Five Diaper Change Must-Haves for New Parents
Welcome to the whirlwind of new parenthood! Among the many joys (and challenges), diaper changes are soon to become a frequent and essential part of your daily routine. Choosing the right gear for diapering your little one can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information, you can ensure that diaper duty is a smooth, efficient process. This guide will walk you through my five favorite products that will revolutionize your diaper changing experience, ensuring both comfort for your baby and sanity for you.
1. The Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad: Comfort and Cleanliness Combined
Let's start with the foundation: the changing pad. The Keekaroo Peanut Changing Pad stands out as a top-tier choice for its unique design and functionality. I personally own and use several, and have sent to many a friend. A 100% must have in my opinion.
Why it's a must-have: Unlike traditional fabric-covered pads, the Keekaroo is made from a soft, impermeable, non-slip material. This means no more wrestling with changing pad covers or worrying about leaks soaking through. It's incredibly easy to wipe clean, making any and all messes a breeze to handle.
The peanut shape is contoured to cradle your baby comfortably, providing support and preventing them from rolling. The soft, smooth surface is gentle on delicate skin, and the durable material ensures it will last through countless diaper changes.
Bonus Points: The Keekaroo is non-toxic, latex-free, PVC-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring your baby's safety. It’s also relatively light, and easy to move around the house.
TLDR: non-toxic, easy to wipe clean, comfortable for baby.
2. Kudos Diapers: Gentle Protection for Sensitive Skin
Choosing the right diaper is crucial for preventing rashes and blowouts, and for keeping your baby comfortable. You will be going through a lot of diapers in the first year (truly more than your wildest expectations). It is so important to find a brand that works for your baby, and is made from materials that you are comfortable with. After all, newborns are in diapers nearly 100% of the time. Kudos diapers are a fantastic option for parents seeking a gentle and effective diaper. We have personally tested several brands from birth through the toddler years, and keep coming back to Kudos at all ages. Use the above link for 10% off.
Why they're a must-have: Kudos diapers are 100% cotton-lined (i.e. the part that touches your baby!), designed with plant-based materials and are free from harmful chemicals like lotions, fragrances, parabens and phthalates. They are total chlorine free and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
They prioritize breathability and softness, minimizing irritation and promoting healthy skin.
These diapers offer excellent absorbency, keeping your baby dry for extended periods, especially overnight. **I shouldn’t put this in writing, but I have actually never had blowout when one of my kids is in a Kudos diaper!
Bonus Points: Customer service is excellent, and a monthly subscription is available so you never run out of diapers.
TLDR: made from clean materials, highly absorbent, sign up for the subscription service to make sure you never run out of diapers
3. Healthy Baby Wipes: Pure and Gentle Cleansing
Wipes are an essential component of every diaper change. Healthy Baby Wipes are an excellent choice for their clean ingredients and gentle effectiveness.
Why Healthy Baby wipes are a must-have: These wipes are made only with water and a few simple, plant-derived ingredients. They are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and parabens, making them safe for even the most sensitive skin. The wipes themselves are large, thick, soft, and very moist. They are embossed (which – IYKYK – is good for the messiest of diapers), and they are *truly* unscented.
Bonus Points: Healthy Baby wipes are thick and durable, minimizing the need for multiple wipes per change. They are also hypoallergenic and pH-balanced, further reducing the risk of irritation.
TLDR: soft, clean ingredients, and get the job done. Order in bulk so you never run out.
4. Triple Paste or Aquaphor with Zinc Oxide: Diaper Rash Hates to See Them Coming
Diaper rash is a common concern for new parents. Having a reliable diaper cream on hand is essential for preventing and treating irritation. Triple Paste and Aquaphor with Zinc Oxide are two great options. Before having my first child, I was dead-set on sticking to something organic, non-toxic, EWG-verified, etc etc. But when that first diaper rash popped up, I just wanted it to go away – as it turns out, you need something with zinc for that. And for what it’s worth, Triple Paste is now EWG-verified!
Why they're a must-have: Both Triple Paste and Aquaphor with Zinc Oxide create a thick, protective barrier between your baby's skin and wetness, preventing irritation and allowing existing rashes to heal. Zinc oxide is the MVP ingredient known for its soothing and healing properties – Triple Paste has 12.8% zinc oxide, while the Aquaphor linked above has 40%. So I typically start with TP and work my way to Aquaphor if needed.
Note – be generous with the amount of diaper cream you use. A pediatrician once told me to use so much that it looks like you’re frosting a cupcake.
FYI – make sure you order the tiny travel sizes as well, to throw in diaper bags
5. This Specific Diaper Caddy: Mobile Organization for Convenience
Having a designated diaper changing station in one location is helpful, but what about those middle-of-the-night changes or daytime emergencies in other rooms? This Specific Diaper Caddy solves this problem.
Why it's a must-have: This caddy provides a portable and organized solution for all your diaper changing essentials. It allows you to create a secondary changing station in any room of your house, eliminating the need to run to the main station every time.
Bonus points: Multiple compartments and removable dividers, allowing you to customize the storage to fit your needs. It's also made from durable materials and features a stylish design. Fill with diapers, wipes, creams, extra pacifiers, burp cloths, and a change of clothes – so anything you need is within reach when you can’t take a hand off of your baby
Embracing the Diaper Change Journey
Diaper changes are an unavoidable part of new parenthood, but with the right products, you can make the experience more comfortable and efficient for both you and your baby. Investing in high-quality products like the Keekaroo, Kudos diapers, Healthy Baby wipes, Triple Paste, and a great diaper changing caddy will provide you with the tools you need to tackle diaper duty with confidence.
Remember, every baby is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of products that work best for your little one. Don't be afraid to do some trial and error (you may need this for diapers, as every baby’s tiny body is different) and feel free to ask me for additional recommendations. And most importantly, remember to enjoy the precious moments with your baby, even during diaper changes!