Stockpiling Diapers Part Two: How Many?

Preparing for our twins means seriously stockpiling diapers.  In this part of the "Stockpiling Diapers" discussion, we will talk about how many diapers you will need for the first year of life.  Remember, all babies are different and all twins are different, so please keep in mind, these are estimates, not exact figures.  But rest assured, as I'm going through the diapering process with Keegan and Kendall, I will be keeping track of exactly what I use and will update this discussion accordingly. :)   

I have combined internet research along with my own parenting experience to come up with the following:

Diapering- The First 12 Months:

Newborn:    

• Designed to fit up to 10 lbs., this size is pricey becuase they are softer and have special features including elastic stretch sides and an umbilical cord opening.  Some say it's a waste to stockpile too many in this size and I would agree.  Our singleton son Kaylor, fit into this size for only two weeks.    

• One baby will use approximately 10 diapers a day for the first month.  So count on needing around 300 diapers for the first month of life. Times that by two for twins!

Size 1-2:
4 weeks to 5 months

• These diapers will be around a little longer, and you will cut back to using around 8 diapers per day.  (16 per day for twins.) 

• Designed to fit up to 18 lbs., you will use this size until your baby is around 5 months old.  (Kaylor was 17 lbs at 4 months).  Be aware you can find size 1-2 combined, AND size 1 and size 2 sold separately.  I purchased mostly size 1-2 combined and a few boxes of just size 2 to fit at the end of this size range. 

• From 4 weeks to 5 months of age, you will need about 720 size 1-2 diapers. Times that by two for twins!

Size 3:
5 months to 12 months 

• From 5 months of age on babies use about 6 diapers per day.  (12 per day for twins.)

• Designed to fit up to 28 lbs., you will most likely use size 3 until your baby reaches the 1 year mark!  (Kaylor weighed 26 lbs. at his 12 month checkup.)  So you'll need around 8 months of size 3 diapers or approximately 1440 diapers.  Times that by two for twins!  

In Stockpiling Diapers Part One: Where to Buy, I discussed the advantages of using Amazon.com for all my diapering needs. Another advantage of using Amazon when stockpiling, I have the option of no hassle returns.  If I order too many of one size, or my baby reacts negatively to a brand I have stockpiled, I can easily return them as long as I'm within the return guidelines. Below is the Amazon Baby Products Return Policy:

To receive FREE 365-Day Returns on your eligible product(s):
1.    If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return the eligible baby product(s) in new and unopened condition within 365 days from the date of delivery for a full refund in accordance with the promotional terms and conditions below.
2.    Just visit our online Returns Center at www.amazon.com/returns and we will guide you through the process and even supply you with a prepaid return mailing label you can print out.
3.    Amazon will process your return and issue a full refund with no deduction for shipping after receiving your return of the eligible product(s).

Happy Diapering!