Size 1 diapers.
For babies born between 37 and 40 weeks, birth weight typically ranges from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces. Therefore, it helps to have both size N and size 1 diapers on hand before your baby's birth.
Nearly 1,200 birthing hospital in the U.S. trust Huggies® brand diapers as the first diaper worn by nearly 1.5 million babies every year*.
The NHS recommends you pack your hospital bag no later than three weeks before your due date, so you'll definitely want to have a supply or wipes and nappies ready by then. How many should I buy? In the early days, babies can get through 10 – 12 nappies a day - though this will decrease as they get older.
They'll probably start with "Newborn" diapers, which generally accommodate infants up to 10 pounds. Premature babies weighing less than 6 pounds might need "Preemie" diapers, offered by some brands like Huggies. Some parents like a diaper with extra stretch that will accommodate a newborn's rapid growth.
Huggies diapers have a higher leak rate than competing brands, despite being built with more absorbent material. Pampers diapers are more absorbent and successfully stop leaks.
Typically a newborn goes through 8 to 12 nappies a day for the first six weeks, this decreases to around 6 to 8 until 6 to 9 months after it can go down to 4 or 5 nappies a day.
Most hospitals offer complimentary items like pads and non-slip socks for mom, as well as caps, shirts and swaddles, as mentioned above, for baby. These basics are all you'll need while focusing on caring for your post-birth body and newborn. You can ask during your birth center tour what's provided and what's not.
If your baby is at the smaller end of scale, you might opt for newborn size diapers, but if your baby is closing in on the upper end you might choose to start in size 1's. Many babies could really fit in either size (that's where the weight overlap comes in).
Ensuring the Diaper Fits Well
The waist is snug with the diaper just under the belly button. The leg cuffs wrap neatly around your baby's legs and bottom. After putting on the diaper, run your fingers around these edges to make sure the cuffs are pulled out. Cuffs being tucked inside are a common cause of leakage.
If you can't comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband of the fastened diaper, it's time for a bigger size. You may need to go up a size if you notice red marks on your baby's tummy or thighs when you remove the diaper. If the diaper isn't fully covering your baby's bottom, choose a bigger size.
Aim for one outfit in newborn size and one 0-3 months. Don't forget hats and/or socks, if weather-appropriate. Your pediatrician's contact information. The doctors and nurses will ask you for this information several times, so it's good to have it handy.
Hospitals generally will cover everything you will need to take care of your baby while you are there, so there is not need to bring a giant pack of diapers with you. Baby shampoo, diaper cream for sticky meconium poos, diapers, wipes and more are usually provided.
You don't need to bring diapers, wipes, or bottles. Even if you choose to cloth diaper, you will prefer the ease of the hospital's disposable diapers those first few days.
Newborn nappies: what to look for
You'll find that most nappy brands start from size 0 (typically for newborns weighing under 6lbs) or size 1 (for babies weighing from 4-11lbs).
You're probably wondering, “How many burp cloths do I really need?” It depends how often your little one spits up and how often you want to do laundry, but anywhere from eight to 14 burp cloths is a good basic range to aim for. But really, the more the better!
weeks? or months? Full-term babies born with the average birth weight will typically wear newborn size clothes for anywhere from two to six weeks, but some might need to move up sooner while some might skip the newborn-size clothing altogether.
Because of their superabsorbent material and uniquely designed liner that helps protect your little one from wetness, Pampers Swaddlers are our top choice.
Pampers earns the top spot on our list because the company designs diapers with all kids in mind, including the tiniest and newest of littles, newborns. The company's diapers feature a wetness indicator to tell when it's time for a change, and an umbilical cord cut-out to prevent any irritation on newborns.
I tested a dozen diaper brands and found the Huggies Little Snugglers (for smaller and younger babies) and Huggies Little Movers (for older, larger babies and toddlers) were the best overall, because they comfortably fit many kids of different ages and genders, were highly absorbent and fit true to size.
It can be confusing to determine the difference between Newborn and 0-3 month clothes, but typically Newborn sizes cover babies in the 5-8 pound range while the 0-3 month sizes fit 8-12 pound children.
Use comfortably fitting—not tight—onesies, or just dress baby in diapers and T-shirts. Don't clean the stump unless it comes in contact with stool or other potential infectants. In that case, clean it with water and a mild soap, and dry it thoroughly. Leave it alone.
When Should You Pack Your Hospital Bag? You should have your hospital bag ready to go between weeks 32 and 35 of your pregnancy, in case your baby comes a bit earlier than expected. A good time to start the packing process is around the 28 week mark, or at the start of your 3rd trimester.