How Many Diapers Do I Need? The Ultimate First Year Guide
Becoming a new parent is a big job, and you’ll have lots of questions. One of the most common questions we hear from parents is, how many diapers do I need for my baby’s first year? Understanding diaper usage can help you plan ahead and budget for this essential part of newborn care. In this ANB Baby guide, we break down how many diapers your baby will need at each stage, from newborn to toddler, and offer some tips on how to stock up efficiently.
How Many Diapers Do I Need for a Newborn?
Newborns go through a surprising number of diapers each day. During the first month, your baby will typically need around 10 to 12 diapers per day. That’s roughly 300 to 360 diapers in the first month alone!
Here’s a rough breakdown of newborn diaper needs:
| Age | Diapers Per Day | Total Diapers Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Month | 10-12 | 300-360 |
| 1-3 Months | 8-10 | 240-300 |
| 3-6 Months | 6-9 | 180-270 |
| 6-12 Months | 6-8 | 180-240 |
Since babies grow quickly, you might not need too many newborn-sized diapers. Many parents find that two to three jumbo packs (or around 200 newborn diapers) are sufficient before transitioning to size 1 diapers. Hang on to your receipts in case you need to return an unopened pack to the store!
How Many Diapers Do I Need for Baby’s First Year?
As your baby grows, their diaper usage will gradually decrease. But during the first year, you can expect to go through thousands of diapers. Here’s an estimate:
- Newborn (0-1 month): ~300 diapers
- Size 1 (1-3 months): ~540 diapers
- Size 2 (3-6 months): ~600 diapers
- Size 3 (6-12 months): ~1080 diapers
That adds up to about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in the first year!
How Many Diapers Do I Need for Each Size?
Knowing how many diapers to buy in each size helps you avoid overstocking on one size while running out of another. Here’s a general guide:
| Diaper Size | Baby Weight | Estimated Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Up to 10 lbs | 200-300 |
| Size 1 | 8-14 lbs | 500-700 |
| Size 2 | 12-18 lbs | 600-800 |
| Size 3 | 16-28 lbs | 1000+ |
| Size 4 | 22-37 lbs | Varies |
Babies transition to larger sizes at different rates, so monitor your baby’s weight and growth to adjust diaper purchases accordingly.
How Many Diapers Does a 12-Month-Old Use?
By the time your baby is 12 months old, they’ll be using fewer diapers per day—usually around 6 to 8 diapers daily. This means you’ll need approximately 180 to 240 diapers per month during the second half of their first year.
How Many Diapers Do I Need for a Diaper Cake?
Diaper cakes are a popular baby shower gift, but how many diapers do you need for a diaper cake? Here’s a general guideline:
- Small diaper cake: 25-30 diapers
- Medium diaper cake: 50-75 diapers
- Large diaper cake: 100+ diapers
Most diaper cakes use size 1 or size 2 diapers, as they will be useful to parents for longer.
See our related post, How to Make a Beautiful Diaper Cake in 5 Easy Steps.
How Many Diapers Do Babies Use in the First Year? The Bottom Line
On average, babies go through 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year. Preparing for this by buying diapers in bulk, subscribing to diaper delivery services, or keeping an organized diaper stockpile can help make parenting easier and more budget-friendly.
Stocking up on diapers doesn’t have to be stressful! At ANB Baby, we offer a wide selection of trusted diapering supplies and nursery essentials to keep your baby comfortable. Shop now and ensure you’re always prepared for your little one’s diapering needs!