A newborn's wet diaper count typically increases as they grow during the first week of life. Here's a general guideline:
- Day 1: Expect 1 wet diaper within 12 to 24 hours after birth.
- Day 2: At least 2 wet diapers.
- Days 3 to 5: About 3 to 5 wet diapers per day.
- Day 6 and beyond: At least 6 to 8 wet diapers daily, sometimes up to 10 or more.
This pattern applies to both breastfed and bottle-fed babies, though breastfed babies may have fewer wet diapers in the first few days until milk supply increases
. By the end of the first week, having 6 or more wet diapers per day is a good sign that your baby is well hydrated and feeding adequately
. If your baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers a day after the first week or goes more than 8 hours without urinating, it may be a sign of dehydration, and you should consult a healthcare provider
. In summary, monitoring wet diapers is a practical way to ensure your newborn is getting enough fluids, with the expected number increasing from 1-2 on day 1 to 6-8 or more by day 6 and onward.
