Choosing the right diaper size: buying guide
From birth to around 2/3 years, your baby will need diapers. It's also during this period that your baby will grow and his diaper size will change. Indeed, as your baby grows, it's essential to change diaper sizes too, so that they remain adapted to his or her morphology and don't leak. What size should you choose for your baby? How do you know if you should go up to the next size? We answer all your questions in this article.
How do I choose the right diaper size for my baby?
Here's a guide to help you choose your diaper size:
Size |
Weight |
Age |
From 2 to 5 kg |
For newborns, up to about 2 or 3 months |
|
From 3 to 6 kg |
For newborns up to around 3 months |
|
From 4 to 9 kg |
From 3 to 6 months |
|
From 7 to 18 kg |
From 6 to 10 months |
|
Diaper size 4+ |
From 9 to 20 kg |
From 10 to 18 months |
From 11 to 25 kg |
For babies over 18 months |
|
After 2/3 years, when your baby is potty-trained, we recommend training pants. |
||
For premature or smaller babies, we also offer size 0 di apers for babies weighing around 1 to 2 kg.
According to weight
To choose the right diaper size, you need to refer to your baby's weight and morphology.
As you can see from the chart, diaper sizes overlap. In fact, weight is not the only reference you need to take into account when choosing your diapers.
According to size
Some babies weighing 5 kg will be comfortable in a size 2 diaper, while others will be perfectly uncomfortable in a size 3.
In case of doubt, if your baby falls between two sizes, it's best to take the next size up.
Age is not the key to choosing the right diaper size for your baby's bottom. Every baby has his or her own particular build, and some are smaller than others.
After 3 years: training pants
After diapers, it's time to move on to the training pants for your baby. They're the perfect mix of a diaper and classic underwear forpotty training.
It slips on like a pair of pants, but has a diaper-like absorbent fabric to keep your child dry until the next diaper change. This gives your child greater freedom and protects him or her from all the little accidents of everyday life!
How do I check that the diaper is the right size?
To make sure your diaper is the right size, here are a few things to consider:
- When a diaper is the right size, the elastic waistband reaches below your navel;
- On the legs, the elastic should be lightly tightened;
- When it's time to remove your baby's diaper, if you notice red marks, it means the diaper is too small.
There are several things to consider when choosing the right size diaper. First of all, you need to make sure that your baby is neither too tight, which could make marks on his skin and hinder his movements, nor too loose, which could lead to leaks.
A tip for checking that your baby's diaper is the right size: simply check that you can fit two fingers between your baby's tummy and his diaper. If the fasteners cross, it also means that the diaper is too big, and conversely, if the fasteners are too close, it means that the diaper is too small and squeezes your baby too much.
As a general rule, if you don't notice any leaks, you've chosen the right size.
When should I change my baby's diaper size?
As your baby grows, you need to change his diaper size. But when exactly should it be changed?
There are several signs that tell you it's time to change to the next size up:
- If you can no longer slip two fingers under the waistband of the diaper after putting it on your baby;
- If your baby's bottom is not completely covered, you can switch to the next size up;
- If you notice red marks on your baby's tummy or thighs, this means the diaper is too tight and you should choose the next size up;
- If your baby is prone to diaper rash, your diapers are probably too small;
- If your baby himself gives you the impression of being embarrassed by his diaper (for example, if he pulls on it);
- If the diaper's adhesive elastics reach the center of the waistband.
How many diapers does your baby use every day?
Babies use different numbers of diapers depending on their age. In fact, in the first few months of life, diapers need to be changed very regularly (every two hours or so), or with each bowel movement. It's very important to change your baby's diapers regularly, as this will help prevent diaper rash and other redness that may appear on your child's bottom and/or thighs.
It's estimated that, on average, during the first six months, diaper changes are very frequent, with around six to eight diapers used per day. This figure drops to five diapers a day between six months and a year, then to 3/4 diapers a day between one and two years, and finally to 2-3 until your child is potty-trained.
These are averages, of course, as every baby is different.
Are leaks linked to diaper size?
Leaks can happen for a number of reasons. For one thing:
- If the diaper is too small or too big, i.e. the wrong size is chosen, leaks can occur;
- If the chosen size is too small, the diaper won't be able to absorb all your baby's stool and urine;
- If, on the other hand, the diaper is too large, leaks may occur, and stool and urine may leak from the sides, where the diaper is not tight enough;
- If the leg elastics are not tight enough, leakage may also occur.
What size diaper should I choose at birth?
Depending on your newborn's weight, a size 1 diaper may not be suitable at birth. Generally, the choice is between a size 1 or 2 diaper at birth for a full-term baby. If ultrasound scans show that your unborn child is in good health, consider buying size 2 diapers in anticipation.
In any case, even if your baby wears a size 1 in the maternity ward, this purchase won't be wasted, because sooner or later he'll have to change to the next size up!
Diaper size FAQs
How can I find out the size of a diaper I've already bought?
Diaper sizes are indicated on diaper packages. You'll also find the average weight of a baby using these diapers, as well as the quantity in the pack.
How do I know if I need to change my baby's diaper size?
Your baby grows in growth spurts. To find out when to change your baby's diaper, please refer to our diaper size guide. Signs such as red marks when changing diapers should tell you that the diapers have become too small.
How do I know if my baby's diaper is too small?
If, when you change your baby's diaper, you notice red marks on the buttocks, thighs or waistband of the diaper, this means that the diaper is too tight and therefore too small. If you also notice leaks, they may be due to a lack of absorption if the diaper is too small.
