A changing station works when everything you need sits within one arm's length, because one hand stays on the baby the whole time. This checklist is sorted by how often you reach for each item, so you can stock the station in one pass and restock it from the same list.
Why arm's reach matters
Once a change starts you cannot step away, so anything out of reach either interrupts the change or tempts you to turn your back. Set the station up so that you can lay a hand on every item without leaving your spot.
A simple layout rule helps. Put the item you grab at every change, the clean diaper, closest to your working hand, and place the things you need less often a little further out. Anything you only need for refills between changes can live in a drawer or on a shelf.
Everyday essentials
These are the items you use at every single change. Keep them on the surface or in a caddy.
- Clean diapers, a few at a time, with the main supply stored nearby.
- Wipes, with one pack open and ready. Browse the baby wipes collection and check each product title for whether the wipes are scented, unscented or fragrance free. One example is the WaterWipes Sensitive+ Newborn & Baby Wipes, Unscented, 720 Count (12 Packs).
- A changing pad with a cover, plus a spare cover. Browse the changing pads and covers collection for sizes.
- A lidded bin or a sack for the used diaper, within reach of your free hand.
- A caddy or basket that holds all of the above in one place. The diaper storage and organizers collection has several styles.
Skin care items
These come out at some changes rather than all of them, so they can sit one step further back than the diapers and wipes. Keep a barrier or diaper rash cream at the station if you use one, and follow the label for how much to apply and how often. The diaper rash creams and ointments collection lists the options. Close the cap after each use and keep the tube or jar out of the baby's reach.
Add a soft dry cloth for patting skin dry before a fresh diaper goes on. If a rash is not improving, looks sore, bleeds or spreads, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Spare clothes and cloths
You reach for most of these only when a change turns messy, so a lower shelf or the back of the caddy is fine, as long as your free hand can still get to them.
- One spare sleeper or onesie in the baby's current size, folded where you can reach it with one hand.
- A muslin or burp cloth to lay under the baby's bottom during a change.
- A small hand towel kept only for wiping up spills on the pad or the surface.
- A wet bag or a basket for soiled clothes, so they go straight out of the way.
Check the size each time you restock, because a spare outfit that no longer fits is no help in the middle of a mess.
Disposal and laundry
Decide where used diapers go before the first one arrives. A lidded bin with a liner, a pail with refills or sealed sacks can all work. What matters is that it is quick to use with one hand and that it gets emptied before it overflows. Keep sacks and liners out of the baby's reach.
Put a hamper or wet bag nearby for covers, cloths and clothing. Wash your hands after each change, with soap and water or a hand sanitizer if you are away from a sink.
Nice to have, not needed
None of these are required, and you can add them once you know what annoys you about your own setup.
- A wipe warmer or a wipe dispenser.
- A night light or a lamp with a dim setting.
- A notepad or a note on your phone, if your doctor or nurse asks you to keep track of changes.
- A hook for the diaper bag so it stays packed and ready.
- A toy you keep out of sight until a squirmy change begins.
Shop this guide
- Amazon Elements Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, 810 Count (ships via Amazon)
- Baza Protect Skin Cream, 2 oz (ships via Amazon)
- Diaper Caddy Organizer, Foldable Nursery Basket (ships via Amazon)
- Biloban Changing Pad Cover, Grey Star, 2 Pack (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Baby Wipes
- See all: Diaper Rash Creams & Ointments
- See all: Diaper Storage & Organizers
- See all: Changing Pads & Covers
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
A restock list to copy
Copy this into your phone notes and run through it once a week, or whenever you open the last pack of anything.
- Diapers: top up the station from your main supply.
- Wipes: open a new pack when the current one is nearly empty, and keep one spare unopened.
- Cream: check how much is left in the tube or jar.
- Pad cover: swap in a clean one and put the used one in the wash.
- Spare outfit: confirm it still fits, and replace it if it has been used.
- Bin or pail: empty it and add a fresh liner or refill.
- Wet bag or hamper: empty it, and wash its contents if needed.
Common questions
How many diapers should I keep at the station?
Enough for a few changes at a time. The right number depends on your baby's age and how often you change, so stock a small amount and adjust after the first week.
Do I need everything on this list before the baby arrives?
No. The everyday essentials are enough for the first change. Add the rest as you learn what you actually reach for.
Do I need a second station?
If you spend time on more than one floor of your home, a small second kit saves trips. A caddy you can carry between floors may be enough.
Not sure what your station is missing? Tell us how your space is set up through our contact page and we will help you choose. We reply within one business day.