17 Essentials for Changing Table: Must Have List!

If you’re new to motherhood, you’re likely questioning the essentials for changing table in your baby’s nursery.

I remember my first pregnancy and how many questions I had, including all the necessities for the nursery.

In this article, you’ll find out the essentials and a few that may not be essential but that you may want to consider.

Let’s hop in!

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Essentials for Changing Table

A changing table is a piece of furniture designed for the specific purpose of changing a baby’s diaper and dressing them comfortably and safely.

It typically consists of a flat, padded surface with raised sides to prevent the baby from rolling or falling off.

Changing tables often come with additional features like safety straps to secure the baby, storage shelves or drawers for diapers, wipes, and other essentials, and a flat top surface for changing.

They provide a dedicated and ergonomic space for caregivers to perform diaper changes, promoting convenience and safety during this routine task.

Changing tables are commonly found in nurseries, baby rooms, or as part of baby care stations in public restrooms to facilitate diapering in a hygienic and organized manner.

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12 Essential Changing Table Items

Changing Table

A changing table is a dedicated piece of furniture designed specifically for the purpose of changing a baby’s diaper.

Typically equipped with a flat and padded top surface, it often features raised sides to prevent the baby from rolling off and includes safety straps or harnesses for added security.

Changing tables may come with additional storage options, such as shelves or drawers, to keep essential diapering supplies like diapers, wipes, and creams easily accessible.

This piece of baby furniture provides a safe, comfortable, and organized space for caregivers to change diapers and dress their infants, making the diaper-changing process more convenient and efficient.

Changing Pad Cover

A changing pad is a padded, typically waterproof, and easy-to-clean surface designed to be placed on top of a changing table or any flat and secure surface for the purpose of comfortably and hygienically changing a baby’s diaper.

It provides a cushioned and clean area for your baby during diaper changes, helps prevent messes from soiling the underlying surface, and often includes safety straps or harnesses to secure the baby, ensuring a safe and convenient environment for caregivers to perform diapering tasks.

Diapers

At a changing table, you need a supply of clean diapers that are appropriate for your baby’s size and age.

These diapers should be easily accessible and stored nearby, ensuring that you can quickly and conveniently replace soiled diapers during diaper changes.

Having an adequate stock of diapers at the changing table is essential to ensure a smooth and hygienic diapering process for your baby, as it minimizes disruptions and keeps the changing area well-prepared for each change.

Baby Wipes

At a changing table, you need baby wipes that are gentle, hypoallergenic, and specially designed for sensitive infant skin.

These wipes should be free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol, as they will be used to clean your baby’s bottom during diaper changes.

Ideally, choose wipes that are thick and strong enough to effectively clean while remaining soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.

Having a reliable supply of these baby wipes at the changing table is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and comfort during diaper changes, ensuring that your baby’s skin remains healthy and irritation-free.

Diaper Rash Cream

Diaper rash cream is a crucial addition to a changing table. It’s a topical ointment or cream specifically formulated to prevent, soothe, or treat diaper rash, which is a common discomfort for babies.

When placed on the changing table, this cream should be hypoallergenic, free of harsh chemicals or fragrances, and designed for sensitive baby skin.

Applying a thin layer of diaper rash cream as needed during diaper changes helps create a protective barrier, preventing diaper rash and alleviating any existing irritation, keeping your baby’s skin comfortable and healthy.

It’s an essential item for proactive skincare and maintaining your baby’s well-being during diaper changes.

Hand Sanitizer

Using hand sanitizer at a changing table is an important hygiene practice for caregivers.

Hand sanitizer, typically alcohol-based, is crucial for disinfecting hands before and after handling diaper changes.

This helps minimize the transfer of germs and bacteria, ensuring a clean and safe environment for your baby. It’s especially valuable when soap and water are not readily available.

Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer at the changing table allows caregivers to maintain proper hand hygiene, reducing the risk of contamination during diaper changes and promoting overall cleanliness in the diapering area.

Trash Can or Diaper Pail

Diaper pails near a changing table are specialized containers designed for the disposal of soiled diapers.

These pails are often strategically placed near the changing area to make the process of disposing of dirty diapers convenient and hygienic.

Diaper pails typically have airtight seals or odor-controlling features to trap unpleasant smells and maintain a fresh environment.

Some may also have hands-free or step-and-drop mechanisms for ease of use.

