Newborn nappy chart.
Enter your baby's date of birth to see what the NHS says to expect in the nappy today. Nappies are one of the clearest signs that feeding is going well in the first weeks.
This tool is educational and does not replace your midwife or doctor. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Nappies by day
| Age | Wet nappies | Dirty nappies (breastfed baby) |
|---|---|---|
| First 48 hours | Likely only 2 or 3 | Not specified |
| Day 4 | Not specified | At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day begins |
| Day 5 onwards | At least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours | At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day for the first few weeks |
The numbers come from the NHS page on whether a breastfed baby is getting enough milk. The page is written for breastfed babies. If your baby is formula-fed, ask your midwife or health visitor what to expect for your baby.
How many nappies to buy
The NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, dropping to around 6 to 8 for older babies. At 10 a day, a newborn uses about 70 nappies a week. Babies outgrow the first size quickly, so buy one or two packs to start and see what fits.
Not sure what else to buy? See the newborn essentials checklist and our comparison of baby tracker apps for counting without paper.
Questions, answered
How many wet nappies should a newborn have?
The NHS says that in the first 48 hours a baby is likely to have only 2 or 3 wet nappies. From day 5 onwards wet nappies should become more frequent, with at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours.
How many dirty nappies should a newborn have?
The NHS says that from day 4 and for the first few weeks, a breastfed baby should do at least 2 soft, yellow poos every day, each about the size of a £2 coin.
How do I know if a disposable nappy is wet?
The NHS suggests adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of water to an unused nappy so you know what a wet one looks and feels like.
How often should I change a nappy?
The NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, while older babies need changing around 6 to 8 times. Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible to help prevent nappy rash.
When should I worry?
Fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected can be a sign a baby is not getting enough milk. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or doctor the same day. If your baby seems unwell, drowsy or is not feeding, get urgent help.
Sources
- NHS: Breastfeeding: is my baby getting enough milk?
- NHS: How to change your baby's nappy
- NHS: Nappy rash
Sources last checked on 11 November 2026.