Newborn babies go through a lot of diapers in their first month of life. Estimates vary, but most sources suggest newborns will use between 70-100 diapers per week, working out to 280-400 diapers in the first month. This number can fluctuate based on factors like how often the baby wets or soils their diaper, if they are breastfed or formula fed, and their individual characteristics like size and metabolism.
Quick answers
On average, a newborn baby will use 8-12 diapers per day, or 240-360 diapers in their first month of life. This works out to around 70-100 diapers per week. However, each baby is different so this can vary.
Why do newborns use so many diapers?
There are a few key reasons why newborns need so many diaper changes:
- They have very small bladders that fill up frequently
- Their digestive systems are immature and pushing food through quickly
- They are taking in food and liquid often, like every 2-3 hours
- Their bowel and bladder control muscles are not developed
- New diapers absorb liquid very quickly, prompting more changes
Newborns do little more than eat, sleep and eliminate in their first weeks of life. With their tiny tummies filling up often with breastmilk or formula, and bladder capacity about the size of a ping pong ball, newborn babies urinate and have bowel movements very frequently.
How often do newborns need diaper changes?
On average, newborns need a diaper change about every 2-3 hours. However, when a baby is cluster feeding or on a feeding schedule, they may need changes more frequently, such as:
- After every feeding
- Multiple times during one feeding
- Every 1-2 hours during the day
- Every 3 hours at night
New parents will quickly learn their baby’s habits and optimal changing schedule. Some newborns will take a cue and awaken when they have soiled their diaper, while others will sleep right through it. Here are some general guidelines for how often to change a newborn’s diaper:
For breastfed babies
- Change after every feeding
- Change whenever waking up
- Change at least every 1-2 hours during day
- Change every 3-4 hours during night
For formula fed babies
- Change after every feeding
- Change whenever waking up
- Change every 1-2 hours during day
- Change every 2-3 hours during night
Breastfed babies tend to have more frequent bowel movements compared to formula fed babies. But every newborn is unique and patterns will emerge as parents learn their baby’s signals and schedules.
What impacts how many diapers a newborn uses?
There are several factors that can influence how many diapers a newborn goes through in the first month:
Feeding method
Breastfed babies will use more diapers, as breastmilk is efficiently absorbed and passes through the digestive system more quickly. Formula takes a bit longer to digest, resulting in fewer stools.
Baby’s size
Larger babies have greater fluid and nutritional needs, so they may urinate and have bowel movements more often than smaller newborns.
Baby’s metabolism
Babies with faster metabolisms tend to digest milk quicker and fill their bladders faster.
Health issues
GI issues like reflux, constipation or diarrhea can affect elimination patterns and diaper needs.
Type of diaper used
Super-absorbent disposable diapers can encourage longer periods between changes. Reusable cloth diapers tend to prompt more frequent changes.
Parents schedule and diligence
Some parents utilize a looser diaper changing schedule at night to promote longer sleep stretches.
How many soiled vs wet diapers?
An average newborn’s diaper output breaks down like this:
- About 5-8 truly soiled diapers per day
- About 8-10 wet diapers per day
So out of the typical 8-12 diapers per day, about half will be soiled from bowel movements while the other half will just be wet with urine. Watching diaper output is an important way that pediatricians assess if a newborn is getting proper nutrition and hydration.
Soiled diapers
Here are guidelines for how many soiled diapers to expect based on feeding method:
- Breastfed: 5-8 soiled per day
- Formula fed: 3-6 soiled per day
Breastfed newborns tend to have frequent, loose, seedy yellow stools. Formula fed newborns have pasty, tan colored stools less often. After the first month stools become less frequent in both groups.
Wet diapers
Expect the following number of wet diapers based on baby’s age:
- Birth to 2 days: At least 1 wet diaper
- 3 to 5 days: At least 2 wet diapers
- 6 to 28 days: At least 6 heavy wet diapers
If urine output falls below these levels, it could indicate dehydration or other issues. Notify your pediatrician if you are concerned.
Diapering tips for newborns
Here are some handy tips for navigating all those diaper changes during your baby’s first month:
- Use a diaper log to track changes and identify patterns
- Stock up on diapers before baby is born
- Have diaper changing supplies set up in key locations
- Use diaper cream with each change to prevent rashes
- Change diapers promptly after soiling
- Allow diaper-free time to air out skin
- Change night diapers when waking to feed
- Use gentle wipes and warm washcloths
- Apply barrier cream before the first soiled diaper
- Dispose of used diapers properly
Having a system will help make all those diaper changes a little bit smoother both for baby and for sleep-deprived parents.
Diapering newborn twins
Parents of newborn twins have double the diapers and double the work! Here are some tips for staying on top of diapering duties:
- Split up tasks between parents or helpers
- Designate separate changing stations
- Use a diaper log to track each baby’s changes
- Buy diapers in bulk or subscribe for regular delivery
- Invest in heavy-duty diaper pails
- Change twins one after the other
- Let one baby lounge diaper-free while changing the other
- Utilize velcro swaddles for easy diaper access
Teamwork is key – accept help from family or postpartum doulas during the newborn phase. Take advantage of times when one baby is napping to change the other.
