As a new parent, one of the most important purchases you’ll make is diapers. But with so many sizes and options available, it can be tricky to know exactly how many boxes to buy of each size. Properly stocking up on the right quantities of diapers ensures you don’t run out when you need them most. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to calculate the number of diaper boxes you need for each size.
Newborn Diapers
Newborns go through 6-10 diapers per day. However, you may need fewer diapers in the first couple weeks since newborns have very small and infrequent wet diapers at first. Here are some quick facts about newborn diaper usage:
- Expect to use about 8-12 newborn diapers per day
- One newborn diaper box contains between 68-96 diapers
- You’ll need newborn diapers for about the first month
- To last one month, you’ll need about 240-360 newborn diapers total
- So you should buy 3-5 boxes of newborn diapers
Keep in mind every baby is different. Some babies might need newborn diapers for up to 2 months if they are smaller. You can buy more newborn diaper boxes as needed once you see how quickly your baby goes through them.
Size 1 Diapers
After outgrowing newborn diapers, most babies will move into Size 1. Here are some quick facts about Size 1 diaper usage:
- Babies use 6-12 Size 1 diapers per day
- Most Size 1 diaper boxes have between 68-96 diapers
- Babies typically fit into Size 1 diapers from 8-18 lbs, for about 2-3 months
- So you’ll need about 540-1080 Size 1 diapers for those months
- Therefore, buy 6-12 boxes of Size 1 diapers
Monitor your baby’s growth patterns to see if they outgrow Size 1 sooner or later than average. Adjust the number of Size 1 boxes you buy accordingly.
Size 2 Diapers
The next step up from Size 1 is Size 2. Here’s what to expect with Size 2 diaper usage:
- Babies use around 5-8 Size 2 diapers per day
- Most Size 2 boxes contain between 68-96 diapers
- Babies fit into Size 2 from about 12-18 lbs until 18-28 lbs
- So they’ll need Size 2 diapers from about 3-6 months
- That’s about 450-1440 Size 2 diapers for the size range
- Buy 6-15 boxes of Size 2 diapers to be prepared
Your individual baby’s growth patterns will determine if they’re in Size 2 diapers for the average 3-6 month range or if it’s shorter or longer for your child.
Size 3 Diapers
After Size 2 comes Size 3. Here are some quick Size 3 diaper usage facts:
- Babies use 4-6 Size 3 diapers per day typically
- Most Size 3 boxes have between 68-96 diapers
- Babies are generally in Size 3 diapers from 16-28 lbs until 28-35 lbs
- This is usually from about 6-18 months old
- So you’ll need about 840-2520 Size 3 diapers total
- Buy 10-30 boxes of Size 3 diapers to have enough
Monitor when your baby reaches the sizes to transition between diaper sizes. Their individual growth patterns will determine how long they actually need each size.
Size 4 Diapers
The final diaper size before potty training is Size 4. Here are the key facts about Size 4 diaper usage:
- Babies use about 3-5 Size 4 diapers per day
- Size 4 diaper boxes usually have between 68-96 diapers
- Most babies fit Size 4 diapers from 22-37 lbs until 35+ lbs
- This is generally from about 18-32 months old
- You’ll need roughly 630-1800 Size 4 diapers total
- So buy about 8-25 boxes of Size 4 diapers
Remember that when your child will potty train and move into underwear is different for every toddler. Make sure you have enough Size 4 diapers to last until your child shows potty training readiness.
Buy Diaper Sizes Based on Your Baby’s Growth
Buying the right number of diaper boxes takes some guesswork. Here are a few tips to help:
- Start with more newborn and Size 1 boxes since babies use more diapers early on
- Slowly decrease the number of boxes you buy as baby gets older and uses fewer diapers per day
- Allow for some overlap between sizes to make sure you never run out before the next shipment arrives
- Buy more diapers than you think you’ll need rather than less
- You can always return unopened boxes if you have extras
Keep an eye on your baby’s growth patterns and diaper usage and adjust the number of boxes you buy accordingly. Every baby is different so stay flexible!
