are dictated by a childs growth as opposed to their age, which makes starting out in Size 1 diapers a possibility for some babies. However, there is a benefit to Newborn size diapers, if baby fits into them. The majority of babies start off in Newborn size diapers, which are really convenient since theres an umbilical cord cut-out, notes Trachtenberg. This makes it easier to keep the cord stump dry until it falls off.
According to Smith, Size 1 diapers are generally for babies who weigh about 10 pounds which varies in terms of age. The age for a 10-pound baby is a pretty wide gap, notes Smith. A baby could be 2 weeks old or 2 months old. Trachtenberg adds that, on average, babies typically move up to Size 1 diapers at about 1 month old.
Don’t Miss: How To Make Newborn Baby Sleep
Choosing The Right Diaper Size
Over the course of their diaper days, your baby will go through many different sizes. They’ll probably start with “Newborn” diapers, which generally accommodate infants up to 10 pounds. Premature babies weighing less than 6 pounds might need “Preemie” diapers, offered by some brands like Huggies. Some parents like a diaper with extra stretch that will accommodate a newborn’s rapid growth. You may also want to choose a style with a U-shaped hole cut out to make umbilical cord care easier. Since newborns make small messes and get changed very frequently, absorbency isn’t a huge issue.
As your baby grows and becomes more active, their diapering needs change. They’ll start graduating to different sizes most brands make diapers in size 1 through size 6. Finding the ideal fit is especially important after starting solids around 5-8 months since messier diapers require minimal leakage. Indeed, as the size becomes bigger, the diapers will have more absorbent materials, says Tricia Higgins, a spokesperson for Pampers.
Most kids remain in diapers until they’re between ages 2 and 3. At this stage, your toddler will be constantly on the go, so look for diapers with strong tabs and plenty of stretch. Also make sure to change the diaper often to avoid diaper rash, which can flare up when your kid is in motion. Note that some brands, such as Pampers, even make size 7 diapers for toddlers over 41 lbs.
When Is The Right Time To Change The Size
A larger diaper is due when the diaper can hardly be closed on the stomach, is very tight or your babys legs are tied off. Diapers that are too tight can cause sore spots that are painful for your child. Therefore, when opening the diaper, look for any pressure points or red stripes on the legs or hips. When closing the diaper, you can also make sure that one or two fingers still fit between the diaper and your babys body to make sure that it is not too tightly closed.
You can consider using larger diapers, even if the diaper itself is not yet too tight. This is because the size of the diaper usually increases the absorbency. If the recommended lbs of different diaper sizes overlap, it is best to choose the larger diaper to prevent leakage again.
You May Like: Can You Let A Newborn Cry It Out
How To Change A Diaper
Before beginning to change a babys diaper, its worth remembering that some newborn babies sometimes pee immediately on exposure to open air. Keep them covered while changing the diaper to avoid a mess.
A newborn baby is usually cooperative for about four months. For babies that age or younger, first lift their legs using one hand and put a clean diaper beneath their bottom using the other hand. Now unfasten their old diaper, wiping their bottom with the diapers inner side while removing it.
Then wipe their bottom and the surrounding areas using a baby wipe, washcloth, or moist tissue. Now remove the soiled diaper and the used wipes from beneath the baby and keep them in a safe place.
While putting on a new diaper, ensure that the diapers front portion is placed between their legs and at the same level as at the back, generally around the belly button level. Check to ensure that the diaper tabs are secured evenly in the front and no gaps are present around their hips. Moreover, ensure that the edge around their legs doesnt get tucked in the elastic edges of the diaper. This helps prevent leaks. Before the umbilical cord falls off, keep the front of the diaper folded below the cord.
How Many Newborn Diapers Do You Need
In the first month of life, newborns average up to 8 to 10 diaper changes per day. And over the first three months , babies go through about 700 diapers.
The good news? A babys bladder grows with age, so youll change fewer diapers as they get olderthink 5 to 6 diapers a day after six months of age. So the days of changing diapers every two hours wont last forever. We promise!
Recommended Reading: Can Newborns Have Powdered Formula
Making Sure The Diaper Fits Right
As you know, babies come in all sizes and shapes, so diapers fit a bit differently on every baby. To keep things simpler, Pampers diapers sizes are based on baby weightânot things like age or gender.
