US Trends

how many nappies a day newborn

Most healthy newborns use around 8–12 nappies a day in the first few weeks.

Quick Scoop

  • A typical newborn will need a nappy change about every 2–3 hours, often after each feed.
  • Many sources and parents report roughly 8–12 nappies per 24 hours, with some babies closer to 6–8 and others at the higher end.
  • Planning for about 70 nappies per week (around 10 per day) is a reasonable starting point for the first month.

What’s “normal” day to day?

  • Wet nappies: At least 6 wet nappies a day is usually a sign your newborn is well hydrated.
  • Dirty nappies: Many newborns poo several times a day, sometimes after every feed, which quickly adds to the daily total.
  • It is common for usage to gradually drop to about 6–8 nappies a day after the first month or so.

How many to buy at first?

  • For the first month, rough estimates are about 240–360 nappies (8–12 per day).
  • Because babies grow fast and may outgrow the newborn size quickly, many guides suggest buying just 2–3 weeks’ worth first, then adjusting.

When to get medical advice

  • Contact a midwife, health visitor, or doctor if your newborn has very few wet nappies (fewer than about 4–5 a day), very dark urine, or seems unusually sleepy or unwell.
  • Any sudden big change in nappy output, especially with vomiting, fever, or poor feeding, should be checked promptly.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.