How often should you change diapers? – A guide for new parents
Changing diapers is a part of daily life for new parents. But how often should you change diapers? What should you do if the diaper leaks? And how many diapers does a baby actually need? Here's a practical guide to help you navigate through these questions and more.
How often should you change diapers?
As a new parent, you might feel overwhelmed with all the new things and how many diaper changes a newborn actually needs. Newborn babies require frequent diaper changes throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to change diapers after each bowel movement and routinely after each feeding, which usually adds up to about every three hours.
It might seem like there are a lot of diaper changes during both day and night, but as your baby grows and you settle into routines, it becomes easier. Nighttime diaper changes can often be phased out over time; prioritize sleep and only change the diaper if the baby has soiled it.
Do you have to change the diaper right after baby pees?
Dirty diapers should be changed as soon as possible to avoid skin irritation. When it comes to wet diapers, they can usually last a few hours, but it's always a good idea to change the diaper regularly to keep the skin dry.
How many diapers does a baby need?
The number of diapers a baby needs can vary greatly depending on the baby's age and how often the diaper is changed. Newborns may need over 10 diaper changes per day, while older babies may only need 5-6 diaper changes per day.
If you're planning to use cloth diapers full-time, you'll need at least 24 to have enough between washes. If you want to learn more about getting started with cloth diapers, you can find that in the Getting Started with Cloth Diapers guide.
Are there any differences in diaper changes between girls and boys?
With cloth diapers, you have the flexibility to adjust the diaper according to the baby's needs. A general rule is to provide more absorbency in the front for boys and more in the middle for girls.
When changing a boy's diaper, it's important to ensure that his penis is pointing downwards to avoid leaks at the top when he urinates. For girls, it's essential to remember to clean from front to back to prevent introducing bacteria into the urethra.
Another thing to keep in mind is that babies might urinate when the diaper is removed, especially when changing boys. It's a good idea to have an extra diaper or towel on hand to manage any accidents.
Why does the diaper leak?
All babies are different – they urinate differently, have different body shapes, and so on. Therefore, it's important to find a diaper that fits your baby well. Diaper leaks don't necessarily happen because the diaper is full.
If you're experiencing leaks, it might be due to the fit. Has the diaper become too small? Do you need to switch to the next size? Or has the baby become more active, requiring a smaller size again?
- Experiment with different diaper fits for your baby
- An important part of ensuring a good fit for disposable diapers is to run your finger around the diaper's edges at the baby's thighs, so the elastic that guards against leaks is positioned correctly.
- If you're using cloth diapers, make sure the elastic fits snugly around the legs, similar to underwear.
- If the cloth diaper is full during a change, you can either add an extra insert or change it more often.
Changing diapers is a central part of parenthood. By knowing how often to change diapers, what to do in case of leaks, and how many diapers a baby needs, you can feel more prepared and less stressed. And remember, every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, experiment, and find the routine that suits you and your baby best.
Common questions about diaper changes
How often should you change diapers?
A good rule of thumb is to change diapers after each feeding, which usually adds up to about every three hours.
Do you have to change the diaper right after the baby pees?
Dirty diapers should be changed as soon as possible to avoid skin irritation. When it comes to wet diapers, they can usually last a few hours, but it's always a good idea to change the diaper regularly to keep the skin dry.
How many diapers does a baby need?
The number of diapers a baby needs can vary greatly depending on the baby's age and how often the diaper is changed. Newborns may need up to 10 diaper changes per day, while older babies may only need 5-6 diaper changes per day.
Why does the diaper leak?
All babies are different, and it might take some time to find a diaper that fits your baby perfectly. Leaks can happen for various reasons, such as poor fit, the wrong size, or a full diaper.
With a bit of patience and practice, you'll soon become an expert at changing diapers and finding routines that work for you and your baby. Good luck on your journey as a new parent!
Tip! Are you having trouble with how the diaper should fit on the baby? Read the blog about fit or send a picture with the diaper on the baby, and we'll help you.