Stock Up During Diaper Sales
One way to save money on diapering costs is to stock up when diapers go on sale. Watch for deals like these:
- Buy one, get one free diaper sales
- Discounts when you buy in bulk or “jumbo” packs
- Promotional discounts to save 10-20% on total diaper purchase
- Coupons to save $1-5 on each diaper box
Buy extra boxes during sales if you have the space to store them. Buying diapers on sale allows you to get the quantities you need while lowering the overall costs.
Get Different Diaper Brands and Styles
Rather than buying all of one type of diaper, get a variety to find what works best for your baby. Try these options:
- Disposable: Great absorbency, convenience, and cost savings from store brands
- Eco-Friendly: Chlorine-free and biodegradable like Seventh Generation diapers
- Organic: Made of organic materials like bamboo fiber
- Sensitive Skin: Extra liner protection like Pampers Sensitive diapers
- Overnight: Extra absorption like Huggies Overnight diapers
- Reusable Cloth: Lower waste and cost savings from washing and reusing
See if your baby has leaks, rashes or sensitivity with any diaper types and adjust the boxes and styles you buy accordingly.
Buy Diapering Accessories
In addition to diapers in each size, stock up on these diapering supplies:
- Wipes: Fragrance-free, eco-friendly, soft packs, refillable dispensers
- Diaper Cream: Zinc oxide-based to prevent rashes and irritation
- Changing Pad: Make changes easier with a portable changing pad for on-the-go
- Diaper Bag: A durable, organized diaper bag helps keep all your supplies in one place
- Garbage Bags: Mask odors and neatly contain used diapers and wipes
- Diaper Pail: A handy diaper pail keeps nursery smells contained
Having these diapering essentials on hand makes changes faster and easier when you’re on the move or at home.
Create a Diaper Stash if Using Cloth Diapers
If you decide to use cloth diapers, here are some tips for building your diaper stash:
- Have at least 2 dozen cloth diapers to allow you to wash every 2-3 days
- Make sure to have 6-10 newborn cloth diapers even if baby will outgrow them quickly
- Buy different diaper styles like prefolds, all-in-ones, pockets to see what works best
- Get inserts, liners, and doublers to customize absorbency
- Stock up on waterproof covers and fasteners like snappis or diaper pins
- Have enough so you can stuff pockets and prefolds while some are in the wash
Prefabricated cloth diaper kits take the guesswork out of starting your cloth diaper stash. Or you can buy individual diapers and accessories to customize your perfect diapering system.
Figure Out Diaper Storage Solutions
Once you’ve stocked up on all those boxes of diapers, you need somewhere to put them! Here are some creative diaper storage ideas:
- Designate a diaper shelf, closet, or armoire to hold supplies
- Use baskets, bins or dividers to organize by size
- Store diapers in an under-bed storage container to save space
- Use over-door clear plastic shoe holders for a visible diaper stash
- Hide diapers away in a diaper caddy or cabinet so rooms stay tidy
- Have baskets or organizers in key places like the nursery, car, changing table
Having diapers easily accessible in each room, the car, and in designated changing areas prevents frantically searching for what you need mid-diaper blowout!
Save Money By Purchasing Diapers From Different Retailers
Here are some tips to save money when buying diapers:
- Sign up for rewards programs and loyalty cards at stores like Walmart, Target, BuyBuy Baby
- Check Amazon Subscribe & Save for discounts up to 15% when you get recurring deliveries
- Order in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club
- Watch for coupons and promos at pharmacies and baby specialty stores
- Don’t overlook dollar stores for savings on diapers and wipes
- Buy eco-friendly diapers from specialty brands online
- See if local diaper banks offer free or low-cost diapers for families in need
Finding the best diaper prices from a variety of retailers can add up to huge savings, especially since you’ll be buying diapers in big quantities!
Conclusion
Figuring out the perfect diapering plan takes some trial and error. Monitor your baby’s growth and diapering needs, stock up during sales, and shop around for the best deals. This ensures you always have the right number of diaper boxes on hand in each size your child needs!
