Nappies: how many a day, how many in the first month, which size to buy

This is one of the few layette questions with a clean numerical answer: a newborn goes through eight to twelve nappies a day, around 280 across the first month.

That works out to a change every two to three hours, plus the extra ones. It eases noticeably after a few weeks, and most of what you will read elsewhere about "the nappy budget" wrongly extrapolates this early peak across a whole year.

How many to buy before the birth

Two or three packs of size 1, so roughly forty to sixty nappies. No more, and it is the most counter-intuitive recommendation in this article.

The reason is simple: many babies move up to size 2 before finishing the size 1 packs. A nappy that is too small leaks, and an unopened case of newborn size cannot be resold.

A larger than average baby may skip newborn size entirely. You will only know once they are here.

Brands differ, and so do sizes

Cuts and sizing vary noticeably between makers. A size 1 from one brand can run considerably smaller than another, and the fit around the thighs matters more than the number on the pack.

If you are unsure, buy one pack from several brands rather than a case of one. That is the only test that counts, and it costs the price of two packs.

And for the hospital bag

One pack is plenty, and often none is needed at all. Most French maternity units supply nappies during the stay, and some supply toiletries too.

It is a question to put to your unit directly when you register, alongside their list of what to bring. It saves carrying three kilos of nappies for nothing.