Newborn diapering costs
Diapers are a big new expense for families. Here’s what to budget for diapering costs in baby’s first month:
- Disposable diapers: $80-120
- Cloth diapers: $200-300 initial investment, then $0-40 per month for laundry
- Diaper pail: $25-40 one-time cost
- Wipes: $10-20 per month
- Diaper cream: $10 per month
Other potential expenses include additional diaper pail liners, diaper disposal bags, laundry detergent for cloth diapers, diaper rash remedies, barrier creams, etc. Buying in bulk can help reduce monthly costs. An average family spends $50-100 per month on diapers in baby’s first year.
When can you stop swaddling a newborn for diaper changes?
Swaddling helps calm and contain a newborn during diaper changes in the early days and weeks. When can you stop? Here are some guidelines:
- Stop swaddling for changes by 1-2 months or when baby starts resisting
- Try one arm out when swaddling to transition baby
- Stop swaddling at night between 2-3 months once rolling over
- Some babies dislike having arms restricted
- Watch for signs baby is ready for more freedom
While swaddling helps soothe a newborn, some babies dislike having their arms bound as they grow. Keep an eye out for cues that it’s time to ditch the swaddle like increased wiggling or breaking out of the swaddle. Every baby has their own timeline.
Newborn cloth diapering
Cloth diapering a newborn comes with its own unique challenges. Here are some tips to make it easier:
- Newborns may fit better in prefolds and covers vs fitted diapers
- Use smaller snap down or fold down rise settings
- Change extra frequently to avoid leaks
- Try a diaper liner against their sensitive skin
- Focus on durable natural fibers like cotton
- Have sized up diapers ready as baby grows
- Use disposables in the first week until cord falls off
The world of cloth diapering can be confusing for new parents. Focus on simple, natural fiber diapers that let baby’s skin breathe in the early months. Many parents use a diaper service to outsource the washing duties.
Traveling with a newborn and diapers
Traveling with a newborn requires packing plenty of diapering supplies! Here are some tips for diapering on the go:
- Pack 2x as many diapers as you think you’ll need
- Carry a travel changing pad or foldable mat
- Bring extra changes of clothes and burp cloths
- Pack small travel wipe packs
- Have a wet/dry diaper bag to separate contents
- Store extras in the car in case you run out
- Scope out changing tables ahead of time
- Keep diaper cream and plastic bags handy
- Time changes around feeding schedules
Traveling disrupts a newborn’s routine which can impact diaper changes. Having ample supplies and planning ahead helps minimize stress on the go.
Preparing older siblings for newborn diapering
Here are some tips for getting older kids ready for the diapering realities of a new baby:
- Explain babies use a lot of diapers each day
- Teach proper hygiene like washing hands after changes
- Set limits on involvement like “you can hand me wipes”
- Remind them baby needs privacy during changes
- Praise their efforts to be a “big helper”
- Consider letting them decorate the diaper pail
- Give them a doll to practice gentle diapering
- Let them pick out fun diaper cream or wipes
- Schedule one-on-one time when they feel left out
Including siblings age-appropriately helps them adjust to the demands of diapering a newborn. But don’t rely on them for regular diapering help – caring for baby is the parents’ responsibility.
When to call a doctor about newborn diapers
Consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- No wet diapers for 6+ hours
- No soiled diapers for 24+ hours
- Hard, dry stools
- Fewer wet/soiled diapers than guidelines
- Dark or bloody stool
- Straining or pain when passing stool
- Urine that smells strongly or is very dark
- Fever over 100.4F
- Skin rash lasting over 72 hours
Diaper contents provide important clues to a newborn’s health and hydration. Reach out to your pediatrician with any concerns.
Setting up a newborn diaper station
Organize diapering duties by setting up stations with all the essentials. Ideas for newborn diaper caddies or baskets:
- Basket/caddy that can move room to room
- Non-slip change pad
- Diaper cream, wipes, and extra diapers
- Change of clothes and burp cloths
- Diaper disposal bags
- Diaper log and pens
- Pacifiers, toys for distraction
- Lotion, rash cream, desitin
Consider setting up stations in both the nursery and living room for convenience. Having all supplies organized and within reach makes those frequent diaper changes a little bit smoother.
Involving dad in newborn diapering
Here are some tips for getting dad involved with diaper duty during the newborn phase:
- Split diapering tasks equally between parents
- Encourage skin-to-skin time during changes
- Let him pick preferred wipes, creams, etc.
- Show him any special diapering techniques
- Swap off for night changes or take shifts
- Make sure supplies are dad-friendly
- Praise his diapering skills and bonding time
- Have him track changes in a diaper log
- Ensure he knows signs of diaper rash or distress
- Consider cloth diapering classes together
Being an involved father from the start helps build confidence and skills in diapering, soothing, and caring for baby. Teamwork also allows both parents to get much-needed rest.
Conclusion
Newborn babies require frequent diaper changes around the clock. While the total number used in a month can seem staggering at first, parents quickly adapt to the routine needs of their little one. Following feeding cues, using diaper logs, preparing stations, and teamwork will help make thousands of diaper changes manageable during baby’s first month at home.
