How many wet nappies should a newborn have?

It builds up over the first week: about one on day one, two on day two, and so on, reaching around six or more heavy wet nappies a day from roughly a week old once feeding is established.

What if my baby has fewer wet nappies?

Far fewer wet nappies than expected, or very dark, strong-smelling urine, can be a sign a baby is not getting enough milk. Contact your health visitor, midwife or GP for advice.

Do wet nappies matter for twins?

Yes, and with two babies it is easy to lose count. Logging each baby's nappies separately is the simplest way to be sure both are feeding enough.

How many wet nappies should a baby have? Checker

Wet nappy checker

Baby age

A guide, shown in your browser. Not medical advice.

Why wet nappies matter

You cannot see how much milk a breastfed baby takes, so wet nappies are one of the best everyday signs that feeding is working. Heavy, pale wet nappies in the expected numbers are reassuring.

When to get advice

If your baby has far fewer wet nappies than expected, the urine is very dark, or they seem unusually sleepy or hard to feed, contact your health visitor, midwife or GP. With twins, logging each baby's nappies separately makes it easy to spot if one is lagging.

Quick answer

Wet nappies are one of the clearest signs a baby is feeding enough. In the first days the number climbs, reaching around six or more heavy wet nappies a day from about a week old. Pick your baby's age to see what to expect. It runs in your browser and is a guide only: if your baby has far fewer wet nappies, contact your health visitor, midwife or GP.

How to use it

Pick the age. Choose the day or stage that matches your baby.
Read the expected count. You get roughly how many wet nappies a day to expect at that stage.
Act on the note. If your baby has far fewer, or the urine is very dark, get advice from a health professional.

Frequently asked questions

How many wet nappies should a newborn have?: It builds up over the first week: about one on day one, two on day two, and so on, reaching around six or more heavy wet nappies a day from roughly a week old once feeding is established.
What if my baby has fewer wet nappies?: Far fewer wet nappies than expected, or very dark, strong-smelling urine, can be a sign a baby is not getting enough milk. Contact your health visitor, midwife or GP for advice.
Do wet nappies matter for twins?: Yes, and with two babies it is easy to lose count. Logging each baby's nappies separately is the simplest way to be sure both are feeding enough.