How to set up the perfect changing station | Organization and must haves!
Are you currently pregnant and looking to set up the perfect changing station? Discover my complete guide to help you gather all the essentials you need to make changing time more convenient and enjoyable for both you and your baby. From furniture choices to baby care essentials, let’s find out everything you need to create a functional and safe space.
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Designing baby’s room is a very exciting time when you’re pregnant! It just makes things more and more concrete, doesn’t it? When it comes to the changing station, there are several options to choose from. In this article, we’ll focus on this essential space in baby’s nursery. I’ll guide you through each step to create a changing area that perfectly meets your needs and those of your little one.
First, let’s start with the choice of changing table. There are some pieces of furniture made just for this purpose, but there’s nothing stopping you from choosing the dresser of your choice and adding accessories to turn it into a changing station.
That’s exactly what I chose to do! I opted for a piece of furniture that will last over time and grow with my child. I didn’t want to have to change all the furniture at some point, so I opted for this beautiful dresser from South Shore Furniture (model: Cotton Candy). I love the look, but also the practicality. The 3 drawers offer plenty of storage space and the rattan bins can also be filled with a lot of baby stuff.
Here are a few other options I really like:
Hemnes – IKEA
Dateland 6 – Wayfair
Bhuneshwar 6
And if you want to go with a piece of furniture that serves exclusively as a changing table:
If you choose a dresser that will grow with your child, simply add a basket or changing mat on top. You can then remove it when your child is potty-trained, as if nothing had happened!
I really wanted this beautiful basket from the Montreal-based business MustBeBaby, which also doubles as a bedroom decoration.
You can also use a changing mat like these :
Now, what are the products you absolutely must have on hand?
Not surprisingly, the first drawer is filled with diapers and wipes! I put a lot in the drawer so I don’t have to fill it up too often.
I don’t know about you, but here we’re team Pampers for diapers and Huggies for wipes.
I also keep my diaper rash cream in this drawer, so that I always have it with me in case I need it during diaper changes. My favorite: Mustela!
• Nail trimmer : When my baby was a newborn, I was extremely afraid of hurting her while cutting her nails. That’s why I opted for an electric nail file in the first place. It’s efficient, it’s fast and it’s safe!
• Nasal Aspirator : Fridaybaby’s Snotsucker is a nasal hygiene essential to put in your changing station. It does a great job of freeing baby from secretions. I know it sounds disgusting, but it comes with filters to prevent unwanted fluids from getting into your mouth.
• Body lotion : Having a body cream is essential for baby’s little skin after the bath. My daughter doesn’t have eczema, but I also like to have a tube of this cream for when her skin is drier.
• Thermometer : A thermometer is one of the essential items to keep on hand.
• Boogie wipes : This can be really useful if you don’t have to use the nasal aspirator and just have a little something to fetch from the nose. These wipes are made with natural saline to help liquefy secretions.
• Muslin washcloths : I really like these washcloths for the bath. I use them to gently clean my daughter’s face and ears. They’re also perfect to use as burp cloths.
• Hairbrush : This soft hairbrush can be used from birth to detangle and style your baby’s hair.
• Washcloths : I use two kinds of washcloths and these are used to clean my daughter’s hands and mouth after meals.
• Nail clipper : The electric nail file is great for newborns, but as the child grows, it becomes more difficult to use as it takes a little longer. So it’s essential to have nail clippers too.
• Tylenol
• Nasal irrigator : I love using these syringes for nasal hygiene. It’s a technique recommended by Ste-Justine, a children’s hospital in my area.
• Pacifier : We always end up with pacifiers all over the house but the changing station is where I usually keep them.
• Diaper pail system : A diaper garbage can is a great addition to your changing station. It’s essential so you don’t always have to carry soiled diapers to a nearby garbage can. Plus, it keeps bad odors at bay.
• Changing pad liners : I like to put one of these pads on the changing mat in case there’s a little accident. It’s much easier to wash even if you have a mattress cover. It’s also waterproof.
• Swaddle blankets : The last drawer of the chest of drawers is filled with blankets. Swaddle blankets as well as warmer blankets.
• Hand sanitizer : If you don’t have a sink nearby, a bottle of hand sanitizer is a must-have.
• Disposal pail refills : I use the rattan bins to store overstock, including refills for the diaper garbage can. I also put product back-ups in them.
• Extra crib sheet : In addition to the blankets, I keep an extra crib sheet in the bottom drawer. It’s better to have another one when there’s an accident, so I can replace it while the other sheet is in the washer. Very useful in the middle of the night!
Voilà! You now have everything you need to create the perfect changing station for your baby.
Now that it’s done, check out this article for all the essentials for your diaper caddy!
