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Diaper Sizes by Age Guide: Diaper Size and Weight Chart

Updated
Size matters, so we’ve created the ultimate diaper sizes guide.

Did you know that most diapers are sized by weight and not age? One thing everyone realizes when they become parents is how much babies poop and pee. Diapers are essential, and the right fit is crucial to avoid stained clothes.

Fitting diapers isn’t like buying a T-shirt — you can’t try them on in the store. And let’s not kid ourselves — they’re pricey. Just remember, the most expensive brands aren’t necessarily the best.

Key Takeaways

  • Diapers are sized by weight, not age, and finding the right fit is essential to avoid leaks and stained clothes.
  • Don’t buy too many diapers in bulk for newborns because they’ll outgrow them quickly, and sizes vary between brands.
  • Popular disposable diaper brands like Pampers, Huggies, Mama Bear, Luvs, and Honest offer size charts for their different types of diapers.
  • Overnight diapers with extra absorbency are necessary for babies who have accidents at night. Some diaper brands offer bedtime underwear in larger sizes for older children who still have bedwetting accidents.


Diaper Sizes By Age

The table below can help you find the right fit for your baby in case you don’t have a preferred brand yet. However, use it only as a general overview.

Diaper Size Age Weight
N Newborn to the first weeks Up to 10 pounds
1 Two to four months 8 to 14 pounds
2 Four to seven months 12 to 18 pounds
3 Seven to 12 months 16 to 28 pounds
4 18 to 48 months 22 to 37 pounds
5 3 years and up 27 pounds and up
6 4 years and up 35 pounds and up

Be Moderate

If you’re expecting, avoid buying diapers in bulk for your newborn. Measurements vary between brands, and your little one will likely grow out of the newborn and size 1 diapers quickly. Buy a small stock, and do some testing the first few days after delivery.

Disposable Diaper Sizes

Disposable diapers are one of the most popular choices among new parents. They offer the convenience of less cleaning and quick changing.

Here are size guides to some of the top brands.

Pampers Swaddlers Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Swaddlers Diapers - Size 1, One Month Supply (198 Count), Ultra Soft... Pampers Swaddlers come with various features suitable for different ages — they’re even available in a preemie size. The newborn diapers offer an umbilical cord notch, and larger sizes have wetness indicators.

Weight Size
Up to 6 pounds Preemie
Up to 10 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Huggies Little Movers Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Overnites Nighttime Diapers, Size 3, 80 Ct Huggies Little Movers feature a SnugFit waistband, leak lock system, contoured shape, double grip strips, and a dry-touch liner. They also include a SizeUp indicator, so you can easily see when it’s time to change sizes.

Weight Size
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 and up Size 5
35 and up Size 6

Mama Bear Size Chart

Product Image of the Amazon Brand - Mama Bear Gentle Touch Diapers, Hypoallergenic, Size 1, 49 Count,... Mama Bear is an Amazon-owned brand. The diapers provide optimal leakage protection and added comfort with their hypoallergenic, soft, breathable materials. They’re an excellent fit for both day and night and include a wetness indicator to show you when it’s time to change.

Weight Size
Up to 10 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Pampers Pure Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Pure Protection Diapers - Size 3, One Month Supply (168 Count),... Pampers Pure diapers are free of all chemicals, including bleach, fragrances, and parabens. The hypoallergenic, cotton-enhanced materials are soft and highly absorbent. They also contain Pampers leak protection and a wetness indicator, keeping your little one snug and dry.

Weight Size
Up to 10 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Luvs Ultra Leakguards Size Chart

Product Image of the Luvs diapers, Size 5 Diapers 80 Count Luvs Ultra Leakguards, with their Nightlock super absorbency, are more than ample as an overnight diaper. They feature triple leak guards and soft material to keep your little one comfy. The tabs are large, so fastening is secure.

The diapers come with a wetness indicator, stretchy sides, and cute designs.

Weight Size
Up to 10 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Huggies Snug & Dry Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Size 4 Diapers, Snug & Dry Baby Diapers, Size 4 (22-37 lbs), 180 Count... From wet to dry in ten seconds, Huggies Snug & Dry diapers feature a leak lock system and a quilted liner. The diapers include four layers of absorbing and protecting material to ensure your baby is as comfy as they can get.

The diapers are free of bleach, scents, and lotions, which can cause issues with your baby’s skin.

Weight Size
Up to 10 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Honest Diapers Size Chart

Product Image of the The Honest Company Clean Conscious Diapers | Plant-Based, Sustainable | Above It... The Honest Company diapers are almost too cute to dispose of. They come in various stylish patterns and colors. They’re super soft and have high absorbency. The diapers can hold 17 times their weight in fluid, which is locked in to ensure optimal leak protection.

