Did you know that babies urinate about 20 times a day in their first several months of life? While changing a diaper that much may not be realistic, or economical, the general rule of thumb is to change a diaper every 2-3 hours, according to AmericanPregancy.org. 

While the recommendation of 2-3 hours is great, there are some other signs that your baby needs a diaper change.

Read on to learn more.

5 Signs Your Baby Needs a Diaper Change

First, let’s get this out of the way: the decision to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers is a personal one, but as polarizing for some as breast versus bottle feeding.

At the end of the day, choose the option that works best for you and your family.

If you are interested in learning more about cloth diapers, check out Grovia Cloth Diapers. 

1. Your Baby is Crying

At some point, your baby’s cry will bring every mom, and dad, to their knees.

Newborns are just experiencing their world and cannot communicate without crying.

The good news is that in a brief period of time you can begin to hear differences in their cries and you will be able to determine if they are hungry, fussy, or need a diaper change.

Don’t believe me? A child that is hurt and cries to catch the attention of every adult in the area.

2. Your Baby Had a Sudden Weight Gain

A wet diaper is heavier than a dry one.

After naps or in the morning is the easiest time to feel the difference between the diaper and your child’s weight.

3. Some Diapers Have Moistness Indictors

Some diapers come with moistness indicators that change colors when they come into contact with urine or feces.

It is always best to use this along with other indicators.

A small amount of urine or feces may not trigger the indicator but can irritate sensitive skin if not addressed.

4. You Can Smell It

Every parent has done the sniff test.

Often this is the easiest way to identify the need for a diaper change.

It is time to act if you can smell it from across the room.

5. They Tell You

Research has shown that infants exposed to sign language early, by 6 months of age, can sign back by 8 months of age.

Check out PsychCentral for tips to teach your child sign language.

The benefit here is less frustration for everyone.  

You can choose one of two signs: the sign for potty (babysignlanguage.com) or the sign to change me (dummies.com).

Pick the one that works best for you and be consistent.

 

Moms, I Get It

As your baby grows you will get better at understanding their unique signs and signals.

Don’t overthink it, just listen to your baby and your instincts.

Aren’t all of our lives a little chaotic?

If you don’t laugh, you will cry.

Whether it is who is doing the diaper change or how my teenagers got into “that, ” I have you covered.

Follow me because it may be occasionally chaotic; I, like you, love my life.