How Many Wet Diapers Should a Newborn Have? 

Having a newborn baby can seem like a never-ending cycle of diaper changing and bottle or breastfeeding. But have you ever wondered how many wet diapers should a newborn have? 

Counting the number of wet and dirty diapers a newborn has daily is a great way to tell if they’re getting enough milk. Breastfed newborns have about three wet diapers during their first few days. 

The number of wet diapers each baby has will vary, but there are some general markers (see below) to help track your newborn’s hydration levels.

How Often Should a Newborn Pee? 

Within 12 to 24 hours after birth, your baby should have their first wet diaper. The first week after delivery, you can expect the following and of wet diapers 

• 1–2 wet diapers on day 1
• 2–4 wet diapers on days 2 and 3
• 4–6 wet diapers on day 4
• 6 or more wet diapers from day 5, onwards

It’s important to note that the amount your newborn pees is directly related to the fluid they ingest.

How Do You Know If a Newborn Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?

Besides keeping tabs on your newborn’s number of wet diapers a day, here are some other ways to tell if they’re getting enough milk: 

• The baby is gaining weight 
• You can hear or see them swallowing
• They’re happy and relaxed after feeding

How Do You Know If a Baby Is Dehydrated? 

If your newborn is not getting enough milk, they may become dehydrated. A sign they’re dehydrated is having a fewer number of wet diapers, but here are some other signs to look out for: 

• Cold, dry skin 
• Cracked lips
• Excessive sleepiness
• Sunken soft spot (fontanel) and eyes
• Unusual fussiness
• Fast heart rate or breathing
• No tears when crying

Final Thoughts

One week after birth, the number of wet diapers your newborn will have increases. With having to change them so frequently, it’s crucial to have soft and gentle diapers on their skin. Our hypoallergenic and eco-friendly bamboo diapers are naturally more absorbent and the perfect fit for newborns’ sensitive skin.