Last updated on June 18th, 2024 at 03:48 pm
Let’s be real, stepping into the shoes of a new parent is like walking into a party where you don’t know anyone but the music is fantastic. There’s excitement, there’s nervousness, and yep, there’s the inevitable mess to clean up. I’m talking about diapers.
Now, if you’re anything like me, trying to figure out the diaper situation—how many you need, what sizes, avoiding those pesky diaper leaks—all while keeping your budget happier than a baby in a fresh diaper, can seem like decoding a mystery.
In this post you will find out all the details you need to know when it comes to how many diapers you need for the first year. We also will touch on several other diaper related topics. So if you’re ready, let’s get to it!
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How many diapers do you need in a day?
Okay, let’s dive into the world of diapers – a must-have in the parenting toolkit. I remember when I first became a parent, wondering how often my newborn would need diaper changes and what kind of diaper stash I’d need to avoid middle-of-the-night runs to the store.
It’s hard to gauge exactly how many diapers your baby will need in a given day. For those adorable newborns, we’re talking a whopping 10 to 12 diaper changes daily. Yes, you heard me right. But, don’t worry, as your baby hits that 3-6 months mark, things start to ease up a bit, and you’re looking at around 8 to 10 changes a day. Below is a chart with averages to give you a better idea of what to expect:
How many diapers they need depends on their eating habits, breastfeeding vs bottle feeding, their age, and if they prefer to be changed more often. And trust me if you have one of these babies, they will let you know!
When should you size up on diapers?
When I had my son, I had no idea when I was supposed to size him up in diapers. Blame it on the sleep deprivation if you will, but he stayed in newborn diapers so long that he pretty much skipped over size 1. Don’t be like me and pay attention to these four clues that you should size up in diapers:
- The tabs are hard to close: If fastening the diaper feels like a tugging match against the tabs, it’s a clear sign your baby is ready for the next size. Many diapers will have printed marks for where the tabs should be and if your baby is past that guideline you should try a bigger diaper.
- Baby has lots of leaky diaper: If you are changing clothes due to leaky diapers or changing bedding frequently, it’s probably because the diaper you are using is too small to catch and hold everything in it.
- Diaper sits way below the belly button: A well-fitting diaper should rest comfortably at or just below the navel. Anything lower and you’re inviting diaper leaks.
- Red marks or imprints on baby’s legs: Just like shoes, if a diaper is leaving marks, it’s too tight. Comfort is key to a happy baby (and parent).
Budget-friendly diapering strategies
There are several strategies you should look to when trying to get the most for you money on diapers.
Buying in Bulk
Buying in bulk can result in substantial savings when buying diapers for the first year. Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club offer great quality diapers at a fraction of the price of regular retailers. Also purchasing larger boxes opposed to the smaller packages can add up to less cost per diaper.
Buy Diapers That Can Be Returned
Creating a diaper stockpile comes with its risks, mainly that you will have too many of one size or your baby will have a reaction to a certain brand. Make sure to keep receipts on hand and check your store’s return policy before making any purchases.
If you don’t have the receipt (or you received diapers at your baby shower) some stores like Target and Walmart will let you return items for store credit if they were purchased there. (You can check this by scanning the barcode in their app. If the product pops up that means they sell it there)
Utilize Sales and Coupons
The whole point of creating a diaper stockpile is to save you money! So make sure you get a good deal when you are purchasing diapers ahead of time. Watch ads for sales, check online for coupons from the brands, and utilize cashback apps.
Target is notorious for running sales a few times a year where if you buy diapers, you receive a gift card for future purchases. If you stack this with apps like Ibotta, manufacturers coupons, and even your baby registry discount you can get a killer deal!
Host a Diaper Raffle at Your Baby Shower
A diaper raffle is a great way to build a stockpile of diapers from family and friends who want to help you prepare for the arrival of your baby! Just include a cute card in your baby shower invitation asking guests to bring diapers of any size and be entered into a raffle for a fun prize. If you want more info on how to host your own diaper raffle, check out this blog post.
Don't Buy Only Newborn Size
If you are trying to build a diaper stockpile, don’t focus on newborn sizes. These babies grow so fast it is hard to believe and they honestly are not in newborn diapers for long. Working as a labor and delivery nurse I have seen plenty of babies be large enough to completely skip that size.
Focus on getting a variety of size 1, 2, and 3. Anything above that will probably be after the baby’s first year and you don’t want to stockpile it for that long. That being said it is a good idea to have some newborn diapers at home so you are prepared when the baby comes home. Only open one package until you are certain.
What should you do with leftover diapers?
The biggest downfall to building a diaper stockpile is the leftover diapers when you baby grows out of a size. Ideally you are able to use up the smaller diapers before you move on, but sometimes that isn’t possible. Here are my best tips on what to do with the extra diapers:
- Returning them: Depending on where you purchased them this may be your best option. You can either get your money back or get store credit that can then be applied to larger sizes of diapers.
- Donating them: Local shelters and charities are always looking for donations of various baby products, including diapers. If you have open packages, check with them to see if they are able to take them.
- Offer open packages to family or friends: If you know someone else that recently had a baby you can pay it forward and give the extra diapers to them. I gathered several packs of diapers from my neighbors before my son was born and that made a world of difference for my budget. You could also make a cute baby shower gift like a diaper cake out of them!
- Saving them for a future sibling: This can be a smart call if you are planning on having more babies in the future. Just designate a small tote to collect the extra diapers and pull them back out later.
A solid diaper stockpile is the key to your success
Building a diaper stockpile is a game-changer for parents navigating the unpredictable world of babyhood, especially when trying to have a baby on a budget. By strategically stocking up on diapers in various sizes and taking advantage of sales and discounts, you not only ensure you’re prepared for any diaper disaster but also save yourself some serious cash in the long run.
Remember that there is also a flip side of having way to many of one size. Pay attention to the tips we have already discussed and the chart near the beginning of this post. Be smart with your shopping and your wallet will thank you later!
In conclusion, building a diaper stash isn’t just about having a pile of diapers stacked in the closet—it’s about arming yourself with the confidence and preparedness to tackle parenthood head-on. By stocking up on diapers in advance, you’re not only ensuring you’re ready for whatever baby throws your way but also saving yourself time, stress, and money in the process.
So whether you’re a seasoned parent or embarking on the journey for the first time, take the initiative to build your diaper stockpile and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being well-prepared. After all, in the wild ride of parenthood, a stocked diaper stash is like your trusty sidekick—always there to save the day when you need it most. So go ahead, stock up, and embrace the adventure of parenthood with confidence and ease!
