Without exception, all parents of small children thought about how many diapers they would use per day, per week, per month. Summing up the baby's daily need for diapers and multiplying by the number of days in a month, many mothers and fathers can be seized with serious panic, because not everyone is ready to spend a significant part of the family budget on diapers. In this article we will calculate what average diaper consumption(in pieces) for children at different ages.
Diaper needs for newborns and up to 6 months
Children are considered newborns from the 1st to the 28th day of life. During this short period of time, the child’s body undergoes many changes: the kidneys begin to work, the volume of the stomach increases several times, and digestion improves. Therefore, in order to answer the question, how many diapers does a newborn need per day?, you should understand how the child’s intestines and genitourinary system work during this period.
Newborn babies first urinate within approximately 12 hours of their life, but even if there is no urination for 24 hours, this is also considered normal. During the first 5 days of life, the average frequency of urination is 4–6 times per day, with the average amount of urine being up to 20 ml (see Table 1).
Table 1 - Average urination rates and need for diapers from the first days of life to 6 months
| Child's age | Moisture absorption volumes of diapers and the need for them | ||||
| Volume of urine portion, ml | Urine volume per day, ml | ||||
| from 1 to 5 days of life | 15-20 | 4–6 | 60–120 | 120 | from 6 or more |
| up to 6 months | 20–30 | 20-25 | 400–750 | 120 | from 10 or more |
After the kidneys have adjusted their function and breast milk or baby food begins to flow into the baby’s stomach, he urinates on average 20–25 times per day, with a single amount of urine being about 20–30 ml. Thus, from the first days of life to 6 months of age, the average daily volume of urination in children ranges from 400 to 750 ml.
Pediatricians draw the attention of parents to the fact that there cannot be strict standards for the volume and number of urinations in children, since the amount of urine excreted depends on many factors (how many days have passed since birth, type of feeding, ecology, amount of food consumed per day). Therefore, all figures given in the article are averaged and cannot be considered reference figures.
- a single amount of urine is 20–30 ml, while the child urinates on average every hour;
- the total moisture absorption of one diaper for newborns must be at least 120 g (in accordance with the requirements of GOST 52557-2011).
Based on the data provided, you can calculate how long a newborn can stay in a diaper. Dividing the moisture absorption volume of the diaper (120 g) by the single amount of urine (30 ml), it turns out that one diaper should be enough for approximately 4 urinations, that is, 3-4 hours.
But pediatricians recommend that newborns change diapers after each breastfeeding, that is, every 2-3 hours. Such recommendations have quite good reasons, because most newborns pee after each feeding and it is very important to properly care for the baby’s skin in order to prevent diaper dermatitis. This means that if you don’t skimp on diapers and follow the recommendations of experts, you’ll spend on average up to 10 diapers.
To those mothers who are counting how many diapers to take with them to the hospital , We must also not forget that during the first 2-3 days of life, infants pass meconium. Its average volume is 60–90 grams, so it is better to stock up on diapers and patience, and count not on 10 diapers per day, but on 12–13 pieces. In this case, you definitely don’t have to worry about your child not having enough baby hygiene products. But the usual stool for a newborn baby begins to form only after the first week of life.
How long your baby can wear diapers depends not only on the number of urinations, but also on the number of bowel movements. A newborn baby, starting from the second week of life, can poop up to 7–10 times a day, that is, as many times as he eats. And after each bowel movement, you must change the diaper without waiting for it to fill with urine.
Diaper needs from 6 months to 1 year
Parents of children aged 6 months to one year have more opportunities to reduce the number of diapers they use per day. The fact is that the average number of urinations at this stage of life is significantly reduced (approximately 15–16 times a day), which means that the child no longer pees every hour. In addition, defecation in six-month-old children does not happen so often - on average two to three times, and per year children poop once or twice a day.
But in order to understand how many diapers children from 6 months need per day, you need to know the average amount of urine excreted at one time. According to pediatricians, on average:
- the amount of urine at one time in children aged 6 months to one year is 25–45 ml;
- the amount of feces per day in six-month-old babies is 40–50 grams, and in one-year-old babies - 100–200 grams;
- the total moisture absorption of one diaper for children under 1 year of age must be at least 160 g (GOST 52557-2011).
As a result, it turns out that babies up to one year old will need about 5-7 diapers a day, and when asked how many times to change a diaper, pediatricians answer - approximately every 4 hours. But if a child poops, the diaper needs to be changed immediately. In this case, it is imperative to take 15-minute breaks while changing diapers so that the baby’s skin rests.
