Newborns go through a lot of diapers — often 8 to 12 a day in the first weeks. But they also grow fast, so the trick is to buy lightly in the smallest sizes and more heavily in the middle ones.
A sensible starting stash
| Size | Typical weight | Roughly how many |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | up to 10 lb | 1 pack (or skip for bigger babies) |
| Size 1 | 8–14 lb | 2–3 large boxes |
| Size 2 | 12–18 lb | 3–4 large boxes |
| Size 3 | 16–28 lb | buy as you go |
Weight ranges vary slightly by brand, and sizes overlap on purpose. Move up when you see red marks at the legs, frequent leaks, or the tabs barely reaching.
Try before you stock up
Every baby is shaped a little differently. Buy a small pack of two brands first; keep receipts for unopened boxes so you can exchange for the next size.
Wipes
Wipes don't outgrow anyone. Buying them in bulk is the easy win — plan for several hundred a month early on, and keep a pack in every room you change in, plus the car.