"One of the first things we’re told as first-time expecting moms is to get ready for lots and lots of diaper changes. While we can listen to this over and over again, like everything else in parenting, we never really know what it’s going to be like until we tackle it ourselves.
Think Rachel Green in Friends at her baby shower for Emma. She was practically shamed for not realizing that a baby poops upwards of 10 times per day and suggesting she could leave her baby alone while she takes the diaper out to the trash can. While yes, it is important to not leave babies alone, I appreciate the ‘real talk‘ in this episode about how challenging it can be to know everything about first-time motherhood before you’ve been through it.
The truth is, yes, diaper changing will become a fundamental part of a new parent’s life, but there’s no need to go into the experience blindly. And there are tons of products that can make the diapering process easier. With so many products on the market, we wanted to offer a helping hand and highlight the best of the best diapering essentials for your baby registry. If only we were around when Rachel was looking for answers, too!
Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our second annual Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.
The Best Diapering Essentials to Add to Your Baby Registry
Diapers
This wouldn’t be a robust diapering essentials round-up without including arguably the most-used of all baby products: diapers. New parents learn quickly that babies go through a LOT of diapers, and the cost of those diapers adds up even quicker. That’s why we love and recommend a diaper subscription service—read on for more!
Take it from one of our editors with a newborn baby: “My daughter has not had a single code brown since I switched to Coterie.” Plus, with the subscription, you’ll never run out of diapers in the middle of the night.
Wipes
A lot goes into choosing the wipes that work best—preferred wetness level, the sensitivity level of baby’s skin, and texture, to name a few. While there’s a bit of trial and error that goes with finding the best wipes, these are some of our editor-approved favorites.
These unscented wipes are 99.9 percent water-based and plastic-free. Not only do they gently clean, but they help protect a baby’s sensitive skin, too.
Yes, you can purchase these without a Costco membership! We love that these wipes are hypoallergenic and free from alcohol, chlorine, and parabens.
Diaper Creams
Even with high-quality, ultra-absorbent diapers comes the opportunity for a diaper rash. These rashes that cause a baby’s bottom to turn red, hot, or bumpy are often either caused by moisture or friction from a diaper. The best way to combat this is with a quality diaper cream that creates a barrier between the skin and the diaper and moisture within. It can be used with every diaper change—no need to wait until a rash appears! There are endless creams on the market, but these are tried and true and editor-approved.
Our editors agree, this is the strongest formula out there for baby rashes. Believe us, a rapid cure is a miracle and this one stays on longer without reapplication.
This Desitin diaper rash cream is a bestseller for a reason: Its hypoallergenic and pediatrician-tested formula forms a protective barrier on baby’s skin and provides soothing relief.
This 3-in-1 solution is designed to prevent, soothe, and treat diaper rash. Plus, its small tube size is convenient to keep in your diaper bag for outings.
Made with plant-derived ingredients, this cream doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, petroleum, mineral oil, fragrances, or dyes.
Diaper Cream Brushes
When a diaper rash develops, diaper creams are part of the protocol. Diaper cream brushes help keep baby more comfortable, ensure a more even coverage, and keep your hands clean. These highly-rated options will make the stressful time of dealing with a diaper rash just a little bit easier. They’re soft to the touch, easy to use, and come with a suction base for added convenience during diaper changes.
When you do have to apply rash cream, this under-the-radar applicator can make things a little less messy.
Another great applicator option, this one comes with a plastic carrying case for easy clean-up while out and about.
Diaper Caddies
If you want to place different diaper-changing setups in every room around the house or you need to carry a few essentials with you at all times, diaper caddies are convenient for organizing your baby’s must-haves, like diapers, wipes, and creams. With plenty of different designs, styles, and materials for caddies, there’s one for every preference and nursery theme. These are also great to keep in the car so as to always have diapering essentials on hand.
Our readers love this Target diaper caddy for its functionality and pretty aesthetic.
An amazing option for middle-of-the-night diaper changes, this caddy includes a touch-sensitive light with an auto shut-off feature.
We love the whimsical floral design on this soft-sided diaper caddy, complete with lots of dividers for organization.
At under $20, you can’t go wrong with this classic option from Walmart to keep diapering essentials on-hand at home, in the car—anywhere!
Changing Pads and Liners
All of these diapering essentials become less valuable if we have nowhere to do the actual diaper changes! That’s where changing pads come in. Whether you have a changing table in the nursery or need a portable changing spot around the house, these pads essentially form a barrier between the baby and the surface below. They can all be easily cleaned or wiped down from the inevitable mess that comes with so many diaper changes.
