Weighing Diapers and Knowing Your Baby's Drinking Habits

Photo by @venividiwander

 

A baby's drinking habits consist of how your baby drinks, how often and how much. Especially in the first months of life, it is essential to pay attention to this to ensure your baby grows and develops well.

The practice of weighing diapers originates in neonatology and pediatrics. Newborns, especially preterm babies, are often closely monitored to ensure they are consuming enough food. To verify this, you can measure the amount of urine excreted – and this is often achieved by weighing the diapers.

How many wet diapers should a baby have a day? A newborn should have about 5–6 wet diapers per day in the first few days of life. From the fifth day of life, the number increases to about 6–8 wet diapers per 24 hours. It is important to understand these numbers as a general guideline, as individual variations can be normal.

A baby's drinking behavior can have direct effects on the amount of urine in the diaper and thus on the weight of the diaper. By weighing their baby's diapers, parents can get indications of the fluid intake and output of the child. If a baby regularly has wet diapers, it suggests that it drinks well. This can, in turn, be a sign of healthy weight gain. However, it is important for parents not to let constant weighing and documenting drive them crazy. As long as the child appears fit and is developing well, there is no need to log the number of wet diapers or the amount of fluids consumed.

There are various methods for weighing diapers. In the simplest method, the diaper is weighed before use and then again after the baby has used it. The difference between these two weights indicates the amount of urine. It is important to consider the type of diaper here. Disposable diapers and cloth diapers can have different weights and absorbencies. It is especially important to ensure that cloth diapers are completely dry before they are weighed for the first time.

How Does Diaper Weighing Work?

Weighing diapers might sound unusual at first, but it's actually a quite simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose an accurate scale: A digital kitchen scale often works most reliably. It should be able to measure small weight differences precisely.
   
2. Weigh the clean, dry diaper: Before you put the diaper on your baby, place it on the scale and note its weight.
   
3. Let your baby wear the diaper: Depending on their age and drinking behavior, this can be for a varying duration.
   
4. Weigh the used diaper: Once it's time for a diaper change, remove the diaper and weigh it again.
   
5. Calculate the difference: Subtract the original weight of the clean diaper from the weight of the used diaper. This gives you the weight of the urine.
   

Should I weigh the diaper before or after breastfeeding?

It is best to weigh the diaper before breastfeeding. This way, you can measure the exact amount of fluid your baby has expelled since the last feeding.

How Do I Weigh Cloth Diapers?

The principle of weighing cloth diapers is very similar to that of disposable diapers. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Weigh Dry: Cloth diapers should be completely dry before weighing. Any residual moisture can skew the results.
  
• Pay Attention to Additional Inserts: Some cloth diapers have additional inserts or boosters. These should also be weighed before and after use to get accurate results.
  

Photo by @anni.und.die.bande

Our Judes are a revolutionary cloth diaper that not only makes diapering but also weighing a breeze. It consists of just two parts: an absorbent inner diaper made of high-quality organic cotton and a waterproof outer shell. So, basically, you only need to measure the weight of the inner diaper since the outer shell does not absorb liquid and serves merely as a moisture barrier.

Want to start with cloth diapers and don't know how to get started? Our Classic Set with cloth diapers and accessories contains everything you need for an uncomplicated start into the world of cloth diapers!

Benefits of Cloth Diapers: Our Judes are not only environmentally friendly, but they are also cost-effective, especially when reused for several years. Our diapers are free from chemicals, perfumes, or dioxins that may be present in some disposable diapers to minimize the risk of diaper rash. Moreover, they are more breathable, which contributes to the health and comfort of the baby. One of the decisive advantages is also that children in cloth diapers often become potty trained earlier. Thanks to the direct wetness feedback provided by Judes, children learn to understand and control their bodily processes earlier.

 

How Do I Recognize My Baby's Drinking Behavior?

