UK nappy size helper
By BabyNido editorial team · Published · Last updated
Manufacturer-style starting map, not a clinical protocol. Brand charts disagree at the edges. Read nappies and wipes.
What nappy size should you start with if JavaScript is off?
Use the table. Many babies skip the tiniest newborn pack. Buy small, watch leaks at the waist, and keep the next size ready. Charts overlap on purpose. Cloth nappies use rise, not this map. A rash that needs a pharmacist is not a size problem — see nappy cream.
| Size | Typical weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | Up to about 4.5–5 kg | Many babies skip this pack. Buy small. |
| Size 1 | About 2–5 kg | Often the real first pack if they are not tiny. |
| Size 2 | About 3–8 kg | Common restock once newborn leaks at the waist. |
| Size 3 | About 6–11 kg | Toddler band; brands disagree at the edges. |
| Size 4 | About 9–14 kg | Watch the navel and thigh marks, not the bag art. |
| Size 5 | About 11–16 kg | Still a disposable decision, not potty timing. |
| Size 6 | About 13 kg and up | Brand charts split here. Buy a small bag first. |
Guides that use this tool
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Newborn nappies and wipes UK: sizes and first packs
How many newborn nappies and wipes to buy in the UK, which size to start with, disposable vs cloth, and fragrance-free wipes, with listings to compare.
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Which baby wipes to buy in the UK: WaterWipes vs own-brand, fragrance-free options, cotton wool and water for newborns, and packs worth comparing.
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Nappy rash cream UK: which one to use
Which nappy rash cream to use in the UK: Bepanthen vs Metanium vs Sudocrem, what the NHS suggests first, and when to see a pharmacist or GP instead.
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clothes
UK baby clothes sizes: newborn to 24 months
UK baby clothes sizes from newborn to 18–24 months: what each size band means, how many sleepsuits to buy for each stage and when to size up.
Frequently asked questions
What nappy size is a newborn in the UK?
Often newborn or size 1, depending on birth weight. Many babies skip the tiniest pack. Start small and have the next size ready.
When should I size up?
When wee escapes up the back, or red marks cut in at the thigh or waist. Weight bands overlap. The baby in front of you beats the bag.