Babies go through a lot of diapers in the first year and the most frequent activity in the nursery – apart from feeding the baby – is going to be diaper duty. As such, a diaper station is perhaps one of the most essential items in the nursery. What’s more, the diaper changing station has to be ready from the get-go. The endless diaper changing begins the moment you come home with the baby.
The 4 essentials
Diaper changing is never going to be the favorite activity for any parent but you’ll be doing a lot of it. Anything that can make the process easier for you and your baby is invaluable. It may not make it more fun but it can be relaxing and comfortable for everyone involved.
Here’s a quick list of the 4 items every diaper station needs:
Diapers
This one may sound obvious but most new parents are surprised by the number of diapers babies go through in a day. So make sure to have a big stack (or several) of diapers ready to go.
Wipes
What would diaper changing look like with wipes? It would be a lot messier for sure! Wipes are another thing you can never have enough of, so be sure to have several boxes on hand. You should also keep a few soft fabric cloths on hand to clean up unexpected messes.
Diaper cream
Diaper cream is the third essential at the changing station. No matter how soft the diapers are or even if they’re made of organic/natural materials, babies will experience diaper rash at least once. Diaper cream acts as a lubricant and barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper surface, thus reducing friction. It allows the skin to heal quickly.
Changing pad
Whether you have a dedicated changing unit, prefer to use the top of a dresser, or simply change the baby on the floor, a changing pad is essential. It provides a clean, soft, and secure surface for the baby to relax while you go about changing that smelly diaper.
What to look for in a changing mat
Changing pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so picking the right one for your needs can be hard. Some pads are very expensive while others are more budget-friendly. Some pads come with extras like a cover (or two!), belts, terry inserts, etc.
Here’s what you need to look for when buying a changing pad:
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Comfort
Whatever changing pad you select has to be comfortable for both you and your baby. Some pads come with cushioned areas for the baby’s head. Others have separate covers so you can throw them in the wash if needed.
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Safety
No matter where you change diapers, the safety and security of your baby are important. Choose a pad that has safety straps to keep the baby secure. Some pads have extra straps that secure the pad to the surface as well.
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Easy to clean
You may change diapers as many as 10 times a day. That means the changing pad needs to be easy to clean and not take 20 minutes every time. Not all pads are 100% waterproof though and you definitely need this feature!
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Size
Make sure the pad is large enough to fit your baby comfortably, at least until the first year. Changing pads marketed for travel tend to be smaller to make it easier to haul around but they may not be sufficient for your needs.
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Durability
Look for pads made from high-quality materials that will last. Many parents don’t use changing pads after the baby’s first birthday but poor quality construction means you might have to replace them once or even twice by then.
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Baby safe materials
No changing pad should have chemicals or materials that are harmful to a baby. So ensure the pad is free from BPA, PVC, lead, etc.
The Matty Changer
The Matty changer is a soft pad that you can place on the floor, on a dresser, or on top of a dedicated changing unit. It has safety features such as a belt to secure your baby as well as four non-slip feet to prevent accidents. It is made from molded PUR, which is soft enough that you don’t need an extra cover. It is also waterproof, so you can wipe it clean with a soft cloth. You can also disinfect the surface with ethanol.
As a bonus, the Matty is light enough to move around the house or take it with you when traveling. If you want to match the Matty with your nursery decor, it now comes in all-new colors like sage green, blueberry, and wood rose! With 7 muted shades to choose from, the Matty will fit right in with any nursery decor.