Diaper Calculator
Find out exactly how many diapers you'll need from newborn through potty training — broken down by size with quantity estimates and total cost so you can plan your registry and budget.
When do you plan to start potty training?
Common timelines
Diaper questions
How many diapers does a newborn use per day?
Newborns typically use 8–12 diapers per day in the first few weeks, averaging around 10 per day. Diaper usage decreases as babies grow — by 6 months, most babies use 6–8 per day, and by toddlerhood it drops to 4–6 per day. Plan for higher frequency in the early weeks.
How many diapers do I need for the first year?
Most parents use approximately 2,000–2,500 diapers in the first year. This breaks down as roughly 300–400 newborn diapers, 600–800 Size 1–2 diapers, and 1,000–1,200 Size 3–4 diapers across the rest of the first year. Total first-year diaper costs typically run $800–$1,500 depending on brand and whether you use subscriptions or bulk purchases.
Should I stock up on newborn diapers before birth?
Be conservative with newborn diapers — many babies skip this size quickly, and some large newborns never fit them at all. A safe approach: buy one box (50–60 diapers) of newborns before birth and have Size 1 on hand for when baby grows. Stock up aggressively on Size 2 and 3, since babies spend the most time in those sizes.
How long are babies in each diaper size?
The timing varies by baby weight and brand, but average durations: Newborn (1–4 weeks), Size 1 (4–12 weeks), Size 2 (3–4 months), Size 3 (8–10 months — the longest stay), Size 4 (8–10 months), Size 5 (varies), Size 6+ (until potty training). Size 3 is where most babies spend the majority of their first two years.
What's cheaper — diaper subscription or buying in bulk at the store?
Diaper subscriptions (Amazon Subscribe & Save, Grove Collaborative, Honest Company) typically save 10–20% versus regular store prices. Buying store-brand diapers in bulk at Costco or Sam's Club is often the cheapest option overall — Kirkland Signature and Member's Mark diapers consistently test well and cost 15–25 cents per diaper versus 22–30 cents for name brands.
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