Weight Size
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Bambo Nature Size Chart

Product Image of the Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Baby Diapers Classic for Sensitive Skin, Size 3 (11-20... Bambo Nature diapers feature hypoallergenic materials that are highly absorbent. It’s a three-layer design with a breathable outer sheet, reducing the risk of rashes and other skin irritations.

Weight Size
4 to 8 pounds Newborn 1
6 to 13 pounds Mini 2
11 to 19 pounds Midi 3
15 to 39 pounds Maxi 4
26 to 48 pounds Junior 5
35 to 66 pounds XL 6

Pampers Cruisers Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Cruisers Diapers - Size 7, One Month Supply (88 Count), Disposable... Pampers Cruisers are for active babies — they feature a stay-put waist with integrated ultra-strong grips. This makes them much stretchier than any other Pampers diaper. They are highly absorbent — providing up to 12 hours of protection.

Weight Size
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6
41 pounds and up Size 7

Huggies Little Snugglers Size Chart

Product Image of the Baby Diapers Size 1 (8-14 lbs), 198ct, Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers Huggies Little Snugglers are specially formulated to suit sensitive skin — they’re breathable and free of irritants such as scents and parabens. They are soft and come with an additional layer to absorb fluids. The newborn and preemie sizes have an umbilical cord cutout to allow your baby to heal.

Weight Size
1 to 5 pounds Preemie
6 to 9 pounds Newborn
8 to 14 pounds Size 1
12 to 18 pounds Size 2
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Overnight Diaper Sizes

Babies don’t hold back, even during the night. At nighttime, extra absorbency is a requirement we can’t ignore, and many times, standard diapers just don’t cut it.

Below, we’ve also included size guides for bedtime underwear if your child often has accidents.

Huggies Overnites Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Overnites Nighttime Diapers, Size 6, 48 Ct Huggies Overnites help reduce nighttime changes with their double leak guard, providing up to 12 hours of absorbency. They have a SnugFit waistband to prevent leakage and double grip strips for a snug, protected fit. To lock in the wetness, there are embossed inner liners and a breathable outer cover.

Weight Size
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

GoodNites Bedtime Underwear Size Chart

Product Image of the Goodnites Boys' Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear, Size S/M (43-68 lbs), 44 Ct (2... Bedwetting can lead to great frustrations both for parents and kids. GoodNites Bedtime Underwear provides a great fit with three different sizes. The underwear sports kid-friendly designs, and they are highly fluid-absorbent and odor-absorbent too.

Weight Size
28 to 45 pounds XS
38 to 65 pounds S to M
60 to 120 pounds L to XL

Honest Overnights Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Size 4 Overnites Baby Diapers: Overnight Diapers, Size 4 (22-37 lbs),... Honest Overnights come with advanced nighttime protection, providing 20% more absorption than other Honest diapers. The materials are soft and hypoallergenic, and the ultra-thin diapers add to the comfort.

They also sport a cute sleepy sheep design your child may love.

Weight Size
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Pampers Ninjamas Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Ninjamas Nighttime Bedwetting Underwear Boys - Size L (64-125 lbs), 34... Pampers Ninjamas nighttime bedwetting underwear features a LockAway channel that absorbs a ton of moisture — the equivalent of three water bottles full — keeping your child and the bedsheets dry. They also have odor-masking properties, so your child and their room will still smell fresh, even after leaks. They’re soft and provide a secure fit while still feeling like underwear. Designs are available for boys and girls.

Weight Size
38 to 70 pounds S to M
64 to 95+ pounds L to XL

Seventh Generation Baby Free & Clear Overnight Size Guide

Product Image of the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Overnight Baby Diapers, 22-32 lbs, Stage 4, 24... Seventh Generation Overnight diapers are some of its most absorbent products, capable of protecting your little one all night. The diapers are fluffy and have a high-capacity core made from FSC-certified sustainable materials.

They have an adorable Sylvia the Sheep design with rich colors, so you can clearly distinguish your overnight diapers from daytime diapers.

Weight Size
22 to 32 pounds Size 4
27 to 35 pounds Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Swim Diaper Sizes

While having fun in the sun, it’s essential to keep your little one’s solids contained. However, please remember that swim diapers aren’t made to absorb fluids — your baby will pee right through them. So remember to only use this type of diaper in the water.

Here are some different brands and sizes.

Alvababy Swim Diapers Size Chart

Product Image of the ALVABABY Swim Diapers Large Size 2pcs Pack Reuseable &Adjustable Baby... These reusable swim diapers from AlvaBaby are designed to hold your baby’s solids. However, they don’t have high absorbency to hold urine since they would then absorb water, making them too heavy to wear in the pool. The diapers are adorable, sporting cute ocean-inspired prints.

