How many wet diapers should my newborn have per day?

By 5 to 7 days old, your baby should have 6 or more wet diapers per day, with nearly colorless or pale yellow urine.

In the very first days, output is lower while your milk comes in: a newborn may wet a diaper as often as every one to three hours, or as seldom as four to six times a day. If your baby is ill, feverish, or the weather is very hot, urine output may drop by half and still be normal. A pink or brick-red "brick dust" stain in the first week is usually concentrated urine, not blood, and is fine as long as your baby is wetting at least four diapers a day.

Counting diapers is one of the easiest ways to know your baby is getting enough milk. Pair wet-diaper counts with steady weight gain and frequent feeds for reassurance.

What you can do

• Aim for 6+ wet diapers daily by the end of the first week.
• Feed 8 to 12 times every 24 hours if nursing.
• Watch for pale yellow, nearly colorless urine.
• Keep your newborn's first checkup within 48 hours of leaving the hospital.