Your baby-changing checklist

With an average of eight to ten nappy changes a day in the early weeks, you’re going to spend a lot of time at your baby’s changing station – so it’s a good idea to get everything you need ready in advance. Here’s our lowdown on what to buy and why.

Changing mat

Runny poo + wriggly baby = messy job. Buy the biggest changing mat you can find! One that has a raised edge also helps contain any escapee wees.

Plastic bowls

In the early weeks, it’s a good idea to clean your baby’s sensitive bottom with cotton wool and water. You can buy specially designed ‘topping and tailing’ bowls that are divided into two or three sections, but any clean plastic bowl works just as well.

Cotton wool

You will go through a LOT of cotton wool in the first few weeks. Cotton wool balls tend to be cheaper, and are good for cleaning around eyes and ears, but cotton wool pads are definitely easier when it comes to bottoms. Unless you want pooey fingers, bigger is better here.

Wipes

When your baby is a bit older, you’ll probably want to switch to the convenience of wipes – they’re easier to pack for on the go, and generally more effective at removing a young baby’s often sticky poo (caused by the higher fat content). Washable, reusable wipes are available and are very effective, but will add to your washing load. If you are opting for disposable wipes, consider choosing a fragrance-free variety that’s suitable for a young baby’s sensitive skin.

Nappies

Check out our Ultimate Newborn Nappy Guide for the lowdown on which nappies to buy.

Muslin cloths

As a new mum, you’ll quickly learn that muslin cloths are useful for all manner of things – from protecting your shoulder from baby sick to makeshift blankets. They're also handy at nappy change time, although for the sake of hygiene you might want to allocate colours for the different jobs (blue for poo, is a good way to remember). Lay one over a cold changing mat to make it more comfortable for bare bottoms and to absorb any accidents. Likewise, laying one across your baby boy’s willy while you clean his bottom will help avoid the old wee-in-your-eye trick. If you’re using cotton wool and water, muslins are useful for patting bottoms dry afterwards.

Cream

Those creases and folds can get a little sore, and nappy rash can occur despite your best intentions, so it’s useful to have a tub of Sudocrem or other nappy rash cream handy. Don’t put it on habitually, though. Keeping your baby’s bottom clean and dry, and letting her enjoy some nappy-off time should be enough.

Clean sleepsuits

However good your nappy-changing skills and quick you are to change, there will always be the explosive poo that leaks out. So have a pile of clean sleepsuits handy to change her into.

Easy access storage

If you don’t have a changing unit (see below), it’s a good idea to invest in some storage for all your baby-changing gear, so that you have everything you need close to hand.

Changing bag

Look for a changing bag that comes with a folding changing mat for easy nappy changes wherever you are, and separate pockets for wipes, nappies and a clean set of clothes is also useful.

Not essential but useful:

Changing table or unit

Changing units or cot-top changing tables will save your back from the constant leaning over, plus the changing units provide handy storage. However, it will not be long before your baby is able to wriggle off – even if they have sides – so no dashing off to grab a clean sleepsuit while they’re on the table. Alternatively, opt for a changing mat on the floor.

Nappy bags

These plastic bags will help contain the smell of really stinky nappies when you’re out and about and there are no nappy bins available.

Nappy bin

A sealed nappy bin can be a convenient addition to the nursery as it means you don’t have to make a trip to the dustbin or stink out your kitchen bin after every change.

Hand sanitiser

A useful way to clean your hands after a nappy change, especially if you’re out and about and there’s not a washbasin handy.