The Ultimate Hydration Guide: Benchmarking Wet Nappies

When parents wonder if their baby is receiving enough milk, pediatricians almost always point back to one primary question: How many wet diapers are you seeing each day?

A wet diaper is the most immediate, tangible proof that a baby's kidneys are functioning properly and that they are absorbing adequate fluids from their feeds. In the first week of life, the number of wet diapers typically matches the baby's age in days (e.g., one wet diaper on day one, two on day two). However, from week two onward, a healthy infant should consistently produce at least 5 to 6 heavy, wet diapers every 24 hours. If your rolling average sits comfortably at or above this gold standard, you can rest easy knowing that your baby is perfectly hydrated and getting plenty to eat, even during intense growth spurts or cluster-feeding phases.