Our experts agree—Keekaroo’s changing pad is great because it is easy to wipe down and durable while being stable and safe!
Hatch’s smart changing pad includes a scale for parents who need to (or want to) keep track of baby’s weight.
This contoured foam changing pad provides a soft landing for baby while still being easy-to-clean with a waterproof surface.
This pack of three changing pad liners make a great addition to any diapering station. The best part? They’re machine washable.
Diaper Pails
Diaper pails are the most functional of ‘luxury purchases’ and will definitely add additional sanitary benefits to any diaper station. While, like a trash can, we can toss dirty diapers in them, diaper pails are specifically designed to prevent odors from escaping. Plus, many come with foot pedals or lids easy to open with one hand. Keep odors at bay with some of the best diaper pails on the market.
Made of steel to lock in odors, this highly-rated diaper pail requires no special bags and comes in lots of cute colors.
This cost-effective option includes a foot pedal for hands-free use. It’s compatible with regular garbage bags, but Dekor refills are recommended and one package is included with purchase.
With a self-sealing system, odors are under control whether or not the pail is open. Compatible with Arm & Hammer Snap, Seal & Toss bags.
The foot pedal allows for handsfree opening and the clamp help keep odors inside the pail. It comes with a pack of Diaper Genie’s multi-layer refill bags, which can be bought separately after they run out.
Diaper Bags
One of the most convenient items we can put on our registry is a quality diaper bag to hold all the necessities for diapering, feeding, and playing. There are so many options, so you can choose one that reflects your personal style. That being said, having so many options can quickly become overwhelming. Here are a few of our favorites in different styles—so there’s something for everyone.
If there was an award for most-shopped diaper bag by our readers, this one would take the seal! You’ll be lugging around your little one’s things for a few years, so you may as well do it in style.
Another great option from Dagne Dover, this tote includes a mini changing mat and extra pouches and easily attaches onto a stroller.
Perfect for travel, this diaper backpack—part of CALPAK’s new baby collection—includes a laptop sleeve, breathable mesh pockets, insulated bottle holders, and an easy-transport handle.
This diaper bag’s unique feature is its extra-wide opening, making it easy to reach inside and quickly grab whatever you need for baby.
This Freshly Picked diaper bag is a classic, and it’s designed by moms for moms. We love that its vegan leather exterior makes it look like any other stylish backpack you may own.
At under $50, this diaper bag has everything you need: a foldable changing mat, stroller straps, and even a detachable pacifier holder.
Diaper Belt Bags
When we want the functionality of a diaper bag without the large size, a diaper belt bag is a handy alternative. These are especially great for walks with baby and quick outings when you just need the essentials. Belt bags are one of the most functional trends and one that moms shouldn’t miss out on. Here are some of our reader favorites and highly-rated diaper belt bag options.
Our readers also can’t get enough of this fanny pack diaper bag. It fits all your on-the-go must-haves in a small, easy-to-carry space.
This tiny but mighty accessory includes a wide-opening zipper and fits diapers + wipes, plus everything else you’ll need while on the go.
There’s a reason this lululemon belt bag has a cult following: it’s ultra-functional. It’s a smaller option for a diaper bag replacement, but includes three mesh pockets within and can hold all of the essentials.
A bigger belt bag option, this is sure to fit anything you’ll need to carry while out with baby—plus, it comes in so many cute colors!
Travel Diaper Changing Stations
These options offer the same conveniences of at-home changing stations no matter where your busy schedule takes you and baby. They come with pockets for the essentials, like diapers and wipes, and have built-in easy-to-clean changing pads. These are a convenient and affordable must-have for mamas always on the go.
At under $20, this portable kit fits up to four large diapers and includes a wipes case.
This option from editor-favorite brand Dagne Dover can easily clip onto a stroller and can even be carried as a clutch bag.
Made of water-resistant, heavyweight nylon, this wristlet change kit comes in four pretty patterns.
An all-in-one portable changing station that’s as uniquely stylish as it is functional.
Nice-to-Have Diapering Products
Now that we’ve covered the must-haves, we wanted to highlight some nice-to-have products to make changing diapers just a little bit better. First is the baby wipe warmer. This nifty tool ensures wipes aren’t cold when used. It even comes with a night light. Second, the waterproof wet bag is a reusable bag that can be used for wet items like swimsuits or dirty baby clothes after a diaper mishap.
A lifesaver for sleepy middle-of-the-night diaper changes, this wipe warmer has a motion-sensing lid that includes a night light.
Blowouts and other messes will inevitably happen—be prepared with this reusable wet bag to easily transport dirty clothes, blankets, and more to the washing machine.
