What size diapers do babies wear the longest?

Answered by Antonio Sutton

Based on my personal experience as a parent and the general recommendation, babies tend to wear size 3 diapers for the longest duration. Size 3 diapers are typically suitable for babies who weigh between 16 to 28 pounds or around 7 to 13 kilograms. This size range usually covers babies from around 5 to 18 months old, depending on their growth rate.

When babies are born, they usually fit into newborn-sized diapers, which are designed for infants weighing up to 10 pounds or 4.5 kilograms. However, newborn diapers are quickly outgrown within the first few weeks or months, as babies grow rapidly during this period. Hence, it is advisable to purchase only a moderate amount of newborn diapers, around 2 to 3 packs of 140 diapers, as they are typically used for up to 1.5 months.

After the newborn stage, babies usually progress to size 1 and size 2 diapers, which are suitable for babies weighing between 8 to 14 pounds (3.5 to 6 kilograms) and 12 to 18 pounds (5 to 8 kilograms), respectively. These sizes are generally used for a couple of months, depending on the individual baby’s growth rate.

Once babies reach around 16 pounds or 7 kilograms, they often transition to size 3 diapers. This size provides a comfortable fit and ample absorbency for most babies as they continue to grow and explore their surroundings. Size 3 diapers are typically used until babies weigh around 28 pounds or 13 kilograms, which can be anywhere from 12 to 18 months old, again depending on the individual child’s growth pattern.

It’s important to note that every baby is unique and may progress through diaper sizes at different rates. Some babies may stay in a particular size for a longer or shorter period of time. Therefore, it’s a good idea to monitor your baby’s growth and check the fit of their diapers regularly to ensure they are still suitable.

To estimate the number of diapers needed for size 3, it is recommended to have a supply of around 7 to 10 diapers per day. This will account for regular diaper changes and any unexpected situations. Considering that babies may be in size 3 diapers for several months, it is advisable to purchase a larger quantity of size 3 diapers compared to smaller sizes.

Size 3 diapers are typically worn by babies for the longest duration, from around 5 to 18 months old. It is recommended to purchase a sufficient supply of size 3 diapers, considering the average number of diaper changes per day, to ensure you have an adequate stock. As always, it’s important to monitor your baby’s growth and adjust diaper sizes accordingly to ensure a comfortable fit.