Becoming a parent can be the most exciting, yet overwhelming, time in a new mom or dad's life. Choosing the correct size of diapers for your baby does not need to be part of the new parent chaos.
Diaper size is important, because a poor fitting diaper can cause messes, contribute to diaper rash and create discomfort for babies.
The problem is that there is no universal diaper sizing guide for parents to consult. With so many resources available for moms and dads, there might be confusion when you need diapering tips or a handy chart for diaper sizes.
Use our diaper size chart for easy reference as your baby grows. Plus, here are five tips to keep in mind when choosing the right size diaper for your baby.
Diaper Sizes By Age
Sizing varies between different diaper brands. After reviewing diaper sizing guides from Pampers, Parent’s Choice, Kirkland brand, and Hello Bello, the following diaper size chart gives approximate sizing references:
Preemie Diaper Size: Up to 6 pounds
Newborn Diaper Size: 10 pounds and under
Size 1: 8-14 lbs
Size 2: 12-18 lbs
Size 3: 16-28 lbs
Size 4: 22-37 lbs
Size 5: 27-35 lbs
Size 6: 35 lbs and over
Size 7: 41 lbs and over
How Do I Know What Size Diaper To Get My Baby?
Once parents have determined the proper size, it may take some trial and error to find a brand that works best for your baby.
Weight references may overlap for sizes, so it is important to check the box and monitor the diaper fit.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that parents or caregivers will change a newborn baby's diaper up to 12 times per day, and will go through nearly 3,000 diapers in the first year.
Tips For Finding The Right Diaper Size
With so many diaper changes on the horizon, diaper fit is extremely important. Here are five tips to keep in mind when choosing the right diaper for your baby, according to AAP:
- Red marks on baby's skin may mean the diaper is too tight, or your baby is suffering from diaper rash, a common form of irritant dermatitis that occurs when the "diaper area spends much of the day in contact with two very irritating substances: urine and stool."
- Occasional diaper leaks are normal, but if the diaper is leaking with regularity, double check the diaper fit.
- Check the waist. A diaper should close easily without having to pull hard on the tabs. Tabs should be fastened straight across and be at the same rise in both front and back. It's important the diaper is not too tight, especially at night.
- The rise of the diaper should be around baby's belly button, so if the diaper's rise appears low, it's time to size up.
- The more absorbent the diaper, the better job it does of keeping the skin dry.
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