Why do diapers put less in the package as the baby moves up into a bigger size?

Question

Also, my baby is in size 3's already and is 4 months old...he is breastfed and doesn't miss a meal...just wondering if that was normal. Diapers only go up to size 6's don't they/ Whatever will I do when he runs out of sizes and is not ready for pull ups?

Answer 1

Same size box, but bigger diapers! Therefore fewer diapers.

Answer 2

The main reason is cost.

It takes more material to make larger sized diapers, so therefore each diaper is more expensive than the next smaller size. By putting less of the larger diapers in the package, they can be priced the same as the smaller diapers of which there are more of in the package.

If they put the same amount of the larger diapers in the bag as they do the smaller ones then the price would have to be higher.

The secondary reason is it helps to keep the packages for the different sized diapers the same size so that they fit on the store shelves better. If you had the same number of large as small diapers in the package then the package would be a different size and mess up how to display them on the shelves in the stores.

Anyway, that's my take on it from working in grocery stores in the past.

Answer 3

That's a good question. I don't know the answer, but wanted to let you know that my son went into size 3 diapers at 4 months old. We are thinking about putting him in size 4 soon and he's 6 months old. My daughter on the other hand was in size 4's right before she potty trained herself at 2 years old. She was in size 3's until about 21 months old.

Answer 4

There's actually a real reason for why less diapers go in the bigger size packages...As children get older (and bigger) they tend to go less frequently but in larger amounts. So theoretically you need less diapers in a pack, but ones that are more absorbent.

And don't worry about running out of sizes. My friend's daughter was in size 4's when she was about 5 months old and she's stayed in that size for over a year. She's growing just fine and is actually big for her age, but the diapers are made to cover wide ranges of body types and pounds!

Good luck with everything and Kudos for breastfeeding! Hooray!!

OH YEAH, Huggies run much, much smaller than other brands so if you're using them you can probably drop down a size in any other brand.

Answer 5

I noticed that too. The only thing I can guess is it's because they figure the bigger the size, the older they are, and the less diapers they go through in a day.

My daughter is almost 2 and just going in a size 3.

Answer 6

Usually, the bigger they get, the older they are and soil themselves less. So, they put less in the package.

My daughter was in the same size diapers as your son. As she got more active, she thinned out. She is 2 (almost totally potty trained), and is wearing a size 5 diaper. So, don't worry about it. I'm sure he won't get that big.

I do know that there are a brand of diapers called Goodnites, for older children who sometimes wet the bed. They are designed for children 5+, so IF it gets to that point, I guess he could use those diapers.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Your son won't outgrow his diapers. :) As babies get older, their frequent growth spurts slow down. Both my boys are large. My older son has been in size 5s for about 7 months now, and they still fit him. He's getting tall and lean. So sad. :( I want him to stay chunky!!

I don't know why they put fewer diapers in the larger size packs. Maybe because by the time the baby is wearing size 6, they're about ready to be potty trained and don't use as many diapers? That would be my guess.

Answer 8

Yeah, it doesn't make sense does it? My son will was the same way, and he will slow down toward the end of the year and not be so chucky in the middle. My son is 15 months and in size 4, so don't worry. I thought I'd be making my own diapers if he kept growing as fast as he did, but he slowed down, and yours will, too!!!

Answer 9

I worried about the same thing. however as baby becomes mobile they slim down QUICK. I have a 10 month old and a 20 month old in size 5. They are close to the same weight..See how they slim down. One is tall and lean one is short and chubby. Don't worry once you reach a five you should stay there for a while. I even went down a size when the older one slimmed down to keep him and brother in the same size.

Answer 10

I guess they figure that they have to use more material to make one diaper, so they charge the same for less. It sucks, but thats bussiness for you.
Don't worry about the sizes, my daughter's were both breastfed chunky monkeys when they were babies and they usually even out in weight as they get older and more active.