Becoming a parent can be the most exciting, yet overwhelming, time in a new mom or dad's life. Choosing the correct size of diapers for your baby does not need to be part of the new parent chaos.
Diaper size is important, because a poor fitting diaper can cause messes, contribute to diaper rash and create discomfort for babies.
The problem is that there is no universal diaper sizing guide for parents to consult. With so many resources available for moms and dads, there might be confusion when you need diapering tips or a handy chart for diaper sizes.
Use our diaper size chart for easy reference as your baby grows. Plus, here are five tips to keep in mind when choosing the right size diaper for your baby.
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Diaper Sizes By Age
Sizing varies between different diaper brands. After reviewing diaper sizing guides from Pampers, Parent’s Choice, Kirkland brand, and Hello Bello, the following diaper size chart gives approximate sizing references:
Preemie Diaper Size: Up to 6 pounds
Newborn Diaper Size: 10 pounds and under
Size 1: 8-14 lbs
Size 2: 12-18 lbs
Size 3: 16-28 lbs
Size 4: 22-37 lbs
Size 5: 27-35 lbs
Size 6: 35 lbs and over
Size 7: 41 lbs and over
How Do I Know What Size Diaper To Get My Baby?
Once parents have determined the proper size, it may take some trial and error to find a brand that works best for your baby.
Weight references may overlap for sizes, so it is important to check the box and monitor the diaper fit.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that parents or caregivers will change a newborn baby's diaper up to 12 times per day, and will go through nearly 3,000 diapers in the first year.
Tips For Finding The Right Diaper Size
With so many diaper changes on the horizon, diaper fit is extremely important. Here are five tips to keep in mind when choosing the right diaper for your baby, according to AAP:
- Red marks on baby's skin may mean the diaper is too tight, or your baby is suffering from diaper rash, a common form of irritant dermatitis that occurs when the "diaper area spends much of the day in contact with two very irritating substances: urine and stool."
- Occasional diaper leaks are normal, but if the diaper is leaking with regularity, double check the diaper fit.
- Check the waist. A diaper should close easily without having to pull hard on the tabs. Tabs should be fastened straight across and be at the same rise in both front and back. It's important the diaper is not too tight, especially at night.
- The rise of the diaper should be around baby's belly button, so if the diaper's rise appears low, it's time to size up.
- The more absorbent the diaper, the better job it does of keeping the skin dry.
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Kait Hanson
Kait Hanson is a graduate of Penn State University who began her career in collegiate sports communications.
FAQs
If you have limited space, the bulk of your diaper collection should be for sizes 1 and 2. These diapers generally fit babies up to 18 pounds, depending on the brand. If you have the storage, register for Size 3, as well, which should take you through your baby's first birthday.
What size diapers do parents need the most of? ›
If you have limited space, the bulk of your diaper collection should be for sizes 1 and 2. These diapers generally fit babies up to 18 pounds, depending on the brand. If you have the storage, register for Size 3, as well, which should take you through your baby's first birthday.
How do you know what size diaper your baby needs? ›
If you can't comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband of the fastened diaper, it's time for a bigger size. You may need to go up a size if you notice red marks on your baby's tummy or thighs when you remove the diaper. If the diaper isn't fully covering your baby's bottom, choose a bigger size.
How many of each size diapers should I stock up on? ›
Note:
DIAPER SIZE | WEIGHT | HOW MANY |
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Size 1 | 8–14 lbs. | 13 packs (about 40/pack) or 3–4 boxes (based on 164 per box) |
Size 2 | 12–18 lbs. | About 15 packs (about 37/pack) or 4 boxes (based on 142 per box) |
Size 3 | 16–28 lbs. | 27 packs (about 36/pack) or 7 boxes (based on 136 per box) |
Size 4 | 22–37 lbs. | 17 packs (about 23/pack) |
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How many diapers per size chart? ›
The right diaper size and number of diapers for your baby
WEIGHT | AVERAGE NUMBER OF DIAPERS PER DAY | APPROX. HOW LONG YOU'LL USE THEM |
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Up to 10 lbs. | 8 per day | 1 month |
8-14 lbs. | 6 per day | 1.5 month |
12-18 lbs. | 5 per day | 3 months |
16-28 lbs. | 5 per day | 7 month |
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What size diaper do babies stay in the longest? ›
While babies may need slightly fewer diaper changes each day once they hit the larger sizes, they tend to stay in these bigger fits for longer; some babies can wear a size-three diaper up to their first birthday.