Having a diaper pail near the changing table helps keep the diapering area clean, prevents odors from spreading, and reduces the need to constantly carry soiled diapers to a distant trash can.

It’s a practical addition to a baby’s changing station, making diaper changes more efficient and comfortable for both caregivers and the baby.

Diaper Bag

Using a diaper bag at the changing table is a common practice for parents and caregivers to ensure they have all the necessary supplies readily available for diaper changes, whether at home or on the go.

A diaper bag typically contains essential items like diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, spare clothing, and other baby care necessities.

Placing the diaper bag near the changing table allows for quick access to these essentials during diaper changes.

This is especially convenient when you need to restock the changing table’s supplies or when you’re preparing for an outing with your baby.

It ensures that all the essentials are organized and within reach, making diaper changes smoother and more efficient.

Also, a well-packed diaper bag can be easily transported, providing a portable baby care station for when you’re away from home.

Extra Clothes

Having extra clothing at the changing table is crucial because it allows caregivers to quickly address unexpected messes or accidents that may occur during diaper changes.

Babies can sometimes soil their clothing or become wet due to diaper leaks or spills, making it necessary to have clean and easily accessible spare clothes on hand.

By having spare onesies, socks, and outfits within reach, caregivers can swiftly change their baby into clean, dry clothing, ensuring the baby remains comfortable and dry after a diaper change.

This simple but essential addition to the changing table helps prevent discomfort and fussiness, especially in situations where you may not have immediate access to a full wardrobe of baby clothes.

Burp Cloths

Burp cloths near the changing table serve a valuable purpose by providing a quick and convenient solution for cleaning up any unexpected spills, spit-ups, or messes that can occur during or after diaper changes.

These cloths are typically made from absorbent materials and are easy to wash, making them ideal for wiping away excess moisture or mess on your baby’s skin, clothing, or the changing table itself.

By having burp cloths within arm’s reach, caregivers can swiftly address small accidents, maintaining a clean and hygienic diaper changing area, and ensuring their baby remains dry and comfortable throughout the process.

Safety Straps

Using safety straps on a changing table is of paramount importance for ensuring the safety of your baby during diaper changes.

These straps are typically equipped on changing tables to secure the baby in place, preventing accidental falls or rollovers.

When properly fastened, safety straps keep the baby safely positioned on the changing table, even if they become fussy or squirmy during the diaper-changing process.

This extra layer of security is essential to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure that the caregiver can focus on the task at hand without worrying about the baby’s safety.

Always remember to use these safety straps whenever changing your baby to create a secure and protected environment.

Toys or Distractions

Using toys at the changing table to keep a baby occupied can be a helpful strategy, especially as babies get older and may become more restless during diaper changes.

Providing a colorful, safe, and age-appropriate toy, mobile, or distraction can engage the baby’s attention, making diaper changes a more pleasant experience for both the caregiver and the baby.

These toys can help redirect the baby’s focus away from the diapering process, reducing fussiness or resistance.

However, it’s essential to choose toys that are easy to clean and free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard.

Keep in mind that the primary goal is to ensure the baby’s safety and comfort during diaper changes, so always supervise the baby when they’re playing with toys on the changing table, and make sure the toys are securely attached and within reach to prevent accidents.

Bonus: Non Essentials You May Want

Changing Table Organizer: A caddy or organizer for keeping supplies organized.

Baby Powder: Some parents use it, but it’s not universally recommended.

Wipe Warmer: Warms wipes for added comfort during changes.

Changing Table Liners: Disposable liners for easy cleanup, though not essential.

Mobile or Wall Art: Decorative items for your baby’s visual stimulation, not necessary for changing.

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Baby Table Wrap Up

Setting up a well-equipped changing table in your nursery is essential for providing a safe and convenient space for diapering and dressing your baby.

Key essentials, such as a changing pad with a waterproof cover, diapers in the right size, and gentle baby wipes, are fundamental for maintaining your baby’s hygiene and comfort.

Items like a diaper pail and a well-organized changing table organizer ensure a clean and tidy diapering area.

Safety features like safety straps and the presence of spare clothing and burp cloths nearby further enhance the functionality of this crucial space.

The addition of toys or distractions can make diaper changes more pleasant for your baby, turning what might be a challenging moment into a positive and engaging one.

By stocking your changing table with these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the daily routines of baby care with ease and confidence.

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