It is very important to closely observe your baby's drinking behavior. This not only promotes the well-being of your child but also provides valuable reassurance to you as a parent. Here are some tips on how you can assess your baby's drinking behavior:

• Look for feeding cues: Babies often show specific signs that they are hungry. This can include sucking on their fingers, restless movements, or turning their head towards the breast.
  
• Measure the duration of breastfeeding or feeding: Some babies drink efficiently and can be done within 10–15 minutes, while others prefer to take more time. It's important not to rush the baby and give it as much time as it needs. However, bear in mind that each child is unique. Always trust your intuition rather than sticking to rigid time schedules.
  
• Pay attention to swallowing sounds: A steady swallowing can indicate that the baby is drinking well.
  

Possible "Drinking Types" in Babies:

• The Quick Drinker: This baby drinks quickly and seems to always be in a hurry. They can become full in just a few minutes.
  
• The Leisurely Enjoyer: This type takes their time and drinks at a calm, steady pace, often with pauses in between.
  
• The Lazy Drinker: This baby often starts energetically, then slows down and seems to just be sucking. These children often fall asleep after a short time while drinking. Here, it can be helpful to stimulate the baby to encourage them to continue drinking.

What Your Baby's Drinking Behavior Can Indicate About Their Development:

A steady and regular drinking behavior can be an indicator of healthy development. If a baby suddenly changes its drinking behavior, drinks less, or has difficulty drinking, it could indicate an illness or other health problems. In such cases, it is advisable to closely monitor the child and consult a pediatrician if necessary. Also, seeking advice from a lactation consultant can be a step in the right direction. With the necessary expertise, they can identify issues such as improper latching or a too-short tongue-tie.

How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Drinking Enough?

It's important to emphasize that the amount of urine isn't necessarily equal to the amount of fluid intake. However, it can provide clues:

• Color and odor of the urine: A well-hydrated baby will usually have light, almost clear urine. Dark urine or a strong smell can be a sign of dehydration.
  
• Number of wet diapers: For newborns in the first few days of life, 5–6 wet diapers per day are normal. From the fifth day of life, it should be about 6–8 wet diapers per 24 hours.

However, also trust your gut feeling and avoid stressing yourself by weighing diapers or calculating milliliters. If you feel that your child is doing well, gaining weight, and is energetic, you don't need to waste your precious time documenting wet diapers or meals.

Photo by @cafema.illustration

What Is Considered an Ideal Weight for a Baby?

A baby's weight and its increase can vary. It's entirely normal for babies to lose up to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days after birth. But don't worry, because they will regain this weight in about 10 days. For the first 3 months, the average weight gain is about 150–200 grams per week. From 4 to 6 months, it's around 100–150 grams per week, and from 6 to 12 months about 70–90 grams per week. However, it's important to remember that every baby is unique. A pediatrician will check the weight progress during regular examinations.

Baby Weight Chart

Month	Average Weight (Boys)	Average Weight (Girls)
At birth	3.3 kg - 3.6 kg	3.2 kg - 3.5 kg
1 month	4.0 kg - 4.5 kg	3.9 kg - 4.4 kg
2 months	5.1 - 5.7 kg	4.8 kg - 5.4 kg
3 months	6.0 kg - 6.6 kg	5.6 kg - 6.2 kg
4 months	6.7 kg - 7.4 kg	6.2 kg - 6.9 kg
5 months	7.4 kg - 8.2 kg	6.9 kg - 7.7 kg

These data are based on average values and can vary depending on the region, diet, and genetic factors. Always trust your gut feeling. As long as your child behaves happily and appears healthy, there is probably no cause for concern.

When It Doesn't Make Sense to Weigh the Diaper

Although weighing diapers can be useful in certain situations, there are also times and circumstances when it is not necessary or even counterproductive. Here are some examples:

1. Healthy Development: If your baby is steadily gaining weight, eats well, has an appropriate number of wet diapers, and seems healthy overall, it is not necessary to regularly weigh the diaper. Trust the natural signs that your baby is thriving.
   
