When to Switch From Newborn Diapers
When To Switch From Newborn Diapers
Once your baby weighs around 10 pounds, it will be nearing the max weight of a newborn cloth diaper. Kanga Care Lil Joeys fit preemies and newborns from 4-12 pounds. After this, it's time to transition to a larger diaper.
The Rumparooz One Size cloth diapers accommodate a broad weight range and are ideal for babies weighing six to 40 pounds. Each size on the Rumparooz is adjusted with snaps on the front of the diapers. There are four sizes total ranging from newborn (six pounds) to large (40 pounds). If you are switching from a newborn diaper into the Rumparooz One Size, your baby may skip the smallest, six-pound size setting designated for newborns, and fit directly into the “small” setting, which starts at 10 pounds.
How Do I Know When It’s Time To Switch Diaper Sizes?
If you're unsure whether your little one is ready to move up a size, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Recurring leaks: Occur when the diaper is too small and can no longer hold the baby's pee. If that's the case, consider larger diapers, because they have more absorbent material and are less likely to leak. Newborns usually start to “out pee” the absorbency of a newborn diaper before they outgrow the fit.
- Bottom Coverage: The right size diaper should not expose your baby's bottom. If it does, you'll notice frequent leakages and blowouts. If that happens, it’s time to retire the newborn diaper as soon as possible.
- Red marks: Babies with red markings on their skin due to chafing in the hips, groin, or waist area may be better off in a larger size. Cloth diapers will leave “impressions” on the skin, similar to a sheet leaving an impression on your cheek after you have been sleeping. These impressions are normal and not cause for alarm. Abnormal red marks or chaffing would look similar to a rubber band left on your wrist for several hours and a rug burn.
- Tight Waistband: If your baby's skin bulges at the waist or your finger feels constricted when you pull up on the waistband, the diaper is most likely too small and causing discomfort. If you can't fit two fingers inside the waistband, consider purchasing a bigger diaper.
- Diaper Size Guidelines: Our diaper size guides show which size diaper corresponds to what weight range. If your baby's weight is on the upper end of the scale, it's probably time to move up to the next size setting.
Also Read: What Do I Need in a Cloth Diaper Starter Kit
How Long Are Babies In Newborn Diapers?
How long a baby stays in newborn diapers depends mainly on their birth weight and overall growth rate.
Typically, babies will stay in these diapers for just over one month before graduating to one-size diapers.
However, low-weight newborns may stay in them longer, while high-weight babies may wear them for less time or skip them altogether.
What Size Do Diapers Go Up To?
We size our diapers by weight rather than age.
Below is a simple chart outlining the average weights for each diaper size.
Diaper Size |
Baby Weight (in pounds) |
Lil Joey – Preemie/Newborn |
4-12 |
Rumparooz - Newborn |
6-10 |
Rumparooz - Small |
10-17 |
Rumparooz - Medium |
15-27 |
Rumparooz - Large |
25-40 |
The Kanga Care Lil Joey All-In-One is a newborn diaper with two adjustable size settings that span from four pounds to 12 pounds. The Kanga Care Rumparooz is a one-size diaper with four adjustable size settings spanning from six pounds to over 40 pounds.
How Tight Should My Newborn's Diaper Be?
A well-fitting diaper should be tight enough around the baby's legs and waist to prevent leaks. The seams on the front, back, and sides should all be symmetrical and straight, with no slack in any area. Also, you can run your fingers around the diaper edges to ensure the leg cuffs fit nicely around your child's legs and bottom.
However, it should not restrict the baby's movement or pinch their skin. Check for signs of redness or discomfort around the groin, stomach, hips, or waist every time you change your child's diaper.
If it is not a snug fit, adjust by tightening or loosening the fasteners on either side of the tab at the diaper's waist.
Is It Better To Have Too Big Or Too Small Diapers?
A too-small diaper is prone to leaks and blowouts as it lacks enough absorbent material for the baby's urine. On the other hand, an overly large diaper is bulky and uncomfortable for your baby and will bunch up when wet.
You want a size that fits your baby snugly and has enough absorbent material. You don’t want a diaper that is so tight it restricts their movements.
What Happens If A Diaper Is Too Small?
If diapers are too small, they are less absorbent for the appropriate weight and age of the baby and result in frequent blowouts and leaks.
Being too small can also cause friction against the baby's skin, which will lead to discomfort and possibly leave red marks on their skin.
If you find yourself in this scenario, loosely adjust the diaper or switch to the next size.
Can My Newborn Fit a One Size Cloth Diaper?
We design our one size diapers for babies weighing between six pounds and 40 pounds. Although they do not feature the snap down front for umbilical cord care, like some newborn size specific cloth diapers, one size cloth diapers will fit the average newborn. They can be a significant money saver for the family. Besides, unlike disposable diapers, you do not have to worry about chemicals touching the unhealed umbilical cord.
Not all newborns weigh the same at birth or grow at the same rate. If your baby does not fit a one size diaper at birth, it may fit better in newborn diapers longer than the average baby.