If your little one was born prematurely, you’ll have a lot on your mind, but finding the right diaper for your tiny tot shouldn’t be one of them. The good news is there are good preemie diapers out there that will fit your baby, so if you’re not sure how to find the right diaper and fit, we’ve got you. Read on to discover what preemie diapers are, how to pick the right size, and which preemie diapers to choose.

What Are Preemie Diapers

Preemie diapers are tiny diapers made for premature babies or preemies.

Premature babies are born before 37 weeks and typically weigh less than full-term babies. An average full-term baby weighs around 3000 grams, while premature babies weigh less than 2000 grams.

So, you might find that regular newborn diapers are just too big for your little preemie. That’s where preemie diapers come in. Preemie diapers are designed specifically for premature babies who don’t fit regular newborn diapers.

Can You Use Newborn Diapers For Preemie?

Because of the weight difference between preterm and full-term babies, newborn diapers will most likely be too big for preemies. In fact, your baby might need a diaper that’s nearly three times smaller than the regular diaper size, which is why a preemie diaper is the perfect choice for tiny premature babies.

What Size Are Preemie Diapers?

So, what size are preemie diapers? Well, just like regular diapers, preemie diapers also come in different sizes to ensure the right fit. The smallest preemie diaper size is meant for very premature babies, while the larger sizes can comfortably fit a moderately premature baby, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Here’s a quick guide to help you:

• Extremely premature babies (born before 28 weeks) may weigh around 1000 grams or less

• Very premature babies (between 28 to 32 weeks) weigh more than 1000 grams

• Moderate to late premature babies (32 to 37 weeks) weigh around 2200 grams

How Long Do Babies Stay In Preemie Diapers?

Your little one should wear preemie diapers for as long as they need them. Preemie diapers are designed to support your baby’s delicate skin and size. Pampers Preemies, for instance, have a contour fit core that adjusts to the hip width of your preemie to ensure comfort. As your baby grows, so will their preemie size.

Each child grows at a different rate, so readjust or change your baby’s diaper size based on the rate at which your little one grows.

Best Preemie Diapers

Getting the right diaper for your preemie is important in ensuring their comfort.

We recommend Pampers Swaddlers, which come in different sizes and have a dual leak-guard barrier to prevent leaks. They also have a BreatheFree Liner that is gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and tucks away wetness, keeping the skin cool.

With extra stretchy sides and an umbilical cord notch, Pampers preemie diapers ensure that your baby is gently cared for.

The Bottom Line

Like regular diapers, preemie diapers come in different sizes to perfectly suit your baby’s weight and size. Depending on how quickly they grow, feel free to size up your little one’s diapers. For a snug fit, try Pampers Swaddlers, which have a BreathFree Liner which wicks away wetness and allows your baby's skin to breathe, a dual leak-guard barrier along the leg cuff, and an umbilical cord notch to provide a comfortable fit and avoid leaks.

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_{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.}