The first days with a newborn are about getting to know each other — and about changing diapers more often than you thought possible. A newborn needs 8–12 diaper changes a day. That means the material against the skin matters a lot, and that the right size matters more than what the brand costs.
This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know: size, material, leak protection and what baby skin actually needs in the first few weeks.
What diaper size for newborns?
Diapers are sized by weight. Most newborns fit in size The Mini or The Newborn, but it depends on how big your baby is at birth.
|
Size |
Weight — suitable for |
|
The Mini |
Up to 3–5 kg, for the very smallest |
|
The Newborn |
Up to 4-7 kg, fits most newborns |
|
The Baby |
6–9 kg, the most common size in the first few months |
|
The Toddler |
8-14 kg, for when your baby starts outgrowing The Baby |
Heads up! Never buy six months' worth of The Mini. Many babies skip straight to The Newborn if they're born over 4 kg. One monthly box of The Mini is usually just right before moving up to The Newborn.
What should a newborn's diaper be made of?
A newborn's skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin — it absorbs substances more easily and reacts faster to irritation. That's why the innermost layer of the diaper, the one that sits directly against the skin, matters so much.
Plastic film against the skin
Most conventional diapers have an innermost layer of polyethylene plastic. It does the job when it comes to absorption, but it can be less breathable and, in sensitive newborns, may contribute to a moisture-trapping microclimate and diaper rash.
Bamboo fibers against the skin
Bammies have bamboo fibers directly against the skin — a natural material with softer fibers and effective breathability. It draws moisture away from the skin instead of trapping it, which matters most during those long nights.
Tip: Newborns have small bladders and poop often. Always choose fragrance-free diapers without lotion — additives are a common cause of rashes in newborns.
The umbilical cord stump in the first weeks
The umbilical cord stump falls off within 1–3 weeks. During that time, it's important that the diaper doesn't rub against the navel. Many diaper brands have a notch in the edge for this — look for it when you choose.
Bammies diapers come in size The Mini with a navel cut-out, designed for newborns in their first weeks.
How do you know the diaper fits right?
• Two fingers should fit at the waist — any tighter and you're playing with fire
• The leg cuffs should lie flat against the skin without digging in
• The front should reach up to the navel (or cover the cut-out)
• The diaper leaks along the legs — the legs are too loose or the size is too small
• The diaper leaks at the back — the size is too small or the diaper isn't on properly
How many diapers a day does a newborn need?
Expect 8–12 diaper changes a day in the first few weeks. That gradually settles to 6–8 around 1–3 months of age. With a Bammies subscription, The Mini and The Newborn come with 200–216 diapers, sized for a full month's use.
Common questions about diapers for newborns
Can I use the same diaper day and night for a newborn?
Yes — newborns need frequent changes no matter the time of day. There's no reason to have night-specific diapers for a newborn. Once your baby starts sleeping longer stretches (usually 3–6 months), you can think about diapers with extra leak protection at night.
Should I buy diapers in advance?
Buy a small pack of The Mini and The Newborn before your baby is born. Hold off on stocking up too much — your baby's birth weight decides which size fits, and you won't know that until your baby is here.
Bamboo diaper or regular diaper for a newborn?
If your baby has sensitive skin, eczema runs in the family, or you want to avoid plastic directly against the skin, a bamboo diaper is a better choice from day one. Bammies offers a money-back guarantee if the diaper causes diaper rash.