How Many Diapers Do I Need?

Babies grow fast so you may be wondering how many newborn diapers do I need? Check out our guide to help you stock up on diapers and save money.

How Many Diapers Do I Need?

Preparing for your baby is such an adventure. I can still remember how excited I was to prepare that first nursery with all of the things I would need. Stocking up on diapers is a must because in those first few months running to the store in the middle of the night is the last thing you want to do.

Now that I have had four kids, I often am asked “how many newborn diapers do I need?” or “how many size one diapers do I need?”. All of my babies were different, but I feel like I have all the knowledge I need to create this guideline for you.

Stocking up before your baby comes is a great idea so that you can take advantage of great sales that happen before you are in desperate need of them.

Best Prices for Diapers

A good rule of thumb is to try to price your diapers between $.10-$.15 per diaper. The larger the diaper size the more it will cost as there are less per box. If you can find diapers within this price range you want to stock up!

Buy in Bulk! Warehouse prices are usually better priced per diaper than most retail stores.

Stocking Up on Diapers

Keep in mind that you will get samples of newborn diapers from the hospital. They sent us home with 2-3 packages of newborn diapers for each of my babies.

Typically, we only ever needed one extra pack of newborn size diapers than what the hospital sent home with us. You also may get some as a gift or even one of those cute diaper cakes!

With that in mind, I would suggest stocking up on diapers sizes 1, 2, and 3. Do Not open the boxes of diapers until you are ready to use them because you can exchange the boxes for different sizes if your baby grows out of them before you even use them.

Sizing Up on Diapers

Here are some things to look for to help you figure out when you need to size up with your diapers.

1. Red marks along their oh so chunky thighs is a sign it’s time to move up a size.
2. If it’s difficult to stretch the elastic around the leg, then the diaper is most likely too small and it’s time to move up a size.
3. When your baby is blowing out of their diaper every time they poop, it’s a good time to size them up.

Where to Keep Extra Diapers

You may think this is a strange question…but it isn’t. Trust me, I have been in so many “sticky” situations where I have been saved by my secret stash of diapers.

There is nothing worse than not being prepared for a blow out when you’re not at home. That is why in the first couple of months before your baby starts solid foods, I pack an extra outfit too. EVERYWHERE! Put an extra outfit in the car, in your purse, and even at a friend/family members house if you visit often enough to warrant it.

Diapers on the go:

• Car: I like to keep diapers and wipes in the back pocket of the seats of the front two chairs. I make a small changing station with a changing pad, small toys, and plenty of diapers and wipes. It can be tricky to find a diaper changing friendly bathroom so I use my car as a diaper changing station a lot. Make sure to check your car before leaving on long road trips!

• Purse/Diaper bag: This is obvious. BUT, make sure that you check your diaper bag before you leave any where. You never know when you will be stuck in a situation where you need more than you think.

• Stroller: Earlier this year I was traveling with my husband and my small baby in Boston and I had a greater understanding of what life is like as a city dwelling mom with no car. All I had access to with transportation was my stroller and public transportation.

Diapers Around the House

 I like to set up diaper stations around the house. I got the brilliant idea from a neighbor who has 8 children and she set up a changing/diaper station in her kitchen. It was a separate part of the kitchen away from the food, but it was a place she ALWAYS was and she had it set up to take care of a diaper quickly with a changing pad and all the things you would need to change a diaper.

When my babies are newborns I set up a changing station right next to my bed so I can change their diapers without having to get out of bed. My favorite type of bed to use for a baby is a pack n play with a changing table attached so I can sleep and change the baby right next to my bed.

As part of any changing station, you need to check out the Diaper Genie to contain any stinky smells coming from soiled diapers.

In a Pinch..

Just know you are not alone. All moms have experienced the dreaded blow out when they’re not at home. And wouldn’t you know, you are out of wipes or diapers.

If you are in a dire situation don’t be afraid to ask for help. I have done this a few times both on the giving and receiving end and have been happy to do it! Helping a fellow mama out always feels good.

How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?

Typically, newborns will go through 8-10 diaper changes in a day. As your baby starts to sleep through the night you will have less diapers to change, so you will go through 4-8 diapers a day. 

Breast fed babies may go through more diapers as it takes less time for their bodies to digest.

How Many Size 1 Diapers Do I Need?

Try to start with 2-3 large packages of size 1. The same goes for sizes 2 and 3.

My babies stay in size 3 and 4 for a long time, so you may want to wait and see how big your baby is at that point to know how many of those you may need. Diapers take up a lot of space, so you probably don’t want to go too crazy!

Guide for Stocking Up: How many to Stock up?

Every child has different needs when it comes to diaper size, and diaper change frequency, so this is simply a guide.

• First, Size Newborn – 196 diapers
• Second, Size 1 – 770 diapers
• Third, Size 2 – 924 diapers
• Fourth, Size 3 – 900 diapers
• Fifth, Size 4 – 588 diapers
• Finally, Size 5 – 1176 diapers

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Pampers at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.

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