Setting up a changing station for your baby is an essential task that can make your life significantly easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an efficient and organized changing station, based on my personal setup:
My Personal Setup
In the first 6 months, I opted to have two changing stations: one in the nursery and a mini version in the living room. This setup made it convenient to change my baby without having to move to a different room each time. After six months when changing became less, we kept only the one in the nursery. Here’s how I set up the nursery changing station:
- Waterproof foam changing pad: This pad is easy to wipe and clean, ensuring hygiene and quick maintenance.
- Dresser as the base: The changing pad sits on top of a dresser, which serves as both the changing station and storage solution. Inside the dresser, I organized:
- Diapers: Kept in the top drawer for easy access.
- Clothes for sleeping: Pajamas, swaddles, and later sleep sacks are folded in one drawer.
- Clothes for outside: Onesies (both short and long sleeves), pants, and socks.
- Essentials drawer: Contains Motrin/tylenol, nose cleaner, gripe water, nail cutter, thermometer, etc.
- Top of the dresser: Along with the changing pad, the top of the dresser holds:
- Wipe warmer: Keeps wipes warm for a comfortable experience for the baby.
- Rash cream: Easily accessible for quick application during changes.
- Next to the Dresser:
- Diaper Pail: Positioned right next to the dresser for easy reach, allowing me to keep one hand on the baby at all times.
- Dirty clothes basket: Placed next to the diaper pail to quickly throw in any soiled clothes.
Extra Touches
To make the changing experience more pleasant and to keep my baby entertained, we added some extra touches:
- Wall Stickers: We added colorful and playful stickers on the wall near the changing station. These provide a visual distraction and keep her entertained.
- Toys: We always leave a toy on the dresser for her to play with during diaper changes. For the first six months, this was often a teether. As she grew older, we switched to sensory toys, balls, and other engaging items.
General tips
1. Choose the Right Location
Select a convenient spot in your home for the changing station. Ensure the area is well-lit and has enough space for all the necessary items.
2. Secure a Sturdy Changing Table
Invest in a sturdy changing table or dresser with a changing pad on top. Make sure the changing pad has raised sides to keep your baby safe. I recommend the foam one for easy cleaning.
3. Organize Essentials Within Reach
Keep all the essentials within arm’s reach to avoid leaving your baby unattended. Here’s a list of must-have items:
- Diapers: Stock up on an ample supply of diapers.
- Wipes: Choose gentle, hypoallergenic wipes.
- Diaper Cream: Keep a tube of diaper rash cream handy.
- Disposal System: Use a diaper pail or trash can with a lid to control odors.
- Extra Clothes: Have a few sets of clean clothes ready for quick changes.
- Toys: Small toys can help distract your baby during changes.
4. Utilize Storage Solutions
Use baskets, bins, and drawers to keep everything organized. Label the containers to easily find what you need. Drawer dividers can also help keep smaller items like socks and mittens in order.
5. Safety First
Always keep one hand on your baby when changing diapers to prevent falls. Ensure the changing table is stable and not near any hazards like cords or heavy objects.
6. Personal Touches
Add personal touches like a mobile above the changing table or artwork on the wall (not something heavy that can fall though). This can make the space more inviting and enjoyable for your baby.
You got this mama!
PS: feel free to post comments on pictures with your own setup