The answer depends on your baby’s age, feeding habits, and whether you’re dealing with wet or dirty nappies. From newborns needing very frequent nappy changes to older babies who can go longer between changes, knowing what’s normal at each stage helps prevent nappy rash and keeps your baby comfortable. In this guide, we break down how often to change your baby’s nappy by age from the early weeks, through to 6 months and beyond so you know exactly what to expect as your baby grows.
Newborns (0–6 weeks)
Newborns wee and poo a lot - their digestive systems are brand new and they feed frequently, so it’s to be expected.
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8–12 nappy changes per day
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Often every 2–3 hours, sometimes more
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Night-time changes are usually needed at every wake
Cloth nappy usage:
At this stage, you’ll likely use 10–12 cloth nappies per day. If you’re washing every 2–3 days, this means a stash of around 24–30 nappies is ideal.
Young Babies (6 weeks–6 months)
As feeds become more established, nappies gradually become more predictable.
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6–8 changes per day
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Poo frequency may reduce
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Some babies start sleeping longer stretches at night
This is often when parents begin to question overnight changes. If your baby is sleeping well and their nappy isn’t leaking or causing irritation, you may not need to change them overnight.
Overnight tip:
The Modern Cloth Nappies Bed-time Cloth Nappy is designed specifically for this stage - offering high absorbency and comfort to cope with longer sleep stretches, helping everyone get a better night’s rest.
Cloth nappy usage:
Expect to use 6–8 nappies per day, meaning a stash of 20–24 nappies works well with regular washing.
Older Babies (6–18 months)
As babies start solids and develop better bladder capacity:
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5–7 changes per day
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Night-time changes are rarely needed if using a good night nappy
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Heavier wees but less frequent
Cloth nappy usage:
You may only need 5–6 nappies per day, so a stash of 18–20 nappies is often plenty.
Toddlers (18 months+)
Toddlers tend to stay dry for longer periods and may begin potty training.
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4–5 changes per day
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Night nappies still needed for many toddlers
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Daytime changes are more spaced out
Cloth nappy usage:
You might only use 4–5 nappies per day, meaning a smaller stash of 15–18 nappies can be sufficient, depending on how often you wash.
Do You Need to Change a Nappy Overnight?
When babies are very young, yes - overnight changes are usually necessary, especially when they wake for feeds.
As babies grow and begin sleeping longer stretches, a well-fitting, high-absorbency nappy can often last all night without needing a change. This is where a dedicated night nappy really makes a difference.
The Modern Cloth Nappies night-time nappy is designed to:
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Hold more liquid for longer sleeps
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Reduce leaks
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Keep baby comfortable and dry overnight
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Protect their delicate skin for those longer stretches
Less disruption overnight means better sleep for both baby and parents.
How often you change your baby’s nappy will evolve as they grow, from frequent newborn changes to fewer, more predictable changes as a toddler. Following NHS guidance, responding promptly to wet or dirty nappies, and choosing the right cloth nappies for each stage will help keep your baby happy and healthy.
And remember: your cloth nappy needs today won’t be the same in six months, adapting your stash as your baby grows is all part of the journey!