Table 2 - Average urination rates and need for diapers from 6 months to 3 years
| Child's age | Frequency and volume of urination | Moisture absorption volumes and diaper needs | |||
| Volume of urine portion, ml | Number of urinations per day | Urine volume per day, ml | Diaper moisture absorption, ml | Daily need for diapers, pcs. | |
| from 6 months to a year | 25-45 | 15-16 | 375–720 | 160 | 5–7 |
| 1 to 3 years | 60–90 | 10–12 | 760–820 | 240 | from 0 to 5 |
Many parents begin potty training their children before the age of one. This allows you to significantly save on diapers and teach your child important skills. But in this case, you need to pay attention to the physiological and psychological readiness of the child. He must be able to sit independently, rise from a sitting position and walk, and also not protest against sitting on the potty. If you wear diapers only during sleep and for walks, you can reduce the number of diapers you use to 2-4 pieces.
It is impossible to indicate the exact consumption of diapers per day, because all children develop differently and have their own individual characteristics. These figures are only statistical averages and can only serve as a rough estimate of your baby's diaper needs.
In this article:
Using disposable diapers is convenient, hygienic and comfortable. Now this is a necessary attribute in caring for a baby, making the everyday life of young mothers a lot easier. While expecting a baby, many parents wonder how many diapers a newborn needs in the first months of his life? Some are driven by the goal of budget planning, while others want to prepare for the arrival of a new family member by purchasing everything they need in advance.
How often should you change a newborn's diaper? Is it possible to reduce their number? Let's figure it out together.
How many diapers to take to the maternity hospital
When planning how many diapers you need to purchase for the first days of life, you should familiarize yourself with the hospital rules - some medical institutions still prohibit their use. If the use of hygiene products is permitted, the amount depends on how long the woman plans to spend in the maternity hospital.
During an uncomplicated birth, the average length of stay between mother and baby is 3–4 days. For this period, a standard pack of 28 to 32 pieces is enough. If necessary, the rules do not prohibit the transfer of additional packaging to loved ones.
Almost all modern maternity hospitals provide clean diapers for newborns. Pediatricians recommend using them at least during the day, giving the baby's skin a chance to take a break from diapers. In the first few days of life, the baby feeds on drops of colostrum, excreting small portions of urine, so the diapers will remain dry for a long time.
How much does a newborn need?
First, you need to decide whether parents plan to use diapers exclusively or alternate their use with classic swaddling and, based on this, calculate how many diapers the baby needs per day. In the first case, it will not be difficult to calculate the number of required hygiene items; it is enough to find out how many times a day the infant relieves himself.
Of course, it is impossible to give an exact figure, since it depends on the individual characteristics of the baby - the type of nutrition, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary organs. However, there are average values that pediatricians advise focusing on.
Feeding liquid foods, such as breast milk or formula, gives baby's stool a mushy consistency. This affects the frequency of bowel movements - a baby can defecate after each feeding, up to 8–10 times a day. Urination occurs even more often, up to 20 times a day. A significant decrease in this number is a signal of malnutrition or health problems.
Doctors recommend changing diapers every 3 hours, as well as immediately after bowel movements. Additionally, clean diapers will be needed before a long night's sleep or after waking up. There is no need to change clothes after each urination - high-quality diapers have a high degree of absorbency. This mode will avoid leakage and diaper rash, keeping the delicate skin of the newborn in a comfortable condition.
By simple calculations you can estimate how many diapers a newborn needs per day. There are 24 hours in a day, linen is changed every 2.5–3 hours. Diaper consumption will be at least 10 pieces per day or 300 per month. Over time, the required number of diapers for a newborn will decrease and by the time they are six months old it will be 5–6 pieces.
How to reduce diaper use
There are little tricks that allow you to reduce the number of diapers spent without harming your baby. Following simple recommendations will not only save the family budget, but will also help you avoid diaper dermatitis:
- Air baths. In the summer, pediatricians recommend leaving the baby without clothes as often as possible. The procedure strengthens, improves immunity and allows you to do without diapers for a long time. Mothers of boys need to be more careful - due to physiology, a child can stain the surrounding area by wetting himself. In this case, you should lay the baby on its tummy, practicing the hardening procedure and strengthening the neck muscles at the same time. In winter, air baths can be taken at temperatures above 21 °C, controlling the duration. Your local pediatrician or visiting nurse will be able to tell you how long the procedure should take.
- Using reusable diapers. The children's goods market offers a wide selection of panties for multiple uses. The most popular are gauze, charcoal-bamboo, microfiber. When purchasing, you should be guided by the absorbency of the linen, the weight and age of the baby. You need to change your panties after every urination, so you will need more reusable diapers than classic diapers - at least 15 pieces per day.
