For a healthy newborn, the general guidance is that wet diapers should increase over the first days and reach about 6 or more per day by the time you’re in the first week or so. Here’s a practical breakdown you can use as a reference, keeping in mind there can be small variations between babies:
- Day 1: typically 1 wet diaper
- Day 2: about 2–3 wet diapers
- Day 3: around 3–4 wet diapers
- Day 4: about 4–6 wet diapers
- Day 5 and onward: usually 6 or more wet diapers per day
Tips:
- Track the diapers to gauge how well your baby is feeding. A consistent increase in wet diapers generally indicates adequate intake.
- Wet diapers don’t need to be fully soaked to count; a damp diaper with a yellow, pale color is common.
- In the first weeks, some babies may have fewer wet diapers if milk supply isn’t fully established yet. Breastfed babies often reach 6+ wet diapers per day once milk supply is well established; formula-fed babies may also reach this range as they grow.
- If you notice a sudden drop in wet diapers, signs of dehydration (very dark urine, sunken fontanelle, dry mouth, lethargy) or if you’re concerned about feeding, contact a pediatrician promptly.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to whether you’re primarily breastfeeding or formula-feeding, or to a specific age in days.
