Changing diapers is an unfortunate and inevitable part of having a baby. But when you have the right tools and everything you need organized it can take away a bit of the pain of changing 800 diapers every day. Here's a quick guide on how to stock your Diaper Changing Station like a pro.
Diaper Changing Station Basics
Diaper Pail & Garbage Can
Choose a diaper pail that has a smell-proofing and is easy to change the bag. Whether you go for a Diaper Genie or a more simple Diaper Pail is dependant on how often you want to change the bag. We preferred a simple diaper pail that we change the bag every second day, but some parents prefer a larger diaper genie that you change less often. I will say though once my son started eating solids I did not want those diapers in my nursery longer than 24 hours and I'm glad we had a small pail with frequent emptying.
Changing Pad Covers
Make sure you get at least two changing pad covers, and choose ones that have a plastic lining. This way if you get one messy you can just strip it off, toss it in the laundry and replace it with a clean one.
Wipe Holder (or Warmer if Your Bougie)
We never opted in fro the wipe warmer, but the wipe holder we got turned out to be a great addition to the Changing Station. Not only does it give the wipes some weight so that it stays on the counter better, but it also keeps them moist longer. The wipe holder is easier to open and close than using the resealable flap on the wipes container.
Bum Cream / Zinc Oxide
Diaper rash is bound to happen eventually, their baby skin is just so sensitive at the start of their life outside of the womb. Having a good quality zinc oxide cream on hand means you can start to treat the rash before it gets too bad. There is nothing worse than seeing your baby in pain or discomfort :(
Diaper Station Hygiene
Hand Sanitizer
It's important to wash your hands after changing a diaper but sometimes you just don't have the capacity or means to do it. Keeping hand sanitizer on hand is the best way to keep you and your little one germ-free. We ordered multiple spray bottles of hand sanitizer so that we could keep one in the nursery, one in our diaper bag and one in the car. Then I just ordered a large bottle of sanitizer to refill the smaller bottles once they ran out.
Butt Spatula
Okay but hear me out. I was gifted this item and I did not think I would love it as much as I did. It's a tiny little silicone spatula that you use to spread bum cream, and it makes the whole process less messy. It means that you don't have to get the cream on your fingers and the silicone make it really easy to clean. It has a suction cup on the bottom too, which means it doesn't get cream on your counters. Is it a necessity? Not really. But do we love it and use it every time we apply bum cream? Oh yes.
Cotton Pads & Water Dispenser
This isn't on most change station lists but I swear by it. Having a quick wet cotton pad on hand has so many great uses, and the pump style water dispenser means its easy to use with one hand. It can be used to wipe up any cream, powder lotions from the counter. It can be used to wipe your butt spatula or clean other tools. And it's great for a quick water wipe for your baby's face, hands or necks.
Convenience and Ease
Stick and Peel Wall Paper
This may seem cosmetic, but it's a great tool for keeping your baby distracted and entertained during diaper changes. Our son loved to look at the forest creatures in the forest wallpaper we put up on the wall next to his changing station.
Pee Pee Teepees (For Boys)
If you have a boy you will be sprayed by pee at some point, it's almost guaranteed. Pee Pee Teepee's don't absorb all of the pee but they do prevent the pee from spraying up and onto you and all over the baby. I didn't use them for long but they definitely came in handy for the first few months while I got the hang of changing diapers.
Caddy or Basket for Organization
Changing diapers is a chaotic affair and staying organized can make daily diaper changes a little bit less hectic. Stay organized with a caddy that works for your space.
A Room Spray
It doesn't matter how good your garbage pail is, it's still going to stink sometimes. A nice room spray is great to have on hand for a quick spritz here and there, especially if you are napping or rocking in the same room as your changing station.
Supplies For Sensitive Skin
Dusting Powder (Talcum-Free)
If you haven't heard, regular talc-based baby powder is a potential carcinogen and is not recommended for use on babies. But there are other alternatives for powders designed to keep your baby dry in moist areas prone to rash, like armpits, neck lines and leg creases. There are corn starch based baby powders that are just as effective. The bottle we got has lasted forever because we rarely need it.
Gentle Lotion
A gentle moisturizer is not necessarily part of a diaper change but it's great to have at your station to slap on when changing outfits or before bed. Look for brands that are made for babies or sensitive skin.