How Many Nappies Does a Baby Use? A Guide by Age

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the nappy aisle thinking “How many of these are we actually going to get through…?”… You’re not alone.

It’s one of the most asked questions by expecting and first‑time parents, and a hot topic at baby expos for good reason. Babies go through a lot of nappies in their first years, and knowing what to expect can help you plan, budget, and even choose the best nappy size with confidence.

This guide breaks down:

1. How many nappies babies use per day at each stage
2. What kind of wees and poos are normal as babies grow 
3. Why every baby is different, and why that’s okay

💜 This is a general guide only. Every baby is unique, and nappy needs can vary based on feeding, growth spurts and sensitivities.

Newborn Stage (0–6 weeks) 

Average nappies per day: 8–12 nappies 

Newborns have tiny tummies and feed often, which means lots of changes, day and night.

What’s happening at this stage?  

• Wees: Frequent and light 
• Poos: Soft, sticky and dark (meconium in the early days, then turning yellow or greenish depending on feeding) 
• Nappies need frequent changing to help keep delicate newborn skin dry and comfortable 
• As soon as you see the handy wetness indicator turn from yellow to blue/green, it’s change time 

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💡 Tip: This stage typically flies by quickly, so you may not need to stockpile too many newborn packs. 

Infant Stage (1–6 months)

Average nappies per day: 6–10 nappies

As feeding patterns settle, you may notice slightly fewer changes, but still plenty each day.

What’s happening at this stage?  

• Wees: Still frequent, with more volume
• Poos: Softer and more predictable than newborn days
• Longer stretches between changes are common, especially overnight
• Babies grow quickly during this stage, so it’s common to move through nappy sizes faster than expected.

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Older Baby Stage (6–12 months) 

Average nappies per day: 5–8 nappies 

With solids introduced, things start to change… especially when it comes to poo! 

What’s happening at this stage?  

• Wees: Fewer, but heavier
• Poos: Firmer, stronger smelling, and less frequent
• Babies may stay in one size a little longer as growth steadies
• This is often when parents start thinking about nappy pants, especially for wriggly babies on the move.

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Read more to know why and when to move from tab nappies to nappy pants? 

Toddler Stage (12 months+) 

Average nappies per day: 4–6 nappies 

Toddlers are busy, active and learning new skills, including early toilet training. 

What’s happening at this stage?  

• Wees: Heavier, but fewer 
• Poos: More predictable 
• Many families switch fully to nappy pants for easier changes 

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A Quick Nappy Usage Snapshot 

Baby Stage	Average Nappies per Day
Newborn (0–6 weeks)	8 – 12
Infant (1–6 months)	6 – 10
Older Baby (6–12 months)	5 – 8
Toddler (12+ months)	4 – 6

Remember: growth spurts, illness and teething can all temporarily increase nappy usage. 

Buying or Gifting Nappies? Here’s What to Know 

If you’re gifting nappies to new parents: 

• Size 2–4 tend to be the safest bet (babies stay in them longer)
• Avoid stocking up on too many newborn (size 1) packs as many babies grow out of this size sooner than expected.
• Include a gift receipt if possible (just in case!)

And if you end up with extra unopened nappies, donating them can make a real difference. 

Where to donate nappies in Australia 

• The Nappy Collective – supports families in crisis 
• Our Village – helps babies and children in need 

Both accept unopened nappies in all sizes. 

Babies go through thousands of nappies in their early years but knowing what’s typical at each stage can make planning feel far less overwhelming. 

Whether you’re preparing for your own baby or gifting nappies to someone you love, we hope this guide helps you feel a little more ready, so you can love the little things that matter most.