Weighing Diapers and Knowing Your Baby's Drinking Habits

Photo by @venividiwander

Drinking behavior refers to how often, how much, and how your baby drinks. Especially in the first months of life, it is essential to pay attention to this so that your baby grows and develops well.

Weighing diapers has its origins in neonatology and pediatrics. Newborns, especially premature babies, are often closely monitored to ensure that they are getting enough nutrition.

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

A baby's drinking behavior can have a direct impact on the amount of urine in the diaper and therefore on the weight of the diaper. By weighing their baby's diapers, parents can get indications of the child's fluid intake and output. If a baby has wet diapers regularly, this suggests that it is drinking well.

There are different methods for weighing diapers. The simplest method is to weigh the diaper before use and then again after the baby has used it. The difference between these two weights indicates the amount of urine.

How does weighing diapers work?

Weighing diapers may sound unusual at first, but it is actually a fairly simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose an accurate scale: A digital kitchen scale is often the most reliable. It should be able to measure small weight differences precisely.
   
2. Weigh the clean, dry diaper: Before putting the diaper on your baby, place it on the scale and record the weight.