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Diaper Size Guide & Calculator
Find the right diaper size for your baby's weight, see how many you will go through a day, and learn the signs it is time to size up. Includes a Singapore brand chart for Pampers, MamyPoko, Merries and Drypers.
Recommended size
Diaper size chart by weight
Standard sizes by weight, in both kilograms and pounds (US sizing used by Pampers and Huggies).
| Size | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) | Typical age | Per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preemie | up to 2.7 kg | up to 6 lb | preterm | as needed |
| Newborn | up to 4.5 kg | up to 10 lb | birth - 1 mo | 8 - 12 |
| Size 1 | 3.6 - 6.4 kg | 8 - 14 lb | birth - 4 mo | 8 - 10 |
| Size 2 | 5.4 - 8.2 kg | 12 - 18 lb | 3 - 8 mo | 8 - 9 |
| Size 3 | 7 - 13 kg | 16 - 28 lb | 5 - 24 mo | 6 - 7 |
| Size 4 | 10 - 17 kg | 22 - 37 lb | 18 - 36 mo | 5 - 7 |
| Size 5 | 12 kg+ | 27 lb+ | 3 yr+ | 4 - 5 |
| Size 6 | 16 kg+ | 35 lb+ | 4 yr+ | 4 |
Source: Pampers and Huggies size charts. Brands vary, always check the pack.
Singapore brand size chart (kg)
Popular Singapore brands use letter sizes by weight. Ranges overlap, and tape vs pants styles can differ, so use the pack as the final guide.
| Size | Pampers | MamyPoko | Merries | Drypers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg | up to 5 kg |
| S | 4 - 8 kg | 4 - 8 kg | 4 - 8 kg | 3 - 7 kg |
| M | 6 - 11 kg | 7 - 12 kg | 6 - 11 kg | 6 - 11 kg |
| L | 9 - 14 kg | 9 - 14 kg | 9 - 14 kg | 9 - 14 kg |
| XL | 12 - 17 kg | 12 - 17 kg | 12 - 22 kg | 12 - 17 kg |
| XXL | 15 - 25 kg | 15 - 25 kg | 13 - 25 kg | 15 - 25 kg |
Source: brand product pages (Pampers, MamyPoko SG, Merries/Kao SG, Drypers SG). MamyPoko M starts a little higher (7 kg).
Signs it is time to size up
- Red marks on the thighs or waist after you take the diaper off.
- Frequent leaks or blowouts, especially up the back or overnight.
- The tabs no longer reach the middle, or are hard to fasten.
- You cannot fit two fingers under the waistband.
- The diaper sits below the belly button or does not cover the bottom fully.
- Your baby is at the top of the pack's weight range.
- More frequent diaper rash.
How a diaper should fit
The waistband should sit just below the belly button, with room for two fingers. The leg cuffs should be pulled out (not tucked in) to catch leaks, and the diaper should cover the whole bottom without gaping at the legs.
Stopping leaks and blowouts
Leaks up the back usually mean the diaper is too small, or it is simply full, change more often. Leaks around the legs often mean the cuffs are tucked in or the size is too big. For heavy overnight wetting, try a size up just for nights, or an overnight-specific diaper.
How many diapers will I use?
| Age | Per day | Per month (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0 - 1 mo) | 8 - 12 | ~250 - 300 |
| 2 - 4 months | up to 10 | ~300 |
| 5 - 8 months | up to 9 | ~270 |
| 9 - 12 months | up to 7 | ~210 |
| Toddler (12 mo+) | 5 - 6 | ~150 - 180 |
Source: Pampers and Babylist. Buy newborn size sparingly and stock up on the size your baby is growing into.
Frequently asked questions
What size diaper should my baby wear?
Go by weight, not age. Enter your baby's weight above for the recommended size. As a rough guide, newborn is up to 5 kg, S is 4 to 8 kg, M is 6 to 11 kg, L is 9 to 14 kg, and XL is 12 to 17 kg.
Should I choose diaper size by weight or age?
By weight. Ages on the pack are only a rough guide because babies of the same age can be very different sizes. Always match the pack's weight range to your baby.
Can I skip a diaper size?
Yes, if your baby's weight jumps past a size or that size keeps leaking. Sizes overlap, so it is fine to move straight to the next one that fits.
Which diaper size lasts the longest?
Usually Size 3 (about 7 to 13 kg) or the local L size, because babies stay in that weight range for many months. Newborn size is outgrown the fastest.
What is the difference between tape and pants diapers?
Tape (adhesive) diapers are easier for newborns lying down; pull-up pants suit active, crawling and standing babies. Many SG brands offer both, sometimes with slightly different weight ranges.
My baby leaks overnight, what should I do?
Try going one size up just for the night, or use an overnight diaper designed for heavier wetting. Make sure the leg cuffs are pulled out, not tucked in.
How many diapers should I buy before the baby arrives?
Just one or two packs of newborn size plus a pack of size 1. Babies grow fast, so it is easy to be left with diapers that no longer fit.