If you're planning a baby shower or expecting a little one, you've probably wondered: how many diapers does a baby actually go through? The answer might surprise you. On average, a baby uses about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in the first year alone. Here's the breakdown by size.
Newborn (Up to 10 lbs) — ~360 diapers
Babies grow out of newborn diapers fast — usually within the first month. You'll go through about 10–12 diapers per day in those early weeks. Stock about 2–3 packs, but don't go overboard since babies outgrow this size quickly.
Size 1 (8–14 lbs) — ~480 diapers
This size typically lasts about 2 months. You're still changing 8–10 diapers per day. This is a great size for shower guests to bring since babies use a lot of them.
Size 2 (12–18 lbs) — ~480 diapers
Another 2-month size with about 8 changes per day. Size 2 is one of the most-used sizes, so stock up!
Size 3 (16–28 lbs) — ~660 diapers
Babies typically wear Size 3 for about 3 months, with 6–8 changes per day. This is the size most babies are in the longest during their first year.
Size 4 (22–37 lbs) — ~540 diapers
By now, changes slow down to about 6 per day. Size 4 lasts roughly 3 months and is another great stockpile size.
Size 5+ (27+ lbs) — Variable
Most babies reach Size 5 toward the end of their first year or beyond. Changes drop to 5–6 per day.
The Total: ~2,500+ Diapers
That's a LOT of diapers. At an average cost of $0.20–$0.35 per diaper, you're looking at $500–$900 in diaper costs in the first year alone.
How a Diaper Raffle Helps
This is exactly why diaper raffles are so popular at baby showers! A diaper raffle incentivizes guests to bring diapers by giving them a chance to win a prize. And with a digital diaper raffle from MyDiaperRaffle.com, it's never been easier.
Guests enter by saying how many diapers they're bringing, and they automatically get raffle tickets based on quantity. More diapers = more chances to win. It's a win-win: the parents get stocked up on diapers, and guests get a fun game to play. Looking for what to offer as a prize? We've rounded up the best diaper raffle prize ideas at every budget.
Tips for Stocking Up at Your Shower
- •Ask for a mix of sizes: Don't just request newborn diapers! Sizes 1–3 are the most useful
- •Mention "any size welcome": on your raffle: This takes the pressure off guests to guess the right size
- •Use a diapers-per-ticket ratio: With MyDiaperRaffle.com, you can set it so guests get 1 ticket per 10 diapers — motivating bigger packs
- •Store them properly: Keep diapers in a cool, dry place. They don't expire, so there's no rush to use them
Ready to stock up? Set up your digital diaper raffle at MyDiaperRaffle.com and let your shower guests help fill the diaper stash!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many diapers does a baby use per day?
Newborns go through 10–12 diapers a day, dropping to 8–10 in the first few months, then 6–8 by 6 months, and 5–6 by the end of year one. The total across the first 12 months is about 2,500–3,000 diapers. The first three months are the most diaper-intensive — buy more during that phase.
How many newborn diapers should I buy before the baby arrives?
Just 2–3 packs of newborn size — babies usually outgrow newborns within the first month, and some skip the size entirely if they're born on the larger side. Stock up on Size 1 and Size 2 instead, which last about 2 months each and see the most use during the early sleepless weeks.
What size diaper does a baby wear the longest?
Size 3 is the longest-worn size for most babies, typically lasting about 3 months between roughly 4 and 7 months of age. Size 4 is a close second at around 3 months too. Sizes 1 and 2 each last about 2 months, and newborn diapers are only used for about 3–4 weeks.
How many diapers should I ask for at my baby shower?
Aiming for 300–500 diapers from a diaper raffle is a realistic target for a 20–30 guest shower. That covers about 1–2 months of newborn-and-Size-1 use, saving the parents-to-be roughly $100–$180. A [digital diaper raffle](/blog/how-to-host-a-digital-diaper-raffle) helps motivate guests to bring bigger packs in exchange for more raffle tickets.
Do diapers expire?
Diapers don't technically expire, but the elastic and adhesives can degrade over time, especially in heat or humidity. Most brands recommend using them within 2 years of manufacture for best performance. Stockpiling 6–12 months worth at a shower is totally fine — beyond that, you're cutting it close.
How much does a year of diapers cost?
At an average $0.20–$0.35 per diaper and ~2,500 diapers used in year one, a year of diapers runs roughly $500–$900. The number climbs higher with name brands and lower with store brands or Subscribe & Save. That's exactly why diaper raffles are so popular — guests collectively cover a meaningful chunk of that bill.