If you’re a new mom or parent, you know how important it is to have a reliable changing station for your baby. But with so many products on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your money. In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for changing station must-haves that will make your life a little easier.
What is a Changing Station?
A changing station is an essential part of any nursery. It is a designated area of the nursery where diapers can be changed and clothing can be quickly switched out. Changing stations are designed to make the diaper-changing process easier and safer for both the baby and the caregiver. It is important to have a changing station ready before your baby arrives. Having the supplies organized and readily available will make diaper changes easier, faster, and less stressful. Here are some of our favorite changing station essentials!
A Changing Table or Dresser
When deciding where to place a changing table or dresser for your baby, there are many factors to consider. It should be placed in a space that is easily accessible both for you and your baby and also has plenty of room for all the necessary items like diapers, wipes, creams, and so on. This dedicated area ensures that diaper changes don’t have to mean frustration or wasted time – it can be an easy process with everything right at hand. Here are a few of our favorite changing table options, starting with the most budget-friendly!
- IKEA Gulliver Changing Table
- Little Seeds Shiloh Wide Convertible 6 Drawer Dresser
- Milo 6 Drawer Dresser from West Elm Kids
- The Dresser from Nuture And
A Comfortable Changing Pad
When selecting a changing pad for the nursery, comfort should be top of mind! Nothing is worse than an uncomfortable changing surface when you have to change your baby. Look for a changing pad that’s generously padded – soft memory foam or cotton batting will provide the right kind of cushioning needed to keep your little one comfy. The pad should also be waterproof to protect your furniture and washable for easy clean-up. Here are a few of our favorite changing pads:
Change Pad Covers
Changing pad covers are essential for keeping your changing pad clean and protected. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials to suit any nursery style or aesthetic. Look for a change pad cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning of messes and also one that fits snugly over the changing pad. And be sure to have a few on hand so you can easily switch them out as needed. Here’s our top picks:
- Copper Dash Cotton Quilted Change Pad Cover
- Kendi Safari Animal Change Pad Cover
- Caspian Whale Change Pad Cover
- Parker Pink Tie Dye Change Pad Cover
A Diaper Pail
A diaper pail is a perfect solution for any parent who wants to keep excessive odors from smelly diapers at bay. The pail creates an airtight seal to ensure the contents are securely stored and any unpleasant smells can be captured right when they hit the lid. With its modern design, it fits perfectly in any nursery, bathroom, or even a changing station. It makes running out of space a thing of the past with its adjustable capacity that allows you to add more as your baby grows. That way, both you and your baby can enjoy a clean, sanitary environment free from unwanted odors. Here are some of our favorite diaper pails:
Stock the Changing Station with the Essentials:
Plenty of Diapers
When you have a new baby, it can sometimes feel like you’re never going to be able to keep up with all the diaper changes. But don’t worry, there’s a simple solution – stock up on plenty of diapers! So don’t take chances and make sure those diapers are always at-the-ready! There are plenty of subscriptions, where you can even save a few bucks when you opt for a set delivery. Check out Amazon, Target or Walmart for diaper subscriptions, or brands like Honest, Hello Bello, and Abby & Finn.
Baby Wipes
No changing station is complete without wipes! Baby wipes are a must-have for quick diaper changes and cleaning up any messes. Make sure you have plenty of wipe refills on hand so you never run out. Here are a few of our favorite baby wipes that are gentle enough for baby’s delicate skin:
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream is a must-have for any parent, as it provides quick and effective relief when your baby develops a rash. It forms a protective layer over the affected area which helps to reduce the irritation and restore comfort to your little one. What’s more, it often contains ingredients that go beyond just soothing redness – some formulas contain skin-healing ingredients which can help to support natural recovery processes!
A Diaper Cream Applicator
Applying diaper cream can be a mess-prone task – especially with squirmy babies. Diaper cream applicators are an easy way to quickly and evenly spread the cream without getting your hands (or any other surfaces) messy! These nifty tools come in various sizes and materials, so choose one that best fits your needs. Here are some of our favorite diaper cream applicators:
Lotion and Creams
Babies’ skin is very delicate, and keeping it hydrated and moisturized is a must. This helps to prevent any dryness or irritation from developing, as well as helps to maintain the baby’s naturally soft skin. Part of the nightly routine for babies should include some kind of lotion or cream to keep their skin in tip-top shape. Here are a few options for you to choose from:
Hand Sanitizer
Last but not least, hand sanitizer! As parents and caregivers we want to do everything in our power to protect our little one’s health, which is why it’s important to keep your hands clean when handling them. The best way to do that is with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that kills germs. Keep one in your changing station, and never worry about spreading any unwanted germs to your baby. Here are some of our favorites:
- Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer
- Hello Bello Hand Sanitizer Gel
- Grove Collaborative Hand Sanitizer Gel
A Diaper Caddy
A diaper caddy is a must. It’s an organized way to store all the diapers, wipes, creams, and other diapering supplies that you need during each diaper change. These nifty containers are collapsible and portable so they can be moved easily from room to room. Or if you want something that blends seamlessly with your nursery, opt for a few cute storage bins. Here are a few of our favorite diaper caddies:
- Munchkin Organizer Baby Bottle and Accessory Caddy
- Pottery Barn Over the Door Diaper Caddy
- Cotton and Jute Storage Bin
- Ezra Whimsical Animal Storage Bin
- Kendi Embroidered Storage Bin
All factors considered, you’ve got plenty of choices to make when it comes to necessary baby-changing station supplies. Every parent’s necessities are different, so don’t be afraid to purchase items as needed. Put your emphasis on quality and safety for the sake of your little one – not just in terms of products but also about cleanliness; no one enjoys diaper changes but preparing properly will certainly help! Don’t forget to arm yourself with plenty of diapers. Investing in quality creams and wipes now will save you time and effort down the line. Put it all together, and voila – an efficient diaper-changing station is born! So here’s wishing you happy diapering adventures ahead.