Weight Size
10 to 40 pounds S
18 to 55 pounds L

Huggies Little Swimmers Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swimpants, Swim Diaper, Size Medium, 18 Ct.... Huggies Little Swimmers provide exceptional protection while allowing your little one to enjoy some fun in the water. Huggies usess a non-absorbent material that won’t swell when submerged, so your baby can stay active. The diapers have reclosable side tabs, making them easy to adjust as needed.

Weight Size
16 to 26 pounds Size 3
24 to 34 pounds Size 4
32 pounds and up Size 5 to 6

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers - Size M, 18 Count, Gap-Free Disposable Baby Swim... Pampers Splashers swim diapers feature a pull-on/tear-off design, making changing easier while wet. They’re fitted with a 360-degree elastic waistband to keep the diaper secure on your little one. They come with an all-over graphic to give the effect of real swimwear.

Weight Size
13 to 24 pounds S
20 to 33 pounds M
31 to 40 pounds L

Langsprit Swim Diaper Size Chart

Product Image of the Langsprit 3 Pack Swim Diaper for Baby & Toddle,Reuseable Washable Diaper Swim... Langsprit swim diapers offer a waterproof outer layer made of polyurethane laminate (PUL) fabric, which will contain solids passed during swimming. The diapers include precise stitching and quality fabrics to ensure your little one is comfortable. The material is durable as well — capable of withstanding play, accidents, and multiple washings.

Weight Size
10 to 19 pounds Size S
20 to 40 pounds Size L

Cloth Diaper Sizes

Cloth diapers are the forerunners to disposables. And they’ve made a comeback — proving to be economical and good for your baby.

Many cloth diapers are one-size-fits-all and come with adjustable snaps.

Here are some brands and their sizes:

Kanga Care Lil Joey Size Chart

Product Image of the Kanga Care Lil Joey Cloth Diaper (2pk) Phantom Kanga Care Lil Joey is an all-in-one cloth diaper, meaning you get the shell and inserts. It features inner gusset leak protection and elastic around the legs to prevent any runaways. The diaper is suitable for newborns and has a small cutout for the umbilical cord.

Weight Size
4 to 12 pounds Size newborn

Rumparooz by Kanga Care Cloth Diaper Cover Size Chart

Product Image of the Rumparooz Newborn Cloth Diaper Cover Snap, Nautical This is a cloth diaper cover, meaning you must pair it with a fitted cloth diaper or prefold. It’s made from waterproof fabric, keeping all the fluids inside, and features elastic around the leg openings. You can use the cover multiple times before it needs a wash — unless any solid stains appear.

Weight Size
4 to 15 pounds Preemie/newborn
6 to 35 pounds and up One size

OsoCozy Prefolds Size Chart

Product Image of the OsoCozy Prefolds Unbleached Cloth Baby Diapers, Size 1 (7-15 lbs), 6 Pack, Soft,... The OsoCozy Prefolds are made of 100% unbleached Indian cotton, assembled in a thick, lint-free gauze for optimal softness. These prefolds give you eight layers once folded, providing high absorbency. Remember to wash them two to three times before the first use to ensure softness and full absorption.

Weight Size
7 to 15 pounds Infant size 1
15 to 30 pounds Infant size 2

Rumparooz by Kanga Care Pocket Diaper Size Chart

Product Image of the Kanga Care Rumparooz G3 Cloth Diaper Reusable One Size Pocket Diaper Patented... Rumparooz is a pocket cloth diapering system consisting of a shell and a set of highly absorbent pads or soakers. Rumparooz diapers are adorable and available in several prints for each style.

Weight Size
6 to 40 pounds and up One size

GroVia Reusable Hybrid Size Chart

Product Image of the Grovia Hybrid Snap Shell - Basil

The GroVia Reusable Hybrid is a cloth diaper shell you can pair with GroVia’s snap-in soakers or prefolds. Thanks to the easy snap-in pad system, the GroVia Hybrid can be used by other caregivers, such as grandparents or daycare staff. The waterproof shell comes with adjustable snaps to accommodate your baby’s ever-changing size.

Weight Size
8 to 30 pounds One size

Alvababy Baby Cloth Diapers Size Chart

Product Image of the ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diaper 6 Pack with 12 Inserts One Size Cloth Diaper Covers... Alvababy cloth diapers come in pairs of six, each with a polyester shell made with breathable and waterproof TPU. They feature a soft suede cloth inner that’s highly absorbent, drawing all the moisture away from your baby’s bottom. With each diaper, Alvababy provides you with two three-layer microfiber inserts.

Weight Size
6.6 to 33 pounds One size

Pull-On Diaper Sizes

Pull-on diapers are a great choice when potty training. They work like diapers, but your child can pull them up and down, similar to underwear. They give your baby a sense of independence and are a confidence booster.

Here are five brands and their size charts.

