Are you getting ready for baby and trying to prepare your diaper changing station? I’ve got you covered! 🙂 These are some tips to get you organized and functional.

1. Select a changing table that has storage. There are many fantastic options out there. I decided on a changing table that doubled as a dresser for my daughters clothes. The baskets add additional storage for a variety of important items (more on that soon). If you already have a dresser that can be used for your nursery, look into changing table toppers. They are relatively inexpensive and can turn most dressers into a functional changing table. The best part is that once baby outgrows the changing table – or baby is potty trained – you can take the topper off and you still have the dresser! Take a look at this TOPPER – which is under $30 and comes in 5 colors! You can also click HERE for a TOPPER in white which is also under $30 and will ship free from Amazon if you use Prime! If you don’t have a dresser and need the entire changing table – try looking at Nextdoor for free or inexpensive items in your neighborhood. It’s amazing what neighbors may be looking to get rid of. It makes me so happy when I can pass things that my kids have outgrown to a family who needs it! Especially if they are in my neighborhood and can easily pick it up.
2. Get a changing pad and a couple of pad covers. The changing pad will go on top of the changing table to make it comfortable for baby. It also has a strap to help keep baby safe. You still cannot leave baby unattended – but it helps keep a wiggly baby on the pad. This pad has worked well for us and is pretty inexpensive. Pay attention to the size of your changing pad to ensure it fits in the changing table topper (if using one). Getting 2 to 3 pad covers will help you keep the pad clean. Remember – you will be dealing with some messy diapers from time to time 😉 I would say having 2 pad covers is at the minimum – but 3 is ideal. We’ve had days when both get dirty and I’m grateful to have the third while I wash the others.
3. Pick a diaper stacker.
   This will hold your diapers, keeping them out of the packaging, stacked neatly, and handy when you need them. Click HERE for examples on Amazon. You do not and should not spend a lot on this item. It has 1 job – hold diapers. If you get one that is neutral, it’ll work for baby #1 and baby #2 (or any other babies you add to your family), which is a money saver. My son was still using his when I had our daughter, so we ended up getting a pink one to match her room theme 🙂 Pick what you like but don’t waste money on something expensive.
4. Select a wipes dispenser. If this is your first child, take note that babies do not like to be cold. With my son (first child), we used a regular wipes dispenser. It was fine, but the wipes are cold and when you are trying to change a sleepy newborn with cold wipes, it makes them mad or wakes them up (or both)! For my daughter (second child), someone introduced me to the heated wipes dispenser. AMAZING! I loved how warm the wiped were, and how it kept my baby girl sleep and cozy during diaper changes. It was also nice when I was wiping her face after nursing, wiping her little eyes after a nap, and so much more. I wish I had known about heated wipes dispensers for our first child! We have this heated wipes dispenser and it’s been great! Please note that for this model (and possibly others) you do need to add a little bit of water to keep the wipes from drying out. It is not hard to do – and it makes a big difference.
5. Creams, powders and more…
   You will absolutely want creams, powders and other things to keep baby soft, clean and happy. The following are my favorite items that I recommend for your changing station: Desitin (use to protect against diaper rash), Aquaphor (use this on dry baby skin – fantastic for cheeks, upper arms and thighs), Baby Powder (helps absorb moisture and keeps baby legs soft), Hand Cream (will help keep your hands moisturized), Hand Sanitizer (great trick to “clean” your hands so you can get a clean diaper and clothes back on baby – and then go wash your hands), Mustela PhysiObebe No-Rinse Cleansing Fluid (gentle cleanser to wipe that sweet baby face after feedings, before naps and bedtime, etc.), Mustela lotion (use for face and body after giving baby a bath and after using the cleanser. This is not a thick lotion, so if baby has mild eczema – talk to your pediatrician, and consider trying Aquaphor).
6. Additional creams and baby items to keep handy.  Think about what other things will fit in your changing station that you will want on hand. A Nose Frida is a fantastic thing to have on hand and may fit in your changing station. It is small but has a big impact if your baby has a stuffy nose. Baby Vicks or other soothing chest rub helps baby breath easier when they have a cold. Consider putting it on the back instead of the chest if the smell is too strong for baby. I also recommend the bottoms of the feet (be sure to cover feet with socks right after you apply it so baby doesn’t touch the rub). Baby nail scissors are essential as babies nails are sharp and must be trimmed often. I personally love the Piyo Piyo baby scissors but you should look for the right option for you. Keep an eye out for a blog post on tips for trimming your baby nails! Baby safety swabs are a nice item to have on hand – but be very careful with them! I have only had to use them a couple of times over the last year. Talk to your pediatrician about the best way to use them. A thermometer! We use a digital thermometer – but you may want to discuss what is best with your pediatrician. This is our favorite thermometer and it has worked well for both of our kids. When sick, we take their temp about 4 times to get a good average and more accurate reading.
7. Find additional storage. Make sure you have a place to put all of these items so they are within reach when changing baby. You cannot leave baby unattended on the changing table – which means you need these items within reach. Some dressers may be large and have extra space for these items on top. Our changing table/dresser is on the small side, so I chose a small side table to hold important items. I also use a basket housed in the changing table. You can see from the photos in this post that I have many of the creams and powders (which I purchase in the largest size to save $$) in the basket. I keep the pumps (hand and body lotions, hand sanitizer, and cleaner) on the small side table with the wipes. Everything is easily within reach so I can keep baby safe while changing her.
8. Select a diaper pail. If you decide to go with disposable diapers, you will need a diaper pail. We have used the Diaper Dekor Plus for both our kids and it has worked well for us. We use the biodegradable liners – but they do have cloth diaper and regular liners as well (depending on your preference or needs).
9. Think about what other important things may fit on your changing station. A humidifier is a must for a nursery. When baby gets a cold (which will happen at some point), a humidifier will help a lot. Ours fits on the side table by the wipes. Another key item is a sound machine. We use ours for naps and bed time. Select one that has a plug and also takes batteries. It is also best if it has a timer. We use this Sound Machine for our kids – but there are many options out there. I can say that it has traveled with us to visit grandparents, on vacations, etc., and it has made it much easier for our kids to sleep. This also sits by our wipes on the side table. Lastly, a baby night light is a wonderful addition to the nursery and may even fit near your other essentials. We use this little octopus night light that projects on the ceiling and is portable. Our son has the blue one and our daughter has the pink. It fits beautifully on the changing station – but can also be moved around the room.
10. Keep a hamper handy. A changing station is used for dirty diapers. Keep that in mind as you think about where to put a hamper. We keep ours close enough to toss in soiled baby clothes or any other items that need washing. Personally, I find that keeping a hamper close to my changing station makes for less mess and much more ease.

Baby spends a lot of time getting diaper changes, clean clothes, and other pampering at this station. Make sure it is comfortable, stocked, and ready for action!

I hope this helps you prepare your changing station! XOXO