Diapers are one of the most obvious items on your new baby checklist, but your list of baby diapering gear doesn’t end there. Diapers, check. Then what? Check this list to make sure you’re stocked up on all the baby gear you need.
Disposable diapers
Widely appreciated for their absorbency and convenience, disposable diapers and training pants seem to undergo technology upgrades even more often than cell phones do. The latest innovations include developmentally targeted designs, more specific sizing, and eco-friendly biodegradability. Some manufacturers have even perfected swim diapers that provide containment and maintain their fit without swelling into a soggy pendulum. (Not sure how to change a diaper? Don’t worry, it’s easy!)
One to try: Super soft Pampers Swaddlers have a color-changing wetness indicator to help keep baby dry and comfortable.
Changing pads, covers, or stations
With strategic contours, safety straps and soft, machine-washable covers, changing pads are a baby diapering gear staple, and are built to help hold your baby in place and maintain a sanitary space.
One to try: Sleek and BPA- and phthalate-free, Boon’s FRESH Baby Changing Station has a removable foam pad for easy cleaning.
Cloth diapers
Experiencing a resurgence in popularity, cloth diapers have much to offer beyond the old-fashioned, flat, one-size-folds-to-fit-all style. Tailored features like stretchy snap-close tabs, elastic leg openings and age-appropriate inserts, make the newest cloth diaper designs easy to put on, fit better than ever and adapt to your baby as she grows.
One to try: Kushies Ultra-Lite All-in-One Diapers are well-priced, boast six layers of cotton flannel, and come in some seriously adorable prints.
Diaper Bags
A well-packed diaper bag is the secret to a satisfied baby or toddler. Allowing you to carry everything you need—conveniently organized (the more pockets, the better!)—to keep your little one comfortable, diaper bags are available in messenger and backpack styles in a wide spectrum of adult-friendly fabrics.
One to try: Skip Hop’s Chelsea Bag is chic (black with gold hardware!), versatile, and functional. Think tons of pockets (some of them insulated), a cushioned changing pad, and clip-on stroller straps.
Disposal systems and accessories
Once you remove your baby’s soiled diaper, you’ve got to put it somewhere—fast. Diaper pail manufacturers don’t leave you holding the nappy (and your nose). Liners, deodorizers and tight-sealing lids provide safety and odor management, while foot-pedal mechanisms make for easy hands-free access.
One to try: Tommee Tippee’s 360 Sealer Diaper Disposal System Super Seal technology individually seals up to 30 infant diapers to lock in odor.
Potty training
Providing your little one with less-than-perilous potty training requires the acquisition of a potty chair. Meeting your tot on her own level, potty-training seats come in myriad designs that feature an array of qualities, including portability for convenient traveling, toilet-like details to help tots make the transition, and kid-friendly personas, some of which even “sing” encouragement.
One to try: Your tot can go anywhere with My Carry Potty. It’s assembly-free, and the clip-shut lid means it’s totally leak- and odor-proof.
Diaper creams and ointments
Frequent diaper changes to keep your baby clean and dry help prevent diaper rash, but it’s almost inevitable that he will experience the red patchy skin at some point during his diaper days. When diaper rash strikes, soothing creams and ointments can provide relief and prevent recurrences.
One to try: We love Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment. Made with sweet almond oil, zinc, and beeswax, it protects and heals skin at the same time.
