Tag: count

Diaper Counting

by postpartumnurse, posted in Uncategorized

In this post we’ll discuss the number and quality of diapers your baby should be having after you get home! The number of diapers and the color or amount will differ from breastfed babies to formula babies. I’ve broken it up into those categories for all moms:

Meconium: 

  • All babies have the same first stools which is called meconium. This is black, thick, and sticky.
  • It can last the first few days of life before transitioning to brown, then yellow.

Breastfed Babies: 

Dirty Diapers: 

  • Dirty diapers will increase by one each day:
    • 1 dirty diaper on day 1 of life
    • 2 dirty diapers on day 2 of life
    • 3 dirty diapers on day 3 of life
    • 4 dirty diapers on day 4 of life
    • After day 4 of life, each newborn will have 3-4 dirty diapers a day. These stools should be about a quarter in size or larger.
    • After day 4, stool will begin to look yellow (originally black, then brown, and finally yellow)
    • Some babies stool every time they nurse, or even more often. Each is normal- as long as they have about 3-4 a day.
    • Breastfed stool is loose (soft or runny), and may be seedy or curdy looking.

Wet Diapers: 

  • Wet diapers will increase by one each day as well:
    • 1 wet diaper on day 1 of life
    • 2 wet diapers on day 2 of life
    • 3 wet diapers on day  3 of life
    • 4 wet diapers on day 4 of life
    • 5 wet diapers on day 5 of life
    • Once mom’s milk comes in, expect up to 5-6 or more wet diapers every 24 hours.
    • Amount should be about 3 tablespoons of liquid.

 

Formula Fed Babies: 

Dirty Diapers: 

  • Amount is the same as breastfed babies
  • Color can be yellow, tan, brown, or green. As long as there is no blood, the color can vary and any is normal.
  • Stool is firmer, more creamy in consistency than breastfed babies.
    • Should still be creamy, hard stool is a sign of constipation

Wet Diapers: 

  • No changes in amount of color as to breastfed babies
  • Formula fed babies however are more likely to be dehydrated. Make sure your baby is having at least 5-6 wet diapers in a 24 hour period. Give water supplements if less than this. If that does not improve the number, call your pediatrician.

 

If you ever have any questions about your baby’s diapers, call your pediatrician. And as always you can email me with any questions!