Eco by Naty Size Chart

Product Image of the Eco by Naty Pull Ups - Hypoallergenic and Chemical-Free Training Pants, Highly... Eco by Naty pull-up pants are 40% to 60% bio-based, consisting of recycled raw materials from Austria. The pull-up diapers have earned a Certified Vegan Logo for containing no animal products and are 100% cruelty-free. The diapers feature tear-away sides and are easy for your child to pull on.

Weight Size
18 to 33 pounds Size 4
26 to 40 pounds Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Huggies Little Movers Size Chart

Product Image of the Huggies Size 3 Diapers, Little Movers Baby Diapers, Size 3 (16-28 lbs), 68 Count Huggies Little Movers diaper pants are easy to get in and out of, whether your baby stands or lies down. They have a slim, trim fit with 360-degree stretchy material, keeping the diaper on even during rigorous movement. They have a high absorbency level — protecting your little one for up to 12 hours.

Weight Size
16 to 28 pounds Size 3
22 to 37 pounds Size 4
27 pounds and up Size 5
35 pounds and up Size 6

Bambo Nature Training Pants Size Chart

Product Image of the Bambo Nature Premium Training Pants (SIZES 4 TO 6 AVAILABLE), Size 5, 20 Count These training pants feature a highly absorbent core and a perfect-fit elastic waist that provides comfort. They are made with breathable cotton that’s soft and flexible to accommodate a moving child. All materials are dermatologically tested to ensure nothing will cause skin irritations or allergic reactions.

Weight Size
15 to 31 pounds Size 4
27 to 40 pounds Size 5
40 pounds and up Size 6

Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants Size Chart

Product Image of the Pull-Ups Girls' Potty Training Pants, Size 4T-5T Training Underwear (38-50 lbs),... The Huggies pull-up training pants are adorable to look at — decked out in Mickey and Minnie Mouse themes. They’re highly absorbent and include easy-to-open sides for quick changes. To help your child learn, the graphics fade when moisture fills the diaper.

Weight Size
16 to 34 pounds 2T to 3T
32 to 40 pounds 3T to 4T
38 to 50 pounds 4T to 5T
46 pounds and up 5T to 6T

Pampers Easy Ups Size Chart

Product Image of the Pampers Easy Ups Girls & Boys Potty Training Pants - Size 2T-3T, One Month... Pampers Easy Ups training pants feature a 360-degree stretchy waistband to accommodate your on-the-go toddler.

The pull-up fits like standard underwear but offers diaper-like absorbency. The pants provide ample protection and can easily handle a wet night.

Weight Size
16 to 34 pounds 2T to 3T
30 to 40 pounds 3T to 4T
37 pounds and up 4T to 5T

Tips for Sizing Diapers

One thing I learned as a first-time mom was that giant blowouts aren’t supposed to happen. After multiple attempts at tightening the diaper and using fitted shorts, I was finally told the diapers I was using were the wrong size. Here are five tips that helped me:

  • Read the box: This is obvious, but it’s still essential to do since babies vary in shape. Two babies of similar weight won’t necessarily suit the same diaper. Manufacturers base diaper sizes on average-sized babies. I had my little one in a larger size way before he reached the previous diaper’s weight limit.
  • Regular blowouts and leaks: If you often experience leaks and blowouts, it’s a clear indicator that the diaper is too small. It’s unable to contain your baby’s waste and may betoo short at the back, providing little coverage for the bottom.
  • Difficult to close: Having to stretch the closures excessively is another sign the diaper is too small. This also isn’t comfortable for your little one. Let that chubby tummy breathe.
  • Red marks: Red marks are never a good sign anywhere on your baby. Inspect your baby’s thighs where the elastic sits. If there’s any redness, move up a size. Leg openings are supposed to sit tight but should never create marks.
  • Test drive: We highly recommend you buy a small supply of different sizes from various brands if you’re a first-time parent. This way, you test drive which size is best suited to your little one without wasting a ton of diapers or cash.

FAQs

How Do You Know If a Diaper is Too Small?

Signs include tightness around the waist or thighs, difficulty fastening the diaper properly, or red marks left on the skin from the elastic.

How Do You Know If a Diaper is Too Big?

You might notice gaps around the leg or waist area, frequent leaks, especially soon after a diaper change, or the diaper looks saggy even when it’s dry.

How Big is the Biggest Diaper?

The biggest baby diapers are usually size seven, designed for children over 41 lbs (18 kg), but brands vary. For older children with special needs, there are even larger sizes available.

What Size Diapers Do Babies Stay In the Longest?

Many babies stay in size three or four the longest, as these sizes cater to a broad weight range typically encompassing the slow-down in baby growth rate.

How Do I Stop My Baby’s Diaper From Leaking Overnight?

Ensure the diaper fits well, consider a size up for nighttime use, or look for diapers specifically designed for overnight wear with extra absorbency.


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Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.