How Many Diapers for Twins Do You Really Need? A Twin Parent’s Guide to Stocking Up

As any seasoned parent will tell you, diapers are a non-negotiable part of the first year, and for twin parents, the numbers can quickly add up. So, how many diapers should you expect to use in the first year? And should you cloth diaper or use disposable diapers? (we opted for disposables!)

Let’s break it down and help you plan accordingly, including what to add to your Twin Baby Registry.

How Many Diapers For Twins in the First Year?

On average, a single baby goes through about 8-10 diapers per day. Since you’re expecting twins, you’ll need to double that number. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what you can expect:

• Newborns (Up to 1 Month Old): Newborn twins will typically go through 10 to 12 diapers per day each, which totals 20 to 24 diapers per day for both babies. In the first month, that’s about 600 to 720 diapers.
• 1-5 Months Old: At this stage, twins will still require around 8 to 10 diapers per day each. That’s a total of 480 to 600 diapers per month. Over the next four months, expect to use approximately 1,920 to 2,400 diapers.
• 6-12 Months Old: As your twins grow, they’ll gradually need fewer diaper changes, but it’s still a significant amount. Plan on about 6 to 8 diapers per day each, totaling around 2,520 to 3,360 diapers over the second half of the year.

Total Diapers in the First Year:

For twins, you’ll likely need between 5,040 and 6,480 diapers in their first year.

How Many Packs of Each Size?

Diapers come in different sizes, and your twins will grow quickly in the first year. Here’s a rough guide on how many packs of each size you should include in your Twin Baby Registry:

• Newborn Size (Up to 10 lbs):
  Twins will use newborn diapers for about the first month, depending on their birth weight and growth rate. You’ll need about 1,200 to 1,440 newborn diapers, which equals 8 to 10 packs (with around 140 diapers per pack).
• Size 1 (8-14 lbs):
  From 1 to 3 months old, your twins will likely transition to Size 1. Plan for about 2,400 to 2,880 diapers, so include 15 to 18 packs (around 160 diapers per pack).
• Size 2 (12-18 lbs):
  Between 3 to 8 months old (some will need them longer than that if they were born preemies), your twins will be in Size 2 diapers. You’ll need approximately 2,520 to 3,360 diapers, which means 16 to 21 packs (about 150 diapers per pack). Our girls wore size 2 the longest out of any other diaper size.
• Size 3 (16-28 lbs):
  As your twins reach the 8 to 12-month mark, they’ll be ready for Size 3 diapers. Expect to go through about 2,160 to 2,880 diapers, so include 13 to 18 packs (with around 120 diapers per pack).
• Size 4 (22-37 lbs):
  Some twins may start using Size 4 by their first birthday, especially if they’re on the larger side. You’ll need around 1,200 to 1,680 diapers, so plan for 7 to 10 packs (around 168 diapers per pack).

NOTE: the pack amount is estimated for each size. If you buy in bulk on Amazon or stores like Costco and Sam’s Club, you will not need that many actual packs of each size since the number of diapers included in the pack will be more.

What to Include on Your Twin Baby Registry®

Now that you have a clearer picture of how many diapers for twins you’ll need, here’s a checklist for your Twin Baby Registry:

1. Preemie Diapers: 2 packs (optional depending on babies’ estimated birth weights)
2. Newborn Diapers: 2 packs
3. Size 1 Diapers: 2 packs
4. Size 2 Diapers: 4 packs
5. Size 3 Diapers: Zero – I don’t include any in this size because at this point, you may change your mind about the brand that best fits your baby. I also found that by including only a few packs of diapers on your registry, this will hopefully ensure that family and friends will purchase some of your other necessities that you will also need for your newborn twins.
   • Bigger size diapers can be given as gifts for holidays or for birthdays when your twins turn one. Not to mention, not every household has the space to stockpile a year’s worth of diapers. So, with that in mind, we’ve pre-determined the quantities of our favorite diaper brand on Twin Baby Registry for you.
6. Size 4 Diapers: Zero – I don’t include these on the registry for the reason mentioned above under Size 3 Diapers

Pro Tip: Don’t overstock on newborn diapers, as your twins may outgrow them faster than you expect.

Other Considerations

• Diaper Brands: Some parents prefer to try different brands before committing to large quantities. We tried a lot of different brands, and each of our girls are a different body shape/style/fit. We found that the one brand we feel comfortable recommending on Twin Baby Registry did the best for both twins’ body types. (Let me illustrate those body types for you: One chunky butt and one petite/slim no butt) Click here for our favorite Huggies diapers. We used the Overnights for overnight or long trips when they got older too!
• Cloth Diapers: If you’re considering cloth diapers, remember that twins will double the laundry load. Plan accordingly with enough cloth diapers and a good washing routine to keep up. I opted for disposable diapers to make my life easier as a twin mom.
• Changing Stations: With twins, you may want to set up multiple changing stations around the house to make diaper changes more convenient. Stock each station with a few packs of diapers, wipes, and other essentials.

Final Thoughts

Diapering twins requires a bit more planning, but with this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for the first year. By including the right amount and sizes of diapers on your Twin Baby Registry, you can ensure you’re ready to tackle the many diaper changes ahead with confidence.

Remember, every family and every pair of twins is different, so feel free to adjust these numbers based on your babies’ growth and needs. Happy diapering!

Create Your Free Twin Baby Registry® today. Planning for two-can be so much fun!®

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