Diapers are one of the biggest expenses for new parents. Your newborn may need a diaper change every 2 to 3 hours, but as they get older, they will need less frequent changes. Eventually, your baby will start the process of potty training and no longer need to be in diapers at all.

How long do babies need to be in diapers?

One of the biggest milestones your baby will cross is the potty training milestones. Most children will complete their potty training between 1 ½ to 2 ½ years old. However, that’s just an estimate. Some children will not be fully out of diapers until they are four years old or later.’

Because all children develop differently, it’s hard to give a concrete estimate on when your child will be ready for potty training. Some research has shown that potty training too early or too late can lead to regression or delays, but most studies show that children are emotionally ready to begin potty training around 1 ½ years old. Some readiness signs your child may exhibit are the ability to follow simple directions, staying dry for two hours at a time, the ability to sit on a potty chair, or asking for a dirty diaper to be changed.

When your child is ready to potty train, it’s important to let them know you are serious about the process and ditch the diapers. You don’t have to throw them away, but keeping the diapers out of your child’s sight can let them know that you are serious about the process.

Generally speaking, your baby may be ready to start the potty training stage in their first year of life, but every baby is different. Some children do not fully become potty trained until after four years old, but you will know when your child is ready to start the process when they can stay dry for several hours, sit on a potty chair, or ask for their diaper to be changed.