- Early planting. Experienced mothers often notice how long after feeding a newborn needs to empty the bladder. If you don’t miss an important point, then planting it over a bathtub or basin will definitely be a success.
- Swaddling. Raising a baby without wearing a diaper is not easy, but it is possible. If a young mother has time and energy for daily washing and ironing, then traditional swaddling will be a real salvation for the family budget. It should be remembered that in many ways the use of diapers is convenient for relatives, but the main thing for a newborn is warmth and dryness.
- Purchase during the promotional period. Leading manufacturers of baby accessories and hygiene products often sell large packs of diapers at a good discount. Buying on sales will allow you to save up to 50% of the original price of the product.
Is it worth waking up your child at night to change diapers?
Most parents prefer not to interrupt the sleep of a calmly sleeping baby by changing clothes while they are awake. Diapers from well-known brands can withstand the entire night, absorbing the released moisture without residue. When choosing a hygiene item for sleep, you should start from its absorbent layer and coating - natural materials will not cause discomfort to thin skin, allowing your baby to get a good night's sleep and rest.
Emergency linen change at night is mandatory in the following cases:
- Defecation. An infant's feces are slightly acidic and can irritate the skin with prolonged contact. The diaper needs to be replaced regardless of the amount of discharge.
- Awakenings. Some infants are hypersensitive to the moisture of laundry - even a small portion of liquid interferes with their rest.
You should not buy a huge number of packages of diapers in advance - babies grow quickly, constantly changing clothing sizes. By calculating how many diapers per day you need for the first time, you will not spend too much, saving money on toys, clothes or baby food.
Useful video about how many diapers a newborn needs per day
Nowadays, almost all parents use diapers for their baby. They save time and make caring for your child easier. But there is also the other side of the coin - diaper rash, dermatitis and other unpleasant things that a baby can experience when wearing diapers excessively.
To determine how many diapers a newborn needs per day, when purchasing a product, it is recommended to take into account the individual needs of the baby, which depend on:
- age;
- number of urinations;
- weight.
A baby in the maternity hospital needs 10-12 pieces, but the older the child gets, the fewer diapers are needed.
Some doctors and parents are against children wearing diapers all the time. They claim that frequent use of diapers is harmful to children's health, that they do not allow air to pass through, and that this causes skin irritation.
However, most doctors believe that proper use of diapers will not harm the baby’s skin. Due to the fact that they are made from environmentally friendly, harmless materials, they are able to allow air to pass through, and do not cause negative reactions on the skin.
How to choose the right diapers
If you decide to use diapers, you should take the choice of manufacturer seriously. To determine which diapers your baby will be comfortable in, you can buy products from different companies one at a time. In this case, you should take into account the size of the product; it is determined by the weight of the baby.
Doctors advise paying attention to the presence of elastic bands and Velcro; they should be convenient and comfortable.
Many manufacturers offer special series of baby care products, including diapers that have excellent absorbent characteristics. But remember, the best expert in choosing care products is the child himself.
Based on the baby’s behavior and reaction, the mother will be able to determine whether he is satisfied with the hygiene product. If he is not capricious, plays, and his skin is dry and free of irritation, then this product is suitable for him. In a huge range of products, you can always choose exactly what is suitable for your baby.
What to pay attention to
The number of urinations in infants is on average 20-25 times a day. Take this into account when choosing the number of diapers.
They need to be changed for the child before, after feeding, before bedtime, at a certain time (when the old diaper is already full), before a walk. On average, it turns out that diapers are changed every 2-3 hours. If unexpected situations arise, you can change more often.
Some parents use gauze diapers rather than diapers starting in the hospital, and a large number of them are used per day. For this reason, mothers subsequently refuse them. Washing gauze diapers is tiring, but diapers are much more practical and economical.
Shift frequency
Usually the change occurs up to 10-12 times a day. As the child grows, fewer products are used . For example, by the age of 6 months, babies already need up to 5 shifts per day (4 per day, 1 at night). This is due to the fact that older children do not have bowel movements as often as infants.
Over time, the number of hygiene products used (powder, cream) also decreases; the mother herself determines how many of them are needed.
After each diaper change, the baby should be washed with warm water and soap. Doctors advise smearing the baby with a cream that will protect the skin throughout the day. For example, chamomile cream, or with calendula.
Shift at night
It is important to understand that a sleeping baby should not be woken up to change the diaper. Wait until he gets hungry and wakes up. The process of changing diapers is no different from the daytime version.
