Newborn babies can produce 10 to 12 dirty diapers each day, which eventually decreases to six to eight diapers during toddlerhood. Given all of that pee and poop, it's vital to find the right fit for your little one. You certainly don't want leakage from a too-loose waistband or too-tight leg holes!
But unfortunately for new parents, there's no universal measurement guide for diapers. Sizing varies between each infant—just like it does for clothes and shoes—and it depends on weight instead of age. For a general breakdown, check out our diaper size chart before heading to the store.
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How to Change a Diaper
Choosing the Right Diaper Size
Over the course of their diaper days, your baby will go through many different sizes. They'll probably start with "Newborn" diapers, which generally accommodate infants up to 10 pounds. Premature babies weighing less than 6 pounds might need "Preemie" diapers, offered by some brands like Huggies. Some parents like a diaper with extra stretch that will accommodate a newborn's rapid growth. You may also want to choose a style with a U-shaped hole cut out to make umbilical cord care easier. Since newborns make small messes and get changed very frequently, absorbency isn't a huge issue.
As your baby grows and becomes more active, their diapering needs change. They'll start graduating to different sizes; most brands make diapers in size 1 through size 6. Finding the ideal fit is especially important after starting solids around 5-8 months since messier diapers require minimal leakage. Indeed, as the size becomes bigger, the diapers will have more absorbent materials, says Tricia Higgins, a spokesperson for Pampers.
Most kids remain in diapers until they're between ages 2 and 3. At this stage, your toddler will be constantly on the go, so look for diapers with strong tabs and plenty of stretch. Also make sure to change the diaper often to avoid diaper rash, which can flare up when your kid is in motion. Note that some brands, such as Pampers, even make size 7 diapers for toddlers over 41 lbs.
Baby Diaper Size Chart
While sizing varies between different manufacturers, this diaper sizing chart can serve as a guide. Of course, parents should try multiple brands and styles to find what works best. (Also, check out our breakdown of diaper sizes by the brand at the bottom of this article!)
- Preemie Diaper Size: 6 lbs and under (Preemie diapers are sold by some brands, like Huggies and Pampers)
- 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 (Made for older toddlers, size 7 diapers are sold by some brands like Pampers).
As you may notice, some baby weights overlap between two different sizes. In this case, consider your baby's body type when picking out diapers. A lean and long baby may benefit from the smaller size, for example, while a larger baby will fit best in the bigger size. Finding the best diaper size might take a bit of trial and error as your child grows.
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Signs Your Baby Needs a Bigger Diaper Size
How do you know whether your baby needs a bigger diaper size? The following signs indicate that it's time to upgrade their fit.
- The side tabs of the diaper pop often
- The leg bands feel tight
- The waistband feels tight (you should be able to fit two fingers underneath it)
- There's irritation or red marks around the diaper
- It's hard to put on the diaper
- The diaper looks too small for your baby, and/or it doesn't cover their bottom fully
- You're having recurring issues with leakage
- Your baby seems uncomfortable in the diaper
Diaper Size Guide By Brand
Looking for sizing for a particular diaper manufacturer? We rounded up size guides for popular manufacturers, including Pampers, Huggies, The Honest Company, and Luvs.
Pampers Diaper Sizes
- 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
- Size 7: 41 lbs and over (Only available in certain brands, like Pampers Cruisers and Pampers Swaddlers)
Huggies Diaper Sizes
- Premie: 6 lbs and under (only available in Little Snugglers)
- Newborn: 10 lbs and under
- Size 1: 14 lbs and under
- Size 2: 12-18 lbs
- Size 3: 16-28 lbs
- Size 4: 22-37 lbs
- Size 5: 37 lbs and over
- Size 6: 35 lbs and over
The Honest Company Diaper Sizes
- 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
Luvs Diaper Sizes
- 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
Swim Diaper Sizes
Swim diapers, which are meant to be worn in the water, have a different sizing protocol. They usually come in small, medium, and large—and depending on the brand, this often correlates to sizes 3, 4, and 5. Make sure to check the manufacturer's sizing guidelines before buying a box, though.