2. Older Babies: For older babies who are already eating solid food, urine production can vary and is no longer the sole indicator of sufficient fluid intake.
   
3. Stress Factor: If constantly weighing diapers unnecessarily worries or stresses you or your partner out, it might be more sensible to take a break. Parental intuition and observing the baby's overall well-being are often just as reliable.
   
4. Interference with Bonding: The first few months in a baby's life are crucial for forming a strong parent-child bond. If weighing the diaper impacts the quality or quantity of interaction with your baby, consider whether it is truly necessary.
   
5. Medical Advice: If a pediatrician has confirmed that your baby is healthy and developing normally, and he or she advises you not to constantly weigh the diapers, listen to this advice. Doctors have an overview of the child's general development and can provide the best guidance.
   

Weighing diapers is an extremely useful tool, especially during the first weeks and months. It allows for accurate monitoring of weight and thus contributes to the baby's health and development. Like many things in life, however, it is important to find a healthy balance and ensure that the baby's well-being always takes precedence. If you feel that your baby is fit and developing well, you should trust your gut instinct.

Conclusion

The drinking behavior of babies, especially in the first months of life, is crucial for their growth and development. Monitoring through the weighing of diapers, originally applied in neonatology and pediatrics, helps parents understand their baby's fluid intake and output.

This article aims to help you detect problems in your baby's drinking and excretion behavior early on so you can act accordingly. Please always remember that you should not see these problems as a failure on your part and trust your gut feeling. Seek breastfeeding advice and speak to your pediatrician if you are worried.

At Judes, we understand that switching to cloth diapers is a big decision for many families. Especially for parents who have previously only used disposable diapers, the thought of cloth diapers can initially seem challenging. However, Judes makes it easy to take the step towards more environmentally friendly, practical, and comfortable alternatives. Our diapers are not only innovative and modern, they're also designed to make diapering as easy and straightforward as possible. Below, we have summarized the key benefits of Judes:

1. Sustainable: Judes diapers are an environmentally friendly choice. They help to significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by disposable diapers. Each reusable diaper from us replaces hundreds of disposables, making a huge difference for our planet.
2. Healthy Skin: Our diapers are made from skin-friendly materials that are gentle on your baby's sensitive skin. They are free from harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers, minimizing the risk of skin irritations and allergies, as well as the need for moisture and wound creams.
3. Earlier Diaper-Free: Studies show that children who wear cloth diapers tend to become diaper-free earlier. This is because they are more likely to perceive the feeling of wetness, which accelerates the cognitive connection to going to the toilet. More information can be found in our post: “Earlier Diaper-Free with Cloth Diapers? Our Study Is Clear“.
4. Less Time Consuming: With Judes diapers, you save time. Our modern cloth diapers are designed to be quick and easy to put on. Washing them is straightforward – with our Poo Paper and efficient washing processes, they become clean in no time. The amount of time spent buying and disposing of disposable diapers is significantly higher.
5. Cost Saving: The one-time investment in Judes cloth diapers pays off. They are reusable and durable, meaning you can save significant costs on disposable diapers in the long run.
6. Leak-Proof: Our diapers are not just sustainable, but also effective. Thanks to innovative designs and materials, they offer excellent sealing that prevents leaks and keeps your child dry. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, especially with heavy wetters or explosive newborn stools, tend to leak as they can absorb a lot of liquid, but not quickly enough.
7. Hygienic: Judes diapers are not only easy to use, but also hygienic. The easy cleaning and the ability to dispose of the feces with Poo Paper before washing means that significantly fewer bad odors develop than with disposable diapers.

By choosing Judes, you are selecting a diaper that is not just practical and comfortable, but also reflects your values. You support sustainable practices, promote your child's health, and enjoy convenience and security at the same time. Make the switch today and experience the difference with Judes – for your baby, for you, and for our world.