Some companies produce special night diapers; they are thicker and have enhanced absorption technology so that nothing disturbs the baby while sleeping.
Disposable diapers today are the most necessary accessory for babies, which is used by almost all modern parents. They not only save time and make life easier for a young mother, but also provide proper and high-quality care for the child. They make it possible to forget about those times when only reusable diapers were used when caring for newborns. Diapers are comfortable, less hassle-free and great for babies.
Myths around disposable diapers
Often, some pediatricians and relatives are against keeping the child in disposable diapers all the time. They scare the young mother with myths that it is harmful to health. Allegedly, the skin in them does not breathe and this can lead to irritation and, and sometimes, as a result of overheating of the testicles, cause infertility in boys.
All these fears are completely groundless. When used correctly, diapers cannot harm the delicate and sensitive skin of newborns, as they are made of natural anti-allergenic materials that are easily breathable and do not cause negative skin reactions.
How to choose the best?
Having given preference to diapers, you should take a responsible approach to choosing the manufacturer. You should not rely on advertising or cost. The most expensive or popular diapers are not always suitable for your baby. Much depends on individual characteristics. To find out which diaper manufacturer your baby is more comfortable in, you can buy several diapers from different manufacturers individually to try. You should take into account the size, which is determined by the weight of the baby. Experts recommend paying attention to the rubber bands and Velcro of diapers. They don't have to be tough.
Some companies present on the market special series of diapers specifically for babies, characterized by excellent absorbency. The best expert in choosing diapers is the baby himself. He can always tell you if something is wrong. The baby, satisfied with the hygiene and care products, is not capricious and plays happily. His skin is dry, without irritation or streaks from Velcro or rubber bands. He doesn't try to pull off his diaper. Over time, from the entire range of modern diapers, a mother will be able to choose the quality ones that will be ideal for her baby.
READ IN DETAIL: how and what diapers to choose for newborn babies (+ video reviews) -
How many diapers does a newborn need per day?
The answer to this question worries many young mothers. They want to know at least approximately how many diapers they should buy for the first time. The numbers are very approximate and depend on the frequency of urination and bowel movements, as well as on the age of the baby.
The number of urinations in children in the first month of life ranges from 20 to 25 times a day. Many mothers have tested wet diapers and this figure has been confirmed. The daily volume of urine can range from 300 to 500 ml, single (one urination) - from 20 to 35 ml. In the first weeks of life, stool can occur after almost every feeding. Don't be afraid of this.
Pediatricians advise changing newborn diapers before or after feeding, before bedtime or when the child wakes up, and also before going for a walk. This is approximately every 2-3 hours. In case of unforeseen situations, the diaper is changed more often and there is no need to wait a certain time. If you come to a massage therapist, then even if the baby’s diaper is barely full, after the procedure it is advisable not to put it on, but to use a new one. In case of bowel movement, the diaper must be changed.
Every time you change a diaper, your baby should be washed with just water or soap and water after a bowel movement. It is recommended to use a special protective diaper cream with chamomile or calendula ( ). You don’t have to immediately put on a new diaper, but put the baby naked on a diaper and let him lie down. It should be remembered that the optimal temperature in the room should be around.
On average, the frequency of changing a disposable diaper for a newborn is up to 10 times a day. As your child ages, he or she will need fewer diapers. Children have enough by six months up to 5 pieces per day (4 during the day + 1 at night) . This is due to the fact that older infants do not have bowel movements as often as newborns. The number of diapers used is also reduced.
In general, each mother herself determines how many times her child needs to change his diaper. At the same time, she takes into account the individual characteristics of her baby.
Answers from mommies from forums:
...when I was very small - 5-7 pieces
...4-6 pieces, the child is in them all the time
...still small 6-7 pcs. it was gone, take the biggest pack, it’s more economical...
...If you constantly wear diapers, then a newborn needs 10-12 of them per day, the older the child, the less consumption.
...Always in diapers, at least 10 per day. It is believed that the more often you change, the less harmful the diaper is, I myself have heard this from doctors more than once. When the diaper is dry, what kind of incredible harm does it cause, as supporters of the scoop like to fear? Sorry, but I don’t consider a piss gauze diaper “healthier” at all.
…The diaper is designed to last approximately 4 hours, there are 24 hours in a day, 24/4 = 6 pieces. + 2 more just in case. Total 8.
Changing a diaper at night: do you need to wake up for this?
Some manufacturers create special lines of “night” diapers for newborns. Such diapers allow the baby to be dry during sleep and sleep soundly. They have a thicker layer and excellent absorbency.
Note to moms!
