Change Is Never Easy
One of the main things that you will want to set up before you bring your new baby home is a changing area. Even if you have a small space, it helps to have a designated area—routines are a lifeline, especially in the first few months.
If you have the space, you will first want to choose a changing station. You can buy a freestanding changing unit, a dresser/changer combo, or just use a dresser—even one you already have, as long as it will fit a Standard Changing Pad (32x16) and diapering essentials. In the spirit of minimalism, we decided to use a 36” tall antique solid wood dresser that can permanently be part of our home decor (see photos.) I lined the inside of the drawers with fabric so it can easily be wiped clean.
I considered buying a changing topper to place on the dresser, but found that a Standard Contoured Changing Pad works great on its own. We cut a Rug Gripper Pad to fit between the dresser and the changing pad, and securely screwed the safety strap from the changing pad to the upper back of the dresser which was then anchored to the wall.
We quickly learned to use Medline Disposable Changing Pads that can be replaced whenever soiled. We also discovered a special hack to prevent wetness from traveling all the way up the baby’s back by using a second disposable changing pad on top with the top folded down. Our Carousel Designs Nursery Rhyme Toile Changing Pad Cover is washable—it’s best to have at least two covers.
We were cautioned by many other parents to not spend money on a wipe warmer, so we didn’t. That said, I think this is something that we would have liked, especially for middle of the night diaper changes, so I wouldn’t rule it out. We did use the Ubbi Wipes Dispenser which helped to create easy access for wipes—especially with messy diaper changes!
The messy diapers need a place to go, so we chose the Ubbi Diaper Pail for its subdued design and ease of use. We share more tips about diaper disposal here.
We kept the other diapering essentials on a simple plastic IKEA decorative tray that will easily transition to a dresser tray in my daughter’s room. The area was always clean and organized because we only kept the items that we used daily on the station.
Our daughter had terrible diaper rash in her first few months, and we ended up at the pediatricians office twice with two separate prescriptions. In the end, we found out that it was a reaction to the diaper brand that we initially chose. We switched to a very strict diaper routine—clean with Honest Company Baby Wipes, rinse with a mixture of water and baking soda in a flip top squeeze bottle, and dry the area with a Dry Baby Wipe. We only used Triple Paste or A&D Ointment, and now only use Honest Company Diapers.
To that point, make sure you don’t stock up on too many diapers or lotions in the beginning, because you won’t always know what will work for your baby’s skin.
As far as organization goes, try to keep packs of extra diapers and wipes in a linen closet or wherever you store sundries like toilet paper and paper towels. If you keep the diapering area free of clutter, it will make diaper changes fast—and we all know how important that is at 3am!
Before you start to shop for your changing station, look to see what you have. Do you have a dresser that could work as a changer? Do you have a craft caddy that you are no longer using that could hold diapers and wipes? Or maybe you have the perfect tray that will hold diaper essentials? Shop in your house first, then use the tips here to create a diaper station in your home!
