How Often to Change a Newborn's Diaper: What to Know

Not sure how often to change your baby’s diaper or whether it’s better to change the diaper before or after feeding, especially at night? You’re not alone. In the early days, diapering may feel like a full-time job, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How wet and soiled diaper patterns can change in the first few weeks

• What’s normal when it comes to newborn poop and pee

• Tips for nighttime diapering

• How to approach diaper changes before or after feedings

• What to look out for—and when to call your baby’s healthcare provider.

Let’s start with a quick look at what diaper changes might look like in the early weeks.

How Many Diaper Changes Does Your Newborn Need Per Day?

Understanding what’s normal for your newborn’s diaper habits can help make those late-night changes a little less uncertain. Here's a quick overview of what to expect in the first few weeks:

What’s Normal in the First 48 Hours

In the first two days after birth, most babies will only have one to two wet diapers a day. This is entirely normal as their fluid intake is just beginning, and your milk supply may still be transitioning. Stools can vary at this stage—some babies poop within hours, while others take a bit longer.

When they do go, you’ll likely see meconium, a thick, black, tar-like substance that’s been stored in your little one’s intestines during pregnancy. It may look alarming, but it’s normal. As your baby starts feeding, especially on breast milk, this early milk acts like a laxative and helps clear the meconium. Within a few days, poop softens and changes color—often becoming yellow, yellow-green, or tan. 

It’s worth noting that some newborn’s poop may be delayed 24 hours or more.

What to Expect in the First Week

By the end of your litte one’s first week, you’ll typically see at least one poop per day. If your baby hasn’t pooped by this point, it’s best to reach out to your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out any feeding or digestive issues.

Diapering Through Weeks Three to Six

As your baby grows and feeds more efficiently, you’ll probably notice six to eight heavy, wet diapers per day and three to five bowel movements. However, there’s a wide range of normal when it comes to pooping.

Some healthy babies may go a few days without a bowel movement, and that’s generally not a concern if:

• Your baby still has six to eight wet diapers daily

• They’re gaining weight along their growth curve

• Their belly feels soft and not bloated

• The poop, when it comes, is plentiful in amount.

What to Expect at Five Weeks and Beyond

Around five to six weeks, many babies settle into a routine of around five to six wet diapers per day and one or two bowel movements. But again, there’s flexibility here.

Between two and three months, it’s completely normal for breastfed babies to poop much less frequently. Some go three to four days, and a few might even go up to a week between poops, especially if they’re feeding well, gaining weight, and seem comfortable. As long as their stool isn’t dry, hard, or painful to pass, this can be a normal variation.

How Often to Change a Newborn’s Diaper

So, how often should you change a newborn’s diaper? Experts recommend changing your newborn’s diaper as often as needed. Why? Your little one may urinate as frequently as every one to three hours, and have between two and five poops (bowel movements) a day. And there are a few health reasons to consider as well:

• Overly wet diapers left on too long can contribute to the risk of diaper rash—one of the four leading causes of diaper rash—which also includes overhydration, poop left on the skin, increased pH, and friction.

• Leftover bacteria may lead to a bladder infection (which is generally more common in girls because their urethra is shorter and in closer proximity to their anus). 

Plus, a soiled diaper can cause leaks, and the mess can spread to your little one’s clothes, crib, car seat—you name it! The simplest way to avoid the mess is with frequent diaper changes.

Still, changing diapers around the clock may leave you feeling as though that’s all you’re doing. Try not to let diaper changes consume your daily routine; simply be mindful of when your baby's diaper may need changing.

Diaper Change: Before or After Feeding?

You may be wondering whether it’s best to do a diaper change before or after feeding. The answer often depends on your little one’s routine and your own.

If you're breastfeeding, a good moment to check the diaper is when switching from one breast to the other. That way, your baby stays comfortable during the rest of the feed, and you won’t have to wake them up if they fall asleep after. For bottle-feeding, check the diaper just before starting and again after the feed, if your little one is still awake. If they’ve drifted off and the diaper isn’t heavily soiled, it’s usually fine to let them rest.

As your little one grows and their feeding schedule changes, especially when you begin introducing solids, you may notice fewer wet diapers throughout the day. That’s normal. Still, continue checking every few hours and constantly change them after a poop to help prevent irritation.

For more information on feeding transitions, refer to this helpful article on baby feeding schedules. For milestones like crawling, explore further details on baby development.

How Often “Should” You Change a Newborn’s Diaper at Night

At night, diaper changes can feel a bit more uncertain, especially if your baby is finally asleep and you're wondering, “Should I change the diaper before or after feeding at night?” The good news is: it’s okay not to change your baby every time they stir. If they aren’t overly wet and their diaper isn’t soiled, you can likely let them sleep.

That said, it’s still a good idea to change a poopy diaper, even at night, to help prevent irritation or diaper rash.

For peace of mind at night, pairing a reliable overnight diaper with regular daytime changes can help keep your baby dry, rested, and rash-free.

If you’re dealing with leaks or blowouts, make sure the diaper fits well around the legs and waist. For more guidance, you can read this helpful article on how to prevent leaks and blowouts.

Diaper Changing Tips

New to diapering? Don’t worry—every parent starts somewhere. With a little practice and a few helpful tips, you’ll be confidently changing diapers before you know it.

Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need so it’s all within easy reach:

• A clean diaper, such as Pampers Swaddlers, that fits just right. Use this handy diaper size and weight chart to find the best fit for your baby.

• Gentle baby wipes. Pampers® Sensitive Baby Wipes are specially designed for the delicate skin of newborns.

• A changing pad—disposable options can be handy when you're out and about.

• Diaper rash ointment to help prevent irritation. If you’re unsure which kind to use, consult your baby’s healthcare provider for personalized advice. You can also explore this article on diaper rash care and treatment for more information.

It’s helpful to keep your diapering essentials organized and in one spot, whether you’re at home or on the go. You’ll be changing diapers quite a bit, so having a well-stocked station can make things a lot easier. Need inspiration? Take a look at our diapering station image below for setup ideas.

How to Change a Diaper

Here are some quick steps on how to change a baby’s diaper. For more guidance, explore our full article on how to change a baby’s diaper.

• Remove the used diaper and dispose of it properly.

• Gently clean your baby’s diaper area using wipes or a damp cloth.

• Apply a diaper rash ointment or barrier cream if needed, especially if you notice any redness or irritation.

• Lift your baby’s legs and slide a fresh diaper underneath. Pull the front of the diaper up between their legs and place it flat across their belly.

• Fasten the diaper securely by closing the wings and sealing the tapes evenly. To check the fit, slide two fingers between the diaper and your baby’s tummy—this ensures it’s snug, but not too tight.

And if you’re more of a visual learner, watch the video below for a helpful, step-by-step demonstration.

The Bottom Line

Diapering your newborn might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with time, it becomes second nature. From understanding how often to change your baby to knowing what’s normal in those first few weeks, every diaper change is a small step in learning your baby’s needs and rhythms.

And while you’re going through all those changes—literally—you can earn rewards along the way. Download the Pampers Rewards App to collect Pampers Cash for every Pampers diaper purchase and redeem them for helpful discounts and digital offers.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}