How Many Nappies Do You Actually Need?

If you're expecting a baby, chances are someone has told you to start stockpiling nappies.

Someone else has probably told you not to.

And somewhere in the middle of trying to assemble a cot and remember what day it is, you're left wondering: How many nappies does a baby actually go through?

The answer is... a lot. More than you think. But perhaps not as many as that well-meaning relative who just bought you twelve cartons of newborn nappies.

The Newborn Stage: Tiny Human, Impressive Output

Newborns can go through anywhere from 8 to 12 nappies a day.

Yes, a day.

Between frequent feeds and tiny digestive systems that seem determined to keep everyone busy, nappy changes become a regular part of life.

The upside? You'll become remarkably efficient at them.

Why Buying Too Many Newborn Nappies Can Backfire

It's tempting to load up on newborn sizes while you're preparing for baby's arrival.

The problem is that babies have a habit of growing.

Fast.

Some babies only wear newborn nappies for a few weeks, while others skip them altogether and head straight into the next size. A mountain of unused newborn nappies might sound like a good problem to have, but it's still a problem.

More info on sizing here - Nappy Size Guide blog

A Better Approach

Instead of buying a year's worth of one size, consider building a small stash across a few sizes.

This gives you flexibility and means you're less likely to be caught out during a growth spurt. Think of it as preparing for reality rather than preparing for a hypothetical baby who never grows.

How Many Nappies Will You Use Overall?

On average, babies can use between 2,500 and 3,000 nappies in their first year.

Which sounds dramatic until you remember how often they're changed.

It's also why finding nappies that fit well and perform consistently matters so much.

The General Gist

Having a small stockpile is a great idea.

Building a warehouse in your spare room? Probably not necessary.

A few packs in the current size, a few in the next size up, and a reliable supply of wipes will usually have you well covered.

Because if there's one thing parenthood teaches you, it's that babies grow faster than expected and somehow always need a nappy change at the least convenient moment.

Never get left in the lurch with our - Ultimate Nappy-Changing Checklist