How Many Nappies Do I Need for My Baby’s First Year?

Author: The Baby Gift Company | Date: 03/10/2025

When you’re preparing for a new baby, it’s easy to get caught up in choosing the cutest cot sheets, softest blankets, and best pram on the market. But there’s one essential item that you’ll use more than anything else: nappies.

Whether you choose disposable or cloth, your baby will go through thousands in their first year. Knowing roughly how many to expect can help you budget, add them to your baby shower gift ideas, and avoid those late-night dashes to the shops. 

How Many Newborn Nappies Will I Need?

In the first month, newborns typically need 10 to 12 nappy changes per day. That’s because their tiny tummies mean they feed often, and what goes in… must come out.

That works out to around 325 nappies in the first four weeks alone. Most parents find they’re changing bub after every feed, which is about every 2–3 hours.

Don’t worry, the pace slows down over time. By:

• 2–3 months: Around 8–10 nappies a day
• 3–6 months: Around 6–8 nappies a day
• 6+ months: About 5 nappies a day

Your baby’s bladder grows quickly, so you’ll gradually need fewer changes per day.

For more newborn prep tips, see our nappy bag essentials.

How Many Nappies for the First Year?

On average, a baby will go through 2,500 to 3,000 nappies in their first year.

While you don’t need to buy them all at once, baby showers are a great opportunity to start a nappy stash if you have the storage space. You might even ask for a mix of nappy sizes so you’re prepared as your baby grows.

Choosing the Right Sizes

Don’t overstock on newborn size nappies. Most brands recommend them for babies up to around 4–4.5 kg. If your baby is born on the bigger side, or grows quickly, you may skip this size altogether or only need them for a couple of weeks.

If you’re creating a baby registry, or stocking up in advance aim for:

• Newborn: 1–2 packs (120–240 nappies total)
• Size 1 & 2: The bulk of your stash, fits babies up to around 8 kg (depending on brand)
• Size 3: If you have storage, grab a few boxes for later in the year

Here are some more handy tips for creating your baby gift registry.

Why You Should Try a Few Brands

Every baby is different, some nappies fit better, feel softer, or hold more without leaks. Rather than stockpiling one brand before bub arrives, start with small packs of a few different ones. Once you know which works best, you can buy larger boxes to save money.

Best & Popular Nappy Brands in Australia

1. Huggies Ultimate / UltraDry

• Pros: Consistently rated highly, Huggies Newborn nappies have won the Gold Award for best disposable nappy in Australia for years and are endorsed by midwives. They offer up to 12-hour leakage protection and are widely available. source: Bounty Parents
• Cons: May be pricier than supermarket own brands; some babies may experience marks or fit issues.

2. BabyLove CosiFit

• Pros: Features patented Cosifit technology to reduce red marks and improve leak protection. Recognised for its soft, stretchy waistband.
• Cons: Slightly less accessible in stores compared to larger brands, and pricing varies.

3. MAMIA (Aldi) SupaFit

• Pros: Excellent value with high absorption, slim fit, and convenient wetness indicator—all at a budget-friendly price. 
• Cons: Limited sizes; stock availability can fluctuate depending on store supplies.

4. Comfy Koalas (Eco-Friendly)

• Pros: Made from responsibly sourced bamboo, biodegradable, super absorbent, includes wetness indicators, and well-reviewed for delicate skin. Australian-owned brand with eco-friendly packaging.
• Cons: Higher cost; supply might be problematic; packaging composting features need proper disposal.

5. Ecoriginals (Eco-Friendly)

• Pros: Made with about 80–90% plant-based materials, biodegradable packaging that breaks down in ~90 days. Highly rated by Aussie parents. 
• Cons: Premium price; may lack availability in some stores.

6. Bambo Nature (Eco-Friendly)

• Pros: Award-winning, ultra-thin and absorbent eco nappies with no perfumes, chlorine, or latex. Accredited with Nordic Swan Eco Label and endorsed by asthma and allergy councils. source: One Fine Baby
• Cons: Higher cost; may not be as easy to find in major supermarkets.

7. Tooshies (Bio-Based)

• Pros: Hypoallergenic with a plant-based core, excellent 12-hour protection. Available at Coles, with strong sustainability credentials.
• Cons: Feel lighter and perhaps less substantial than traditional nappies; fit might vary depending on baby’s build.

8. Rascal + Friends (Newborn-Focused)

• Pros: Designed especially for newborns, made with sustainable pulp, and includes wetness indicators. Recommended for sensitivity and comfort. source: Mum's Grapevine
• Cons: Focused on newborn sizes; parents will need additional sizes as baby grows.

Whichever you choose, you’ll also want to keep a Soothing Savlon Cream on hand to protect bub’s delicate skin.

Choosing the Right Nappy for Your Family

• Prioritise comfort and fit — Every baby’s body is unique; consider trying samples before committing.
• Think long-term — Register or stock up more on sizes 1 and 2, which you’ll need most.
• Test eco options — If sustainability matters, start with eco ranges like Comfy Koalas or Bambo Nature and assess their performance.
• Consider your budget — Supermarket brands like MAMIA offer quality for cost-conscious parents, while eco-premium brands cater to those prioritising materials and sustainability.

Here’s a visual comparison of popular nappy brands in Australia, showing absorption, eco-friendliness, availability, and affordability.

Cloth Nappies – How Many Do You Need?

If you plan on using cloth nappies, you’ll still want some disposables on hand, especially in the newborn phase when changes are most frequent.

For cloth nappies, aim for:

• Newborn cloth nappies: At least 20 if you’re washing daily
• Overall cloth stash: 24 is ideal to allow for longer washing cycles

Final Tips for Your Nappy Stockpile

• Mix sizes so you’re ready for growth spurts
• Try multiple brands to avoid being stuck with a style that leaks or irritates bub’s skin
• Ask for gift cards if you don’t have much storage space
• Donate extras to local shelters if bub grows out of a size unexpectedly

Bottom line: Whether you choose eco-friendly or disposable nappies or a mix of both, expect to go through thousands of nappies in that first year. Planning ahead can save money, stress, and countless last-minute trips to the shops.

Extra Nappy Essentials to Consider

Alongside your nappy stash, you may want to include:

• Nappy balm for rash prevention
• What’s to pack in a nappy bag checklist
• New arrival essentials for those first few weeks

For more tips, check out our guide on caring for a newborn.