The Complete List of Diapering Essentials You’ll Need At Your Changing Table
When it comes to diaper changing, we’ve got some good news and we’ve got some bad news. Let’s start with the bad news. You’re going to be doing a lot of it. The good news is you’ll do it so often that you’ll become a pro in no time. Practice makes perfect, right? Like most of the tasks you’ll have to tackle when you bring your newborn home, when it comes to changing diapers, preparation is key. You’ll definitely want to youtube some videos on how to make the process quick and easy. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you’re well-stocked on all of the key diapering essentials you’ll need to make changing as quick and easy as possible for both you and your baby. If you’re wondering what you need to have on hand at your diapering station, well, we’re so glad you asked because we’ve put together the ultimate list of diaper changing station essentials we can’t live without.
Table of Contents
- Changing Table
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Diaper Pail
- Changing Pad
- Changing Pad Cover
- First Aid Kit
- Oil or Cream
- Change of Clothes
- Laundry Basket
- Lighting
- Storage Containers
- Toys
The Diaper Changing Station Essentials List
Change Pad Cover - Hatchling Bunny
Changing Table
The foundation of any functional diapering station is, of course, your changing table. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting the table that is right for you. Firstly, consider the height of the table for both you, your partner, and anyone else who might be on diaper duty often. Pick a height that is comfortable and won’t strain your back. We also recommend opting for a changing table that has a guardrail, or a safety strap to help keep your little one safe and secure. Finally, make sure the changing table you select has a good amount of storage space. This isn’t just for your convenience, it’s also an important safety feature. If you have everything you need within arms reach, you won’t have to step away from the table and risk an accident.
Diapers
This one is obviously a no-brainer and falls at the top of the list of diaper changing station essentials. Whether you’re opting for disposable diapers or cloth diapers just make sure that you have lots on hand and that you store them somewhere where you can easily grab them with your little one on the table. You will go through diapers faster than you think and you will need more than you ever imagined you would buy, so don’t be shy when you see them on sale. Stock up!
Wipes
Another key item on the diapering essentials list? Wipes. And, much like diapers, you’ll need lots of them. You definitely do not want to be caught mid-change without wipes on hand. Trust us, we have, unfortunately, been there. If you’re looking for changing table organization ideas, when it comes to wipes, we recommend having your current supply on the top surface of the changing table and your extras in one of the storage compartments of your station. Make sure you always have a few backup boxes on hand.
Diaper Cream
Diaper rash is extremely common and can be uncomfortable for your newborn. The good news is diaper creams do a great job of soothing any irritations and helping rashes heal quickly. That’s why we recommend having diaper cream on hand at your diapering station at all times. Like wipes, you won’t want to run out of this product so keep a few extra tubes in the storage compartments of your changing table.
Changing Pad
A changing pad is kind of like a mattress for your baby. It is typically made of foam and is often contoured to help keep your baby safe, secure, and comfortable. This item undoubtedly falls into the diaper essentials category. Before you buy your changing pad, it’s a good idea to settle on which changing table you’ll be purchasing. This way, you can be sure to pick a changing pad size that fits well.
Changing Pad Cover
A changing pad is great but a changing pad and a changing pad cover are ideal, especially during messy changes. Being able to swap out your changing pad cover is a lot easier than having to clean your actual changing pad. Look for changing pad covers that are cozy ]soft, and organic so that your baby is as comfortable as possible during changing time.
Diaper Pail
If you’ve been researching changing table organization ideas, you might have missed out on some key diapering essentials that you’ll need to have nearby your changing table. One of those items? The diaper pail. Look for diaper pails that help lock in odor and that easily open. We love hands-free options that you can open using a foot pedal. Some diaper pails now even have self-sealing technology which is a great feature when you’re ready for a bag change.
First Aid Kit
As it’s probably becoming clear, the diaper station is about a lot more than just diapering. From grooming to runny noses, you’ll be handling a few other tasks at your changing station as well. So, it’s a good idea to have some extras on hand like nail clippers, a brush, a thermometer, and a nasal aspirator.
Oil or Cream
Giving your little one massages can help with a number of different things including gas, cramps, colic, and constipation. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to soothe and bond with your baby. Many parents love to have oils or creams on hand to help reduce skin friction while they massage their newborns. Just be sure to select something that is safe for use on babies as their skin tends to be quite sensitive.
Change of Clothes
Diapers aren’t the only thing you’ll be changing at your diapering station. You’ll also be taking your little one through a whole lot of outfit changes. From diaper leaks to spit-up, you’ll be glad to have a selection of clean clothes nearby when things get a little messy, as they often do!
Laundry Hamper
So, where are you going to ditch all those dirty clothes? Ideally, a laundry hamper - another key item on the diaper essentials list that you’ll want to have somewhere near your changing station. With all the dirty onesies in one place, laundry day is just a little bit less daunting.
Lighting
Nighttime changes are a fact of life for new parents and that’s why lighting is one of those diaper essentials. It’s also something that is often overlooked so make sure you add it to your list before you forget!
Storage Containers
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to have a few toys and pacifiers on hand. Most babies don’t love having their diapers changed, so a pacifier, a favorite stuffy, or a mobile overhead are all good options to help soothe or distract your baby and get you through the changing process as quickly and easily as possible.
Toys
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to have a few toys and pacifiers on hand. Most babies don’t love having their diapers changed, so a pacifier, a favorite stuffy, or a mobile are all good options to help soothe or distract your baby and get you through the changing process as quickly and easily as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
We covered what to put on a changing station above, but what if you’re out and about and you don’t have your perfectly organized and well-stocked station at your disposal. We recommend having a changing basket handy in other rooms of the home in case you have to do a quick change without heading up to the nursery. These help keep your baby safe and snug throughout the changing process.
During the day, it is recommended to change a baby’s diaper whenever it is wet or soiled. But, at night, diaper changes can disrupt sleep. So, what should you do? Diapers today are so absorbent that it is ok to let your little one sleep if they’ve wet their diaper. Chances are, they’ll wake up soon enough on their own or need a feeding soon enough and you can use that opportunity to switch to a fresh diaper then! However, if your little one has soiled their diaper it’s best to wake them up for a change.
Every parent organizes their diapering station differently so there is no right or wrong answer to this question. We recommend thinking about which items you’ll need the most, like diapers, diaper cream, and wipes, and making sure that those items are as easy to grab as possible. Next, we recommend keeping extras of those key items in the storage sections of your changing table. Finally, be sure to keep your changing station well-stocked but avoid clutter by getting rid of items that you don’t often need.
This is an important question as it pertains to your child’s safety. It is usually recommended that parents stop using a changing table once their child has reached 30 pounds, if they can’t be held in place by safety restraints, or if they’ve started to sit up and/or roll over easily. It’s a good idea to check the age or weight limit set by the manufacturer of your changing table if you’re unsure! No matter what age or ability, never leave your child unattended at a raised change table.
