Before we begin, here’s a fun fact for you all:
Newborns dirty around 10 to 12 diapers every day, which eventually cutbacks to 6 to 8 diapers by the time they reach toddlerhood.
Considering all that poop and pee, finding the right diaper size for your baby is essential. Ill-fitted diapers can result in rashes, discomfort, and of course, the messy poopy leaks through too-tight leg holes and a too-loose waistband. However, unfortunately, there is no universal diaper size guide for first-time parents. Diaper sizes vary for every baby, like clothes and shoe size, but your baby’s weight is the determining factor instead of age.
To help new parents, in this diaper size guide, we have outlined a general breakdown that can help you find the best fitting diapers for your baby.
Baby Diaper Size Guide Chart
Although baby diaper sizing differs between different brands, our diaper sizing chart can help as a guide. We strongly recommend parents try multiple baby diaper styles and brands to find one that works best for them.
Baby Diaper Size Chart (General)
| Diaper Size | Weight |
| Premature Baby Diapers | 6 pounds and under |
| Newborn Diapers | 10 pounds and under |
| Size 1 | 8 to 14 pounds |
| Size 2 | 12 to 18 pounds |
| Size 3 | 16 to 28 pounds |
| Size 4 | 22 to 37 pounds |
| Size 5 | 27 to 35 pounds |
| Size 6 | 35 pounds and over |
| Size 7 | 41 pounds and over |
Baby Diaper Size Chart (by Brands)
| Pampers | Huggies | Luvs Diaper | |
| Premature Baby Diapers | 6 pounds and under | 6 pounds and under | N/A |
| Newborn Diapers | 10 pounds and under | 10 pounds and under | 10 pounds and under |
| Size 1 | 8 to 14 pounds | 14 pounds and under | 8 to 14 pounds |
| Size 2 | 12 to 18 pounds | 12 to 18 pounds | 12 to 18 pounds |
| Size 3 | 16 to 28 pounds | 16 to 28 pounds | 16 to 28 pounds |
| Size 4 | 22 to 37 pounds | 22 to 37 pounds | 22 to 37 pounds |
| Size 5 | 27 and over | 37 and over | 27 and over |
| Size 6 | 35 pounds and over | 35 pounds and over | 35 pounds and over |
| Size 7 | 41 pounds and over | N/A | N/A |
If you look closely, some baby weights overlap amid two different diaper sizes. In such cases, we suggest you also consider the baby’s body type when choosing a diaper. For instance, a longer and slimmer baby might be more comfortable in the smaller size, but it would be best to get the bigger diaper size if your baby is chubbier.
No matter which diaper you choose, keep one thing in mind: finding the best diaper size requires a tad bit of trial and error. So, don’t worry if you fail to get the right size on the first attempt.
Signs Your Baby Is Wearing the Wrong Diaper Size
Here are some signs that can help you identify the baby is wearing an ill-fit diaper:
- The leg holes feel too tight
- The waistband feels too tight
- The diaper’s side tabs often pop open
- It isn’t easy to put on the diaper
- There are rashes, red marks, or irritation around the diaper area
- The diaper fails to cover the baby’s bottom fully
- There are recurring poop and pee leakages
- The baby appears uncomfortable while wearing the diaper
So, the next time you leave home for diaper shopping, be sure to keep this diaper size guide in mind.
