Experienced parents already know their way around baby diaper sizes. Not only do they know the cost of diapers, they also have trusted diaper brands they can rely on. But for new parents, buying diapers can be tricky when you don’t know the right diaper size for your child. If you’re one of them, this helpful guide with a diaper size chart by age and weight will help you find the right one for your child.
At a Glance
- Baby diaper sizes are based not on a child’s age but on weight (lbs). Disposable diaper brands follow uniform sizing, while cloth and hybrid diaper brands do not.
- A baby’s diaper size will keep on changing as the child continues to grow. The diaper size chart overview below will help you.
- There are two main types of diapers – disposable and cloth diapers. A disposable diaper comes with an absorbent pad, which usually contains chemicals that can hold in liquid. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are made from absorbent fabrics that can be washed and reused.
- Parents shouldn’t pit disposable and cloth diapers against each other. What’s important is that the diaper is safe and comfortable for the baby. The diaper should also be affordable and convenient to use.
Baby Diaper Sizes Chart by Age
This table with diaper sizes by age and weight (lbs and kg) can provide you with a general overview so you can find the right diaper size for your child. In case you are using a specific brand, then please see the diaper size charts below.
| Diaper Size | Age | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| N | first few weeks only | Up to 10 lbs (< 4.5 kg) |
| 1 | 2-4 months | 8-14 lbs (4-6 kg) |
| 2 | 4-7 months | 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg) |
| 3 | 7-20 months | 16-28 lbs (7-13 kg) |
| 4 | 18-48 months | 22-37 lbs (9-17 kg) |
| 5 | older than 3 years | >27 lbs (>12 kg) |
| 6 | older than 4 years | > 35 lbs (>16 kg) |
If you decided to buy in bulk anyway, you might want to donate your unused diapers. You can give them to charity or to orphanages that need them.
Diaper Sizes Huggies
Below you can find the diaper sizes of Huggies. Huggies provide excellent care for your child. For small babies, you would likely choose Huggies Little Snugglers. As soon as your child has grown and started to walk, you can choose Huggies Little Movers.
| Diaper Size | Baby Weight (LBS.) | Huggies Little Snugglers | Huggies Snug & Dry | Huggies Snug & Dry Ultra | Huggies Little Movers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | < 6 | ✔ | |||
| N | < 10 | ✔ | |||
| 1 | < 14 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 2 | 12 - 18 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 3 | 16 - 28 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 | 22- 37 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5 | > 27 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 | > 35 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Diaper Sizes Pampers
The diaper sizes of Pampers basically follow the same scheme as other brands. However, Pampers also offers diaper sizes for older or bigger children with the Pampers Cruisers size 7.
| Diaper Size | Baby Weight (LBS.) | Pampers Swaddlers | Pampers Cruisers | Pampers Baby Dry | Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | < 6 | ✔ | |||
| N | < 10 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 1 | 8 - 14 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 2 | 12 - 18 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 3 | 16 - 28 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4 | 22- 37 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5 | > 27 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 6 | > 35 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| 7 | > 41 | ✔ |
Diaper Size Chart Charlie Banana
| Diaper Size | Age (months) | Weight (in.) | Thigh (in.) | Rise (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 0 - 2 | 5 - 10 | 3.5 - 5 | 6.25 |
| S | 0 - 6 | 7 - 18 | 5 - 10 | 13 |
| M | 5 - 24 | 15 - 30 | 9 - 13 | 15 |
| L | 20 - 36 | 25 - 45 | 12 - 16 | 16 |
Diaper Size Chart FuzziBunz
| Diaper Size | Age (months) | Weight (in.) | Thigh (in.) | Rise (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | Pre - 4 | 4 - 12 | 4 - 6 | 12 |
| S | 0-8 | 7 - 18 | 5 - 10 | 13 |
| M | 6 - 36 | 15 - 30 | 9 - 13 | 15 |
| L | 12+ | 25 - 45+ | 12 - 16 | 16 |
| Petite | 12+ | 25 - 30 | 9 - 12 | 16 |
| XL | 24+ | 45+ | 15 - 18 | 18 |
Diaper Size Chart Luvs
| Diaper Size | Age | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | First few weeks | Up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Size 1 | 2-4 mo | 8-14 lbs (4-6 kg) |
| Size 2 | 4-7 mo | 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg) |
| Size 3 | 7-12 mo | 16-28 lbs (7-13 kg) |
| Size 4 | 18-48 mo | 22-37 lbs (10-17 kg) |
| Size 5 | Older than 3 years | 27 lbs (over 12 kg) |
| Size 6 | Older than 4 years | 35 lbs (over 16 kg) |
Diaper Size Chart Goodnites
| Diaper Size | Clothing Size | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training pants | Toddlers | Up to 38 lbs (17 kg) | Up to 36 in (91.44 cm) |
| XS | 3y-5y | 28-45 lbs (13-21 kg) | Up to 44 in (111.76 cm) |
| S/M | 4y-8y | 38-65 lbs (17-29 kg) | Up to 48 in (121.92 cm) |
| L/XL | 8y-14y | 60-125 lbs (27-57 kg) | Up to 52 in (132 cm) |
Diaper Size Chart Mama Bear
| Diaper Size | Age | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | First few weeks | Up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| 1 | 2-4 mo | 8-14 lbs (4-6 kg) |
| 2 | 4-7 mo | 12-18 lbs (5-8 kg) |
| 3 | 7-12 mo | 16-28 lbs (7-13 kg) |
| 4 | 18-48 mo | 22-37 lbs (10-17 kg) |
| 5 | Older than 3 years | Over 27 lbs (above 12 kg) |
| 6 | Older than 4 years | Over 35 lbs (above 16 kg) |
Understanding Diaper Sizes – a Guide
The first thing you should know about baby diaper sizes is that they are based on the child’s weight (lbs). So a size is suitable for a given lbs range.
