How many boxes of diapers should I start with?

As an expecting parent, one of the many things you need to prepare for is stocking up on diapers. But with so many diaper options and sizes, it can be confusing trying to figure out just how many boxes to purchase before your baby arrives. Having the right amount of diapers on hand will ensure you don’t run out during those critical early months. This guide will walk you through how to estimate your newborn’s diaper needs and recommend the number of diaper boxes to start with.

How Many Diapers Does a Newborn Use Per Day?

Newborns use an average of 8-12 diapers per day in the beginning. However, this number varies from baby to baby. Factors like feeding method, baby size, and sleep patterns can all impact diaper usage. Here are some general guidelines for diaper changes needed:

  • Breastfed babies may go through 8-10 diapers per day
  • Formula fed babies may go through 10-12 diapers per day
  • Smaller babies use fewer diapers than larger babies
  • Frequent feedings mean more frequent diaper changes

As a rule of thumb, you can estimate your newborn will use about 10 diapers per day on average. But be prepared for some days to require a few more as you learn your baby’s routine.

How Many Diapers Fit in a Box?

The number of diapers per box varies by brand and size. Here’s a breakdown of the average diaper counts:

Diaper Size Diapers per Box
Newborn 70-90 diapers
Size 1 140 diapers
Size 2 132 diapers
Size 3 128 diapers
Size 4 116 diapers

For newborns, you’ll be starting with the smaller sizes, which contain 70-90 diapers per box.

How Quickly Will You Go Through Boxes?

Now that you know your baby will use around 10 diapers per day and each newborn box has about 80 diapers, you can estimate how long one box will last:

80 diapers / 10 diapers per day = 8 days

So if you only buy one box to start, you’ll need to purchase another after about a week.

To avoid inconvenient midnight diaper store runs, most experts recommend having at least a two week supply on hand.

Some parents also like to buy in bulk or take advantage of sales when stocking up initially. This ensures you have extra on hand if your baby exceeds the average use per day.

Recommendations for Diaper Boxes to Start With

Based on the newborn diaper usage estimates and time per box, here are some recommendations on the number of diaper boxes to start with:

  • Minimum: 2 boxes (lasts about 2 weeks)
  • Recommended: 3 boxes (lasts about 3 weeks)
  • Stocked up: 4-5 boxes (lasts 1-1.5 months)

Having at least two boxes on hand prevents you from running out before you can replenish your supply.

Three boxes gives you some wiggle room in case your baby uses more diapers than expected. This equates to about a three week supply.

For those who want to stock up while deals are available, four to five boxes provides a one to one-and-a-half month supply upfront.

Buying more than five boxes is not recommended, as your baby will grow quickly in the newborn stage and move up diaper sizes. Excess newborn diaper boxes may go unused.

Adjusting as You Go

Keep in mind your newborn’s actual diaper usage may end up being different than the averages. Monitor your supply and adjust your buying frequency and amounts accordingly. Some tips:

  • Take note of how many full days or weeks each diaper box lasts
  • Watch for sales at local stores to stock up when prices are low
  • Sign up for diaper delivery subscriptions once you know your baby’s needs
  • Size up once your baby reaches the maximum weight for the newborn size

Pay attention to your diaper usage patterns and have a plan for when to buy more. With some trial and error, you’ll figure out the optimal number of boxes to keep your baby diapered up!

Choosing a Diaper Brand

All diapers are not created equal when it comes to absorption, leakage protection and comfort. With so many choices on the market, it can be tricky selecting the right brand for your newborn. Here are a few top-rated diaper options to consider:

Pampers Swaddlers

  • Trusted brand used in many hospitals
  • Well-fitting contoured shape
  • Blankie soft inner liner for comfort
  • Color changing wetness indicator
  • Absorbs quickly to prevent overflow

Huggies Little Snugglers

  • Gentle on newborn skin
  • Umbilical cord cutout
  • Pocketed waistband to contain messes
  • Double leg cuffs prevent leakage
  • Indicator changes color when wet

Andy Pandy Eco-Friendly Diapers

  • Free of dyes, fragrance, lotions
  • Chlorine free and biodegradable
  • Ultra-absorbent core and leak guards
  • Breathable outer liner
  • Great for sensitive skin

If you’re unsure where to start, you may want to try a small pack or sample size of a few brands to see which works best before stocking up. Consider your baby’s skin sensitivity and eco-friendly factors as well.

Choosing Diaper Sizes

Diapers come in a range of sizes from newborn through size 6. For the first few months, you’ll need newborn and size 1 diapers on hand. Here are some tips for choosing the right sizes:

Newborn Size

  • Fits babies under 10 lbs
  • Ideal for first month of life
  • Umbilical cord cutout
  • Small fit for tiny babies

Size 1 Diapers

  • Fits babies 8-14 lbs
  • Use once baby outgrows newborn size
  • Larger absorbency capacity
  • May still have umbilical cutout
  • Taller and wider than newborn size

Buy a couple boxes of newborn size before birth. After a few weeks, you can transition to size 1 as your baby grows. Avoid stocking up too far in advance on bigger sizes since it’s hard to predict exactly when you’ll need to size up.

Cost Savings Tips

Here are some tips for keeping diaper costs under control:

  • Sign up for store rewards programs and coupons
  • Watch for sales and bulk discounts to stock up
  • Buy generic brands to save dollars per diaper
  • Use cloth diapers at home to reduce disposable use
  • Buy in larger pack sizes (e.g. Size 1 in 200ct vs. 80ct packs)
  • Create an Amazon diaper subscription for automatic delivery
  • Use rewards credit cards to earn cash back on diaper purchases

Every bit of savings adds up with the amount of diapers you’ll be buying in baby’s first year. Find the right diaper for your baby’s needs, and employ some savvy shopping strategies to keep the diaper budget under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do newborn diapers fit?

Newborn diapers typically fit for the first month until your baby reaches 10-12 lbs. This is when you’ll want to size up to size 1 diapers.

What’s the difference between newborn and size 1 diapers?

Newborn diapers are smaller in size to fit tiny babies under 10 lbs. Size 1 diapers have a larger fit for babies over 8 lbs, more absorbency, and may still have the umbilical cord cutout.

Should I stock up on size 2 diapers in advance?

It’s not recommended to stock up too far in advance on larger sizes since it’s hard to predict when exactly your baby will need to size up. Buy for the current size only.

How can I get diaper deals and coupons?

Sign up for rewards programs through diaper brands and stores, look for sales and bulk discounts, use coupons from apps and websites, and consider generic or eco-friendly brands to save on cost.

Is it cheaper to use cloth or disposable diapers?

Cloth diapers have higher upfront costs but save money in the long run through reuse. Disposables are more convenient but continual purchases make them expensive over time. Using a mix of both can be a cost-effective solution.

The Bottom Line

Estimating your initial newborn diaper supply may take some guesswork. Every baby’s needs are different! Aim to have at least 2-3 boxes of size newborn diapers on hand to start, and adjust your purchasing routine once you see your baby’s actual daily usage. Buy the smaller sizes as needed in the beginning months. With smart shopping strategies, you can stock up on this essential newborn item without breaking the bank.

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