Pampers Nappy Size and Type Guide

Wondering what size nappies to buy for your newborn or what nappy will fit your older baby’s ever-changing size? Check out our nappy size chart below and find out how to check you’ve definitely got the right fit, how to know when to switch to a bigger nappy size and which Pampers nappy is best for your little one. Plus, pick up some tips on how to help prevent leaks and blowouts.

Picking the Right Pampers Nappy Size for Your Baby

Pampers has worked with more than 8,000 babies and their parents and taken over 400,000 nappy fit measurements to come up with just the right range of sizes for every family.

To help you decide which is best for your baby at each stage of development, use our useful nappy size chart.

The size chart also lets you know the average number of nappies you can expect to use and will give you a rough idea of how many months your baby or toddler will need each size. It’s a great tool for planning or ordering ahead!

Making Sure the Nappy Fits Right

As you know, babies come in all sizes and shapes, so nappies fit a bit differently on every baby. To keep things simpler, Pampers nappy sizes are based on baby weight – not things like age or gender.

Most of the time, your baby's weight will fall neatly within the range of a certain nappy size, producing a good fit. In some cases, you might have a choice of two sizes, as the weight ranges can sometimes overlap.

For example, if your baby weighs 4 or 5 kilograms a Pampers size 2 nappy might be the ideal size, but if you have a baby who is long and slim you might need to stay with the smaller of the two possible sizes (Pampers size 1) for the best fit.

Beyond checking to make sure the nappy suits your baby’s weight, there are four quick checks you can do to make sure your baby’s nappy fits properly:

1. The nappy’s waistband should sit just under your baby’s belly button.

2. The leg cuffs shouldn’t have any gaps. After the nappy is on, run two fingers around just inside the leg cuffs to get them in the proper position to help prevent leaks.

3. After the nappy is fastened, you should be able to fit two fingers under the waistband. This means the nappy is fitted properly — not too snug, not too loose.

4. When you take the nappy off, you shouldn’t see any red marks.

How to Weigh Your Baby

To weigh your baby, you can use your normal bathroom scales. Take off your baby’s clothes and nappy, and then step on the scale while holding him or her.

Make a note of the number. Then put your baby down in a safe place (preferably the cot) or give him or her to someone else to hold. Now, step back on the scale without your baby. Subtract the second number from the first number to get your baby’s weight.

If you don’t have scales at home or don’t feel confident about weighing your baby yourself, a health visitor at your local baby clinic will be happy to do it for you at any time.

When to Change Nappy Sizes

Beyond your baby reaching a weight that’s over what’s recommended for his or her current nappy size, here are some signs your baby might be ready for a different size nappy:

• If the fastening tapes don’t reach the centre of the waistband, it’s time for a bigger size (if the tapes overlap, the nappy may be too big)

• If you can’t comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband of the fastened nappy, it’s time for a bigger size

• You may need to go up a size if you notice red marks on your baby’s tummy or thighs when you remove the nappy

• If the nappy isn’t fully covering your baby’s bottom, choose a bigger size

• If your baby regularly gets nappy rash it may be because his or her nappies are too small and don’t hold the moisture away from the skin

• The nappy may be too small if your baby shows signs of discomfort (for example, pulling at the nappy).

Which Pampers Nappy Is Best for Your Baby?

As your baby grows, he or she will have different nappy needs. This is why not all nappy types are available in all sizes. For example, the nappy types designed with more active babies in mind start at size 3 or size 4 as your baby will likely be far more active as he grows.

Here are some things to consider when choosing which Pampers nappy to buy:

Newborns

Newborns have very delicate skin, so choose a nappy that’s

• very soft

• super absorbent to keep your baby’s skin dry

• designed so it doesn’t rub against the umbilical cord stump

• easy to put on and fasten.

Consider Pampers Premium Protection New Baby at this stage. It’s the only newborn nappy approved by the British Skin Foundation.

Made with a soft outer cover & absorbent topsheet, Pampers Harmonie are hypoallergenic* and gentle on your baby's skin. They contain 0% perfume, 0% lotion and guarantee up to 12h Pampers dryness, for the quality reassurance every parent needs. * designed to minimise the risk of allergic reactions

If you’re wondering what size nappies to take to the hospital or birthing centre in your hospital bag, keep in mind that a newborn baby doesn’t necessarily need a size 0 nappy. Depending on your baby’s birth weight, it’s possible a larger size will be the best fit, so take a few of each of the smaller sizes of newborn nappies to try.

Growing Babies

Staying dry and comfy will be your biggest priority as your baby becomes more active. Pampers Premium Protection nappies could be an ideal choice for your growing baby.

On-the-Go Babies

If your little one is starting to crawl, walk or just wriggles a lot during nappy changes, consider nappies that are easier to take off and put on quickly.

Pampers Baby-Dry Nappy Pants or Pampers Premium Protection Nappy Pants could suit your little acrobat down to the ground at this time.

Why Do Leaks and Blowouts Happen?

Leaks and blowouts may happen for the following kinds of reasons:

• If the nappy is too small, it can leak because there isn’t enough absorbency for the volume of pee or poo

• If the leg cuffs don’t fit properly or are tucked insider the nappy, pee can leak out the sides

• If a nappy is too big, urine and poo may run out through gaps between the nappy and the skin before the nappy can absorb it.

How to Prevent Leaks and Blowouts

Do the following to help prevent nappy leaks and blowouts:

• Check the nappy to make sure it looks straight and balanced on your baby

• Make sure the waistband sits just under your baby’s belly button

• Make sure the tapes align with the coloured waistband when they’re fastened

• Run two fingers under the waistband so you’re sure the nappy isn’t too tight or too loose

• If you have a baby boy, make sure his penis is pointing downwards inside the nappy

• Pull the leg cuffs out by running your fingers around the leg cuff after the nappy is on

• If you’ve done all this and checked you’ve got the right nappy size, it could be time to choose a more absorbent nappy, like Pampers Baby-Dry.

The Bottom Line

Once you find the best nappy size for your little one using our nappy size chart, choosing the right nappy will be a breeze.

With a snugly fitting nappy your baby or toddler will be comfier, there will be fewer leaks and blowouts to worry about and you’ll be able to relax in the knowledge that your baby’s skin is getting all the protection it needs.