Most of the time, your baby’s weight will fall neatly within the range of a certain diaper size, producing a good fit. In some cases, you might have a choice of two sizes, as the weight ranges can sometimes overlap.
If you have a baby who is long and slim, for example, you might need to go with the smaller of the two sizes for the best fit.
Beyond checking to make sure the diaper suits your babyâs weight, there are four quick checks you can do to make sure your babyâs diaper fits properly:
The diaperâs waistband should sit just under your babyâs belly button.
The leg cuffs shouldnât have any gaps. After the diaper is on, run two fingers just inside the leg cuffs to get them in the proper position to help prevent leaks.
After the diaper is fastened, you should be able to fit two fingers under the waistband. This means the diaper is fitted properly â not too snug, not too loose.
When you take the diaper off, you shouldnât see any red marks.
How Often Should I Change My Babys Overnight Diaper
If your baby is sound asleep, theres no real need to wake them to change their diaperunless, of course, their diaper is leaking and making a big, ol mess. If you are offering Baby a dream feed, know that theres no need to automatically change your babys diaper beforehand. But if your babys diaper is dirty, change it before feeding.
To help keep Baby dry and diaper rash-free overnight, follow these tips:
-
Use the most absorbent diaper you can find for overnights. Many diaper companies sell overnight diapers made from extra-absorbent materials and leak guards, specifically designed to keep your baby dry for longer stretches of time.
-
Make sure your babys diapers arent too tight, which can cause chafing and rashes.
-
Apply a thick layer of zinc oxide-containing barrier cream to your babys rash-prone areas to help prevent diaper rash. Petroleum jelly works well, too.
-
If youre using cloth diapers, adding doublers or extra inserts to increase absorbency.
You May Like: How Many Feedings For Newborn
When To Switch To The Next Diaper Size
You’ll notice there’s some overlap in weights between sizes. If your baby is in between and you truly can’t decide, we recommend sizing down because the cost per diaper is less and a too-loose diaper can cause leaks. Still, your best bet is to pay close attention to when your baby is outgrowing their current size. Here’s what to look out for:
- Stretch at the waist: The tabs to secure the diapers should fit snug without you having to pull them shut.
- Coverage around the legs: Your baby’s bottom should be fully enclosed by the diaper to prevent leaks and blowouts. The leg cuffs shouldn’t be tucked in.
- Red marks on skin: If you see impressions when you change the diaper, it could be a sign that the fit is too tight.
Parents sometimes complain that Newborn diapers seem too small, yet Size 1 seems too big. If this is the case for you, try using Size 1 and folding down the waist before you put it on. You can also consider trying another brand every baby is shaped differently and some brands may fit your little one better than others.
What Size Diapers Does A 9
The best size diaper for a 9-pound baby would be a size 1. While newborn diapers fit babies up to 10 pounds, a size 1 diaper will probably be more comfortable, and you will get longer wear out of the packs.
Your baby will be able to wear size 1 diapers until they weigh 14 pounds. Just know the signs to look out for that your baby has outgrown their size 1 diapers, and move on to the next size when they are ready.
You May Like: How To Get My Newborn To Sleep Longer
How To Weigh Your Baby To Find Their Diaper Size
Although balancing your baby on a digital kitchen scale would be adorable, thereâs a better way to get their weight using a regular bathroom scale. All you have to do is weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your baby. Subtract the second number from the first number to get your babyâs weight. For more accuracy, remove your babyâs clothes and diaper before you weigh them.
Diaper Size And Weight Chart
Did you know that most diapers are sized by weight and not age? One thing everyone realizes when they become parents is how much babies poop and pee. Diapers are essential, and the right fit is crucial to avoid stained clothes.
Fitting diapers isnt like buying a t-shirt you cant try them on in the store. And lets not kid ourselves theyre pretty pricey as well. Just remember, the most expensive brands arent necessarily the best.
