New parents often wonder how many diapers their baby will go through in the first year. The number of diapers a baby uses can vary quite a bit depending on factors like the baby’s size, feeding method, and individual habits. However, there are some general guidelines that can help estimate diaper usage in baby’s first year.
How many diapers do newborns use?
In the first few days after birth, babies will go through 6-10 diapers per day. This number increases rapidly as babies eat more and their intestinal tracts mature. Here’s a rough estimate of how many diapers you can expect a newborn to use per day:
- First week: 8-12 diapers per day
- 1-2 weeks old: 10-15 diapers per day
- 3-4 weeks old: 15-20 diapers per day
So in the first month alone, you can expect your newborn to go through at least 300-600 diapers. Stock up!
How many diapers do babies use at 1 month old?
By one month of age, babies usually go through about 15-20 diapers per day. Going with an average of 18 diapers per day, you would need approximately 540 diapers for the entire month.
How many diapers do babies use at 2 months old?
At 2 months old, babies go through around 15-25 diapers per day, with an average of 20 diapers. For a full month that would equal about 600 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 3 months old?
Three month old babies may start going longer between diaper changes, though they still use 15-25 per day. On average, expect to use about 18-22 diapers daily. For one month for a 3 month old, you’ll need 540-660 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 4 months old?
Diaper needs start to decline a bit at 4 months as babies become more efficient at nursing or drinking formula. Expect 14-20 diapers per day, with an average of 17 diapers. For the month, you’ll need about 510 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 5 months old?
Diapers per day decreases to around 12-18 at 5 months old. If you calculate 15 diapers per day, a 5 month old uses about 450 diapers per month.
How many diapers do babies use at 6 months old?
Around 6 months, many babies start eating solid foods in addition to breastmilk or formula. This can result in more frequent poopy diapers! Most babies will need 14-16 diapers per day at this age. For the month, estimate using 420-480 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 7 months old?
As babies get more efficient at solid feeding and their digestive systems mature, they tend to need fewer diapers again. Expect around 12-15 diapers per day for a 7 month old. For the month, you’ll need 360-450 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 8 months old?
Diapers per day decreases again to 10-14 at 8 months old. Calculate needing approximately 300-420 diapers for the full month.
How many diapers do babies use at 9 months old?
Babies start going longer between changes around 9 months old. Estimate using 8-12 diapers per day, or 240-360 for the month.
How many diapers do babies use at 10 months old?
As babies near their first birthday, diaper needs continue to decrease. Expect your 10 month old to use around 8-10 diapers per day. For the full month, you’ll need approximately 240-300 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 11 months old?
In the 11th month, babies need around 6-8 diapers per day as they become proficient at using the toilet and have longer stretches between diaper changes. For the full month estimate needing 180-240 diapers.
How many diapers do babies use at 12 months old?
By the first birthday, most babies will just need 6-8 diapers per day. Some may even be fully potty trained by now! Plan on using around 180-240 diapers in the 12th month.
Estimated diaper needs by month
Here’s a quick summary of the average number of diapers you can expect your baby to use each month:
| Age | Diapers per day | Diapers per month |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 8-15 | 240-450 |
| 1 month | 15-20 | 450-600 |
| 2 months | 15-25 | 450-750 |
| 3 months | 18-22 | 540-660 |
| 4 months | 14-20 | 420-600 |
| 5 months | 12-18 | 360-540 |
| 6 months | 14-16 | 420-480 |
| 7 months | 12-15 | 360-450 |
| 8 months | 10-14 | 300-420 |
| 9 months | 8-12 | 240-360 |
| 10 months | 8-10 | 240-300 |
| 11 months | 6-8 | 180-240 |
| 12 months | 6-8 | 180-240 |
Total diapers in first year
Based on these estimates, you can expect your baby to use around 2,500-3,000 diapers in the first year! Buying in bulk definitely saves money when you calculate how many diapers you’ll go through.
To be prepared with enough diapers, it’s recommended to have at least a 2 week supply on hand at all times. Stocking up on 200-300 diapers per month is a safe bet.
Factors affecting diaper usage
While these numbers provide a general guideline, every baby will go through diapers at a slightly different pace. Here are some factors that can affect how many diapers your baby uses:
- Baby’s size: Larger babies require bigger diapers that hold more urine, meaning more frequent changes.
- Feeding method: Formula fed babies tend to have more frequent stools than breastfed babies.
- Solid foods: Introducing solids can make stools more solid, allowing longer times between changes.
- Health: GI issues like reflux, constipation or diarrhea can increase dirty diapers.
- Sleep patterns: Babies who take long naps go longer between changes.
- Activity level: Active babies who wiggle a lot may need more frequent diapering.
- Potty training: As babies learn to use the toilet, diaper needs decrease.
Signs your baby needs more diapers
No one wants to run out of diapers when you have a little one at home! Here are some signs you may need to buy more diapers:
- Your diaper supply is running low with more than a week to go until you planned to buy more.
- You’re finding yourself scraping the bottom of your last diaper pack.
- You don’t have at least a 2 week supply stocked up.
- Your baby is going through diapers faster than normal due to a growth spurt, illness or other factors.
- You notice your baby has red marks from sitting in a wet diaper too long.
erring on the side of extra diapers is smart – babies seem to have a way of going through them right when you least expect it! Being prepared with enough diapers helps avoid late night emergency store runs.
Saving money on diapers
With babies using thousands of diapers in the first year, the cost can really add up. Here are some tips to save money on all those diaper changes:
- Buy in bulk – stores like Costco offer bulk packs that offer huge savings per diaper.
- Sign up for discounts through diaper manufacturer’s websites.
- Buy store brand diapers instead of premium brands.
- Use cloth diapers when practical – they have more upfront costs but save money long-term.
- Participate in rewards programs from stores where you buy diapers.
- Create an Amazon subscribe and save account for automatic diaper deliveries with discounts.
- Watch for coupons and seasonal sales.
- Ask for diapers as gifts – many will happily help with this big baby expense!
Conclusion
In the first year, most babies will go through 2,500-3,000 diapers. Monthly diaper usage peaks around 1-3 months at over 500 diapers per month, and slowly declines as babies get older and transition off diapers. Factors like baby’s size, health and activity level can affect exact diaper needs. Tracking your own baby’s habits allows you to anticipate how many diapers to have on hand. With some strategic planning, you can ensure you always have enough diapers while also saving money on this big baby essential!