What is the most bought diaper size? ›
First things first: Diapers are sized by weight and not by age. Most babies will start in the Newborn size (which also has a cut-out in the front for the umbilical cord) then ultimately spend the majority of their diapering days in size 4, the most popular size on the market.
Do blowouts mean the diaper is too small? ›
When your baby has a blowout your first instinct may be that the diaper didn't do its job, but chances are the diaper was too small. The blowout is a sign that your baby is ready to move to the next diaper size range. You can use the simple Huggies size finder to find the perfect diaper size for your growing baby.
How to tell if diapers are too small? ›
Signs a Diaper is Too Small
You can test this by slipping 2 fingers in between your baby's leg and the diaper. If you can't fit 2 fingers in between, then the diaper is too tight. Similarly, the diaper's leg holes should be snug without gaps.
Should diaper tabs touch? ›
First of all, the diaper tabs go in the front, near your baby's tummy. They should fasten easily without having to tug them too much. If the tabs meet or overlap in the middle with no problem, the diaper might be too big.
If your baby is between sizes, opt for the larger size for better comfort and to prevent potential leaks or discomfort from tight diapers.
Why are size 2 diapers more expensive? ›
As diaper sizes get bigger, there tend to be fewer diapers per package, which, in turn, makes them more expensive. For example, all sizes of Honest diapers Opens a new window cost $12.99 for a standard pack, but the size one variety comes with 35 diapers, while the size two pack contains 32.
Which diaper is better, Huggies or Pampers? ›
In terms of leak protection, both Huggies and Pampers go above and beyond to ensure that your baby stays dry and comfortable. However, Pampers' additional features, such as the Dual Leak-Guard Barriers, give it a slight edge in this category.
How do I know what size diapers to buy? ›
Diaper Size Guide By Brand
- Preemie: 6 lbs and under (only available in Pampers Swaddlers)
- Newborn: 10 lbs and under.
- Size 1: 8- 14 lbs.
- Size 2: 12-18 lbs.
- Size 3: 16-28 lbs.
- Size 4: 22-37 lbs.
- Size 5: 27 lbs and over.
- Size 6: 35 lbs and over.
Do diapers expire? ›
And for ones that are even older? Well, as a paper product, diapers can be used for an unknown period of time. But while they don't technically expire, manufacturers do recommend using them within 2 years of purchase.
Do honest diapers change color when wet? ›
It starts out yellow. and then turns blue when your baby's diaper is wet, so you don't have to.
What size diapers do I need adults? ›
Recommended Adult Pull-Up Diapers
Available Diaper Sizes | Waist Size |
---|
Small | 22”-36” |
Medium | 34”-48” |
Large | 44”-54” |
X-Large | 48”-66” |
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What age usually wears size 4 diapers? ›
A size 4 diaper is for children between the ages of one and a half to three years, who weigh between 22 and 37 pounds. Again, there's some overlap in weight between this size and the previous one, leaving the main difference as the overall physical size of the diaper.
What percentage of parents use cloth diapers? ›
Cloth diaper market estimates indicate that about 5% of parents choose to use cloth diapers yearly. These are encouraging prospects. Most parents who decide to use disposable diapers have no real awareness of the benefits of cloth diapers.
What size diapers do 1 year olds wear? ›
Diaper Size Chart
Size | Age (based on 50th% weight) | Babies Weight |
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Crawler | Up to 14 months | 15-26lbs |
Crawler Pants | Up to 14 months | 15-26lbs |
Toddler | Up to 30 months | 22-33lbs |
Toddler Pants | Up to 48 months | 22-33lbs |
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