Hello girls) I didn’t think that the problem of stretch marks would affect me too, and I’ll also write about it))) But there’s nowhere to go, so I’m writing here: How did I get rid of stretch marks after childbirth? I will be very glad if my method helps you too...
Arguments for and against using disposable diapers
Diapers have their advantages and disadvantages. Significant advantages include the following:
- They make it possible to save the time and effort of a young mother, as they do not require washing. Simply remove and throw away;
- They are comfortable, as moisture is perfectly absorbed and the baby is dry and happy. Clothes remain clean and dry;
- When used correctly and the size matches the age, they do not leak;
- They are very convenient for long trips or walks, and in cold and winter times they are irreplaceable;
- They create conditions for the baby to have healthy and restful sleep.
READ IN DETAIL: Disposable diapers - pros and cons, benefits and harms -
Experienced pediatricians advise not to overuse diapers and wear them as needed. The main thing in using them is additional rest and peace of mind for the young mother. Such a mother will be able to feel all the joy of her new position and will give the baby more love, affection and attention.
Hello, dear mothers! With you is Alena Bortsova. I like to keep everything under control and even prepared for childbirth in advance.
I bought diapers, pads and baby diapers. That’s when I started thinking about how many diapers a newborn needs per day. I was going to give birth in the regional center. I don’t want to take a huge package with me for four days, but what if it’s not enough, what should I do then?
How many diapers should you take to the maternity hospital?
Concerned with this issue, I approached the solution creatively. First I asked a friend who had a small child. Literally: “We use one diaper for 6 hours. Well, for a baby, probably less. Take 20 pieces, it should be enough.”
Then I scoured the Internet. The answers there are so varied that they only confused me even more. Some people use 12 diapers per day, while others spend 3 diapers.
In the end, I decided to sit down and do the calculations. Pediatricians recommend changing the diaper every four hours or “when soiled”—after the baby has pooped. That is, 6 diapers per day +1 for unexpected expenses. Since I expected to stay in bed for 4 days, I took 30 diapers with me to the maternity hospital - a couple extra just in case.
For three days everything went fine, baby, literally three times a day. And then force majeure happened: Lisa decided to poop more often, and on the fourth day 10 diapers flew away. What’s even more unexpected is that we were not discharged. A friend brought extra diapers.
Therefore, I can give a practical solution: if you should use your own diapers in the maternity hospital, take 20-30 for the first days. If there are not enough of them, it is better to ask your relatives to bring more than to carry bags full of diapers with you.
Why is diaper consumption different?
Why are diapers used so differently? Doesn’t the “one diaper for 4 hours” scheme work? It doesn’t work because all children are different. Your baby should change his diaper immediately after pooping. Cleanliness often depends on the feeding method.
- If the baby is in bed, he can poop as many times as he was fed! Since it is considered normal to feed on demand, a day can reach up to 12-15 feedings. Yes, yes, up to 12-15 diapers.
- Formula-fed babies poop less often, 3-4 times a day. This is where the 6 diaper system comes into play - 4 for the day, 2 for the night.
There is another factor that influences how long the diaper will stay clean: the baby's bowel function. My sister's daughter could go two days without pooping, even though she was breastfed. But Lisa had bowel movements 10-14 times a day. We spent 8-12 diapers until our daughter was six months old.
Eventually , for a month we needed almost 4 huge packs of diapers, 100 pieces each. Things got a little better when Lisa stopped pooping at night, this was after she was three months old. We started buying only three packs.
Is it possible to reduce consumption?
Buying diapers significantly undermined our family budget, so naturally I was looking for ways to save. First of all, we tried to normalize the baby’s stool; it was too liquid, green, and frequent. As it turned out, Lisa had staphylococcus, which cleared up successfully after six months. The following measures helped reduce diaper costs:
- Placing the baby "holopop" on the diaper. Both cloth and diaper-like diapers were used - absorbent.
- We used a reusable diaper with replaceable inserts.
- We tried to put gauze inserts in the sliders.
Ordinary gauze pads didn’t work for us: they got tangled and the entire contents of the sliders were smeared all over the girl’s legs. Washing your feet was often strictly prohibited due to atopic dermatitis. The reusable diaper served us well until baby sat down. After this, irritation began to appear on the bottom, and reusable inserts were abandoned.
Get ready, dear mothers, the expenses on diapers are significant. The consumption of diapers directly depends on how many times a day your child poops. Don't worry, as soon as the baby can sit, his bowel movements will return to normal. Be patient.
Subscribe, in our blog you will definitely find useful information and get practical advice. Good day and sunny mood to everyone!