Recommended Reading: What Shot Do You Need To Be Around A Newborn
How Are Baby Diapers Sized
Need breakdown of baby diaper sizes by age and weight? Heres a handy diaper size and weight chart:
Diaper size: PreemieWeight: Less than 6 poundsAge range: Premature
Weight: Up to 10 poundsAge range: First few weeks only
Diaper size: Size 1Weight: 8 to 14 poundsAge range: Birth to 4 months
Diaper size: Size 2Weight: 12 to 18 poundsAge range: 3 to 8 months
Diaper size: Size 3Weight: 16 to 28 poundsAge range: 5 to 24 months
Diaper size: Size 4Weight: 22 to 37 poundsAge range: 18 to 36 months
Diaper size: Size 5Weight: Over 27 poundsAge range: Older than 3 years
If your babys weight straddles two diaper sizes, its often best to size up.
Disposable Diapers Vs Cloth Diapers
Most parents feel intimidated seeing how many diapers they need to buy for just one baby.
The money youll have to spend per diaper doesnt seem a lot, but adding them all up can make any parent think twice about their family planning!
If you want to save money on diapers, you can opt for cloth diapers instead.
However, both disposable and cloth diapers have their pros and cons, so well discuss both to help you decide which one is best for you.
Also Check: What Can I Give A Newborn Baby For Constipation
When To Switch From Newborn To Size 1 Diapers
Once your baby has reached about ten pounds, it is time to switch from newborn diapers to size one diapers. Be sure to check the diapers weight guidelines on the package, as different brands may have different recommendations.
You will also want to start using a size one diaper when your babys waist measures approximately 14 inches. Again, be sure to check the diaper brand you are using for their specific measurements.
It is important that you do not wait too long to make the switch, or your baby may become uncomfortable and begin leaking out of their diaper. Size one diapers are designed to fit babies who weigh between eight and fourteen pounds. If your baby falls outside of this weight range, you will need to find a bigger size diaper or switch to cloth diapers.
Cloth diapers are a great option for babies who weigh more than fourteen pounds, as they can be used until your baby reaches approximately thirty-five pounds.
If you are not sure whether or not you want to switch to cloth diapers, you can always try using them for a few weeks and see how it goes. Most people find that they love the convenience of disposable diapers, but others prefer the environmental benefits of using cloth diapers.
No matter which type of diaper you choose, be sure to change your babys diaper often in order to keep them comfortable and healthy.
When it is time to switch from size one diapers to size two diapers, most babies are between twelve and eighteen pounds.
How Do Diaper Sizes Work
First things first: Diapers are sized by weight and not by age. Most babies will start in the Newborn size then ultimately spend the majority of their diapering days in size 4, the most popular size on the market. Beyond that, there’s no way to accurately predict ahead of time what size diapers your baby will be in at each age because babies grow at different rates. Still, it’s safe to say babies will at least cycle through sizes 1, 2, and 3 during the first year.
Most disposable diaper brands are available in sizes Newborn through 6. On either end of the spectrum, Huggies and Pampers both offer a Preemie size for babies under six pounds, while Pampers even offers size 7 for toddlers over 41 pounds. Here is your ultimate diaper size chart based on the most popular, best performing diapers on the market:
Babies grow so quickly during the first year so they’ll spend less overall time in the smaller-sized diapers, yet you’ll use up more diapers when they’re younger. Newborn babies can go through 12 diapers a day , but that drops down to 5-8 diapers per day by the end of the first year. Keep in mind: The smaller the diaper size, the more diapers you get in each box. Diaper packages may cost the same when you buy them, but you’re paying slightly more per diaper as you size up.
Recommended Reading: How Do They Do Newborn Hearing Test
Every Baby Is Different
With all the guidelines and best guesses that diaper manufacturers make, every baby is unique. All these weight guidelines are just assumptions based on other babies. Pay attention to the diapers fit more than the printed weight range on the diaper package. Youll know when your babys diaper isnt fitting right and its time to switch sizes.
Our most popular gift! The Mega Mom Diaper Sampler Package includes 12 brands of size 1 diapers including eco-friendly and name brand choices.
“What a great idea! Being able to try different diapers before you buy. My baby is transitioning sizes and this let me see which diapers are the next size up but still on the smaller size to fit and also which ones still use the wetness stripe. I definitely now know which are my favorites and future go to’s.” -Cossandra A.