You’re going to be visiting the changing table with your infant quite a lot (around 10 times a day!), so you should be decked out with all the essentials to expedite diaper changes. Here’s a list of go-to items:
- Diapers: You definitely don’t want to be caught off guard when you realize you don’t have any clean diapers and Baby has a smelly surprise for you. Keep some backups around in case you don’t have time to stock up.
- Wipes: Gotta keep Baby nice and clean! Make sure they are soft, unscented, and alcohol-free so they isn’t exposed to harsh chemicals.
- Rash cream: Diaper rashes are very common and usually go away in a few days, they’re caused by irritation from new products or excessive exposure to urine or feces. If you notice Baby’s skin is becoming red or bumpy, this is good to have handy, but it can also be used as a preventive measure.
- Trash can: Diaper genies will wrap non-reusable and non-biodegradable dirty diapers securely in a scented material to reduce the spread of germs and smelly odor. If you use cloth diapers, a trash can is still helpful, but as an added measure, save your plastic grocery or shopping bags for trash can liners. This makes it easier for you to carry cloth diapers to the washing machine.
- Toys, a mobile, or a binky: Baby doesn’t enjoy diaper changes any more than you do, so keep them distracted with something so they doesn’t wriggle away from you! When they start teething around 5 months, a pacifier could be useful to keep them calm. Make sure everything you give them is clean and stored away from the trash bin.
- Hand sanitizer or hand wipes: You’re supposed to wash your hands after every diaper change, but you might not have the opportunity to get to the bathroom, so keep some hand sanitizer at your changing table and in your diaper bag.
- Changing table pads: In case diaper changes get super messy, keep a replacement waterproof pad nearby.
