17 Essentials for Changing Table: Must Have List!
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Last Updated on 03/25/2025 by Nell Marie
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.
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Essentials for Changing Table
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your embed code hereSetting up a baby changing table is a bit like crafting a small, efficient haven for both you and your little one.
It’s not just about having diapers and wipes within arm’s reach, but creating a space that anticipates every unpredictable baby moment.
Soft, washable changing pad covers offer comfort, while having a dedicated bin for soiled diapers keeps the air fresh.
Consider adding a mobile or a collection of toys to distract your baby during changes, turning it into a positive experience.
Stock up on gentle baby wipes and diaper rash cream, transforming the table into a mini-care station.
Keep a spare change of clothes nearby for unexpected messes and invest in a sturdy diaper pail to seal away odors.
Ultimately, the changing table becomes more than a functional necessity—it evolves into a sweet spot for bonding and caregiving, where practicality meets a touch of warmth for those countless diaper-changing moments.
12 Essential Changing Table Items
Changing Table
A changing table is more than just a piece of nursery furniture; it’s a practical solution that becomes a central hub for caregiving routines when you have a baby.
This specialized table provides a dedicated space for diaper changes, making the process more organized and convenient.
The elevated surface not only saves your back from constant bending but also ensures that everything you need during a diaper change is within arm’s reach.
Most changing tables come equipped with safety features like raised sides to prevent your baby from rolling off and sturdy straps for added security.
Beyond its functional aspects, a changing table offers a designated area where you can store diapers, wipes, creams, and spare clothes, streamlining the process and minimizing the chances of leaving your baby unattended.
It becomes a comforting station for both you and your little one, fostering a routine that turns a diaper change into a bonding moment rather than a chore.
In essence, a changing table is an investment that enhances efficiency, safety, and the overall caregiving experience during those early months of parenthood.
Affiliate links may be used in this post and if so I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when purchasing from my site. I’m also part of the Amazon Affiliate (Associate) program where I earn a commission from sales made through my affiliate links. Read the full disclosure policy. And, our disclaimer page for important information about using this site.
Changing Tables on amazon
- Sweeby Portable Baby Changing Table
- Delta Changing Table
- Storkcraft Brookside 2 Drawer Changing Table Dresser
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.
Changing Pad Covers
- lulumoon Muslin Changing Pad Cover
- Neutral changing pad covers
- Konssy 2 Pack Muslin Changing Pad Cover
- Changing pad
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 parent and the baby.
Diaper Pails on amazon
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.
Diaper Bags on amazon
Extra Clothes
Having extra clothing at the changing table is crucial because it allows parents to quickly address unexpected messes or accidents that may occur during diaper changes.
Babies can sometimes mess their clothing or become wet due to diaper leaks or spills, making it necessary to have clean and easily clothes on hand.
By having spare onesies, socks, and outfits within reach, parents can quickly 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 baby from growing uncomfortable and fussy, 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 important in keeping your baby safe on the changing table.
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.
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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