Build Your Baby Registry: A Doula’s Guide to Essential Diapering Supplies

In Part One of our “Build Your Baby Registry” series, we’re starting with diapering supplies because, let’s face it, you’ll be changing your baby’s diaper a lot and for a long time! As postpartum doulas we know that having the right products available can make a huge difference in ensuring a less stressful, more efficient experience. From diapers and wipes to changing pads and creams, these diapering essentials will help you be prepared and organized, no matter where you are.

Diapers (Disposable or Cloth)

Parents have a multitude of options to choose from between disposable and cloth. Pampers™ and Huggies™ are the most popular disposable brand options, with more eco-friendly disposable options like Coterie™ and Dyper™ on the rise. Cloth diapering has made a return with parents opting for this “green” choice by using brands such as bumGenius™ and GroVia™.

DOULA PRO TIP: Have a stash of newborn-sized diapers for immediately after birth but be ready to switch to a larger size quickly. Most babies don’t stay in the newborn size for long!

Baby Wipes

Every diaper change requires a baby wipe (or four) to help gently clean your baby’s sensitive skin. There are typical disposable wipes like Huggies™ or wipes that are biodegradable with low to no-risk ingredients like Coterie™ or Caboo Bamboo™. Some families choose to stay away from disposable wipes altogether and choose something like the bumGenius™ flannel wipes and bottom cleaner bundle as the most eco-friendly option.

DOULA PRO TIP: Keep baby wipes stocked in multiple areas of your home, car, and carry bag. They are the ultimate multi-tasking clean-up tool!

Diaper Barrier Cream

Diaper rash can be uncomfortable for babies, so prevention is key! As doulas, we share tips and tricks about the frequency and “how-to” of diapering, which is essential to prevent diaper rash. Adding a diaper barrier cream to the process adds one more layer of prevention to keep the diaper rash beast away. Products like Aquaphor™ or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste™ are commonly found on baby changing tables, but one of our favorite drug store recommendations is simply a tube of A&D ointment™. This inexpensive option is readily accessible and works remarkably well at preventing diaper rashes.

DOULA PRO TIP: Your baby may have ultra-sensitive skin and be more prone to rashes—diaper and otherwise. Allergies to foods (even foods being eaten by a breastfeeding mother), detergents, and other skin irritants may be the cause. Don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a medical professional. Your baby’s comfort (and health) is a priority!

EXTRA PRO TIP: If using products with fewer (or no) harmful ingredients are important to you, we suggest reading this article about the ingredients in diaper barrier and rash cream published by Consumer Reports.

Diaper Pail

Your diaper pail typically resides in your baby’s nursery, so odor control is key. I mean, who wants their baby to sleep in a stinky environment? No one. I thought not. This important tool does exactly want it says: holds dirty diapers. This doula’s personal favorite is The Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail™ because the steel pail doesn’t absorb odors, and it uses ordinary garbage bags. Many parents opt for full containment of their baby’s stinky diapers and choose the Diaper Genie™. Another economical option: a typical foot-pedal operated metal garbage can like you would use in your kitchen. You really CAN use something that isn’t marketed for “babies”.

DOULA PRO TIP: Choose a pail with a tight seal to keep your nursery smelling fresh and change the bags regularly.

Portable Changing Pad

Why is the portable changing pad on the list before the stationary changing pad, you ask? As a mom, grandmother, and doula, I recognize that not every home has a changing table or a surface to place a stationary changing pad, making the portable changing pad a much more universal tool for more families. It can be used both at home AND on the go as a clean, waterproof, and comfortable surface for diaper changes anywhere your baby needs a diaper change. These washable portable changing pads are my favorite!

DOULA PRO TIP: Portable changing pads aren’t just for the diaper bag! Stash one in your car, in your TV room, or even in your bedroom for quick diaper changes anywhere.

EXTRA PRO TIP: In a pinch, puppy pads or the blue pads you bring home after giving birth at the hospital work great as a portable changing pad for your baby.

Changing Pad and Covers

When using a changing table or the top of a dresser, a changing pad provides a safe and comfortable surface for diaper changes. As a doula, I prefer the simpler, standard changing pad like the Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad™ however, some parents really like the sturdier, wipeable Bumbo Changing Pad™. Make sure to have 2-4 covers on hand for your specific changing pad for quick changes!

DOULA PRO TIP: Use a small blanket or bath towel on the changing pad if all the changing pad covers are in the wash. Blowouts happen. Sometimes they happen more than once a day.

Diaper Caddy

A diaper caddy helps keep all your diapering essentials organized and within reach. These caddies can be as simple as the aesthetically pleasing ones offered by Blissful Diary™, have a night light built in like this one from Skip Hop™, or be moved from room to room as a feeding and diapering station like this 3-tier rolling cart™. No matter which you choose, look for the caddy that fits your budget, space, and has compartments that hold diapers, wipes, creams, and a change of clothes for your baby—just in case.

DOULA PRO TIP: Keep a fully stocked caddy in different rooms to save time running back and forth during diaper changes.

Diaper Bag

A diaper bag is essential. Period. Whether you prefer a crossbody style, backpack , designer tote, or one that looks like tactical gear, a diaper bag is going to be the essential tool that carries all your baby’s “stuff” for years. Their key feature: compartments to organize all the baby essential “stuff”. Take time to determine what’s important to you when it comes to organizing.

DOULA PRO TIP: Each parent (and your nanny if they will be taking your baby out) should choose their own diaper bag. Each person should go to a baby or department store and try on diaper bags to test each size and style for comfort and practicality. Diaper bags are not one size fits all!

As postpartum doulas, we recognize that your baby is an individual and that you as parents will quickly determine your personal preference for one product over another. We hope this essential diapering supplies list acts as a helpful tool in building your baby registry and will prepare you to have everything you need for stress-free (or at least less stressful) diaper changes once your baby is born.

Sheryl Cooksley is the founder of two agencies devoted to the care and well-being of new and growing families: Family Tree Doula Services and West Coast Baby Care. She has provided support to children and families for over 30 years as a parent, grandparent, foster parent, family partner, and now as a postpartum doula. Creating nurturing services that meet the needs of new parents is her specialty!