Aside from that, keep in mind that disposable diapers brands observe uniform sizing. Meanwhile, cloth and hybrid diapers do not. You should also expect that your baby’s diaper size will keep on changing as your baby continues to grow.
In the case of disposable diapers, various brands may indicate the age (e.g., preemie, newborn) of the intended end-user of a particular diaper product. However, you will still need to check the diaper’s weight range. Two competing brands may sell “Newborn” diapers, but they might have different weight ranges (lbs). As such, your child may be a “Newborn” size in one brand but may also be a Size 1 in another. Granted, there really isn’t much variation across brands. However, it’s more than likely that your baby will be more comfortable with the fit of one diaper brand over another.
Cloth and hybrid diaper brands usually follow general sizing (e.g., “Small,” “Medium,” “Large”). However, the intended age, weight range, and specific measurements of a particular diaper size may vary. A lot of brands also offer one-size-fits-all designs. This makes establishing a universal size chart for cloth diapers difficult.
And so, to determine the right diaper size for your baby, you must first take note of your child’s weight. Then, you need to decide what type of diaper you want to use. Will it be disposable, cloth, or hybrid?
When is the right time to change the size?
A larger diaper is due when the diaper can hardly be closed on the stomach, is very tight or your baby’s legs are “tied off”. Diapers that are too tight can cause sore spots that are painful for your child. Therefore, when opening the diaper, look for any pressure points or red stripes on the legs or hips. When closing the diaper, you can also make sure that one or two fingers still fit between the diaper and your baby’s body to make sure that it is not too tightly closed.
You can consider using larger diapers, even if the diaper itself is not yet too tight. This is because the size of the diaper usually increases the absorbency. If the recommended lbs of different diaper sizes overlap, it is best to choose the larger diaper to prevent leakage again.
What is a Baby Diaper?
Diapers are special underwear worn by babies and younger children while they still don’t know how to use the toilet. With a diaper, infants can freely defecate without soiling their baby bodysuits or their surroundings. Its absorbent materials absorb and lock in the waste products. Babies empty their bladders and bellies multiple times in a day. As such, they need regular changing and care to stay clean.
Types of Baby Diapers
The following are the two main types of diapers:
- Disposable baby diapers – These baby diapers are made from disposable materials. They also come with an absorbent pad which usually contains chemicals that can hold in liquid.
- Cloth baby diapers – These baby diapers are made from absorbent fabrics that can be washed and reused.
Tips for Choosing the Right Baby Diaper Size
- #1: Do not get a fit that is too snug for your baby. If the diaper leaves red marks on the skin, then your child is wearing the wrong size.
- #2: If you find it difficult to attach a diaper’s sticky flaps or fasteners, it is time to change sizes.
- #3: Don’t buy diapers that fit too low at the back because they cause leaks. This is usually a sign that it’s time to upgrade his current diaper size.
- #4: To ensure a proper fit, check the baby’s legs and waist to see if it is snug enough. You should be able to stick in and move a finger between the elastic and the skin.
- #5: The topmost part of the diaper should be at least 2 inches below the baby’s navel.
Some people believe that disposable diapers contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to infants. Sad to say, this notion is not completely misguided as it is backed up by research. One study has shown that exposure to the dyes added to disposable diapers causes allergic reactions like rashes. They reportedly contain traces of Dioxin, a toxic chemical produced from the bleaching process of diapers. It is linked to cancer as well as several reproductive and developmental problems.
However, it is worth noting that another study determined that the dioxins found in various diaper brands were at very low levels. Hence, it is also possible that disposable diapers do not really pose a serious health risk to your baby.
Disposable vs. Cloth Diapers – Which Is Better?
Parents shouldn’t pit disposable and cloth diapers against each other. Deciding on what type of diaper to buy all boils down to the beliefs and lifestyle of the family concerned. What works for one doesn’t necessarily have to apply for all. What’s important is that the diaper is safe and comfortable for the baby. And as for the parents, what matters is that the diaper they buy is affordable and convenient to use. That’s why many prefer using a combination of both. When at home, there are babies that wear mostly cloth diapers since they are cheaper. But when the family is traveling, using disposable diapers is the more convenient option for the parents.
When is the right time to change the size of the diaper?
A diaper is due for a size change when it can hardly be closed on the stomach, very tight and your baby’s legs look “tied off”. To check whether the diaper is too tight, look for pressure points or red stripes on the legs or hips of your baby. Make sure that one or two fingers can also fit between the diaper and the body to make sure that it is not too tight.
Which is better, disposable or cloth diapers?
There is no one answer to whether disposable or cloth diaper is better. It always depends on the lifestyle of the family, although a combination of both is commonly done. When at home, some wear cloth diapers since they are cheaper, but they switch to disposable diapers when traveling for convenient.
How do you find the right diaper size?
The right diaper size for your baby is based on the child’s weight and not on age. Disposable diaper brands follow uniform sizing, while cloth and hybrid diaper brands do not. A diaper size is usually suitable for a given weight range.
What are the diaper sizes per age?
Baby diaper sizes are not dependent on age but on the child’s weight, although different brands offer approximate sizes for each age group. Diaper sizes come in size N to 6 for use of newborns until over 4 years old. By weight, the smallest will fit up to 10 lbs baby to less than 35 lbs.