
How to Set Up the Ultimate Diaper Changing Station
All the supplies you need to change baby—for both a portable changing station or the perfect nursery spot.

By Briana Engelbrecht
Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson
In This Article
Changing dirty diapers probably isn’t going to be at the top of the list of your favorite things as a new parent. But since you have to do it, setting up a diaper changing station when you’re prepping your home for baby can help make things easier (and hopefully, less messy).
Many parents choose to set up their primary changing area in their baby’s nursery. It’s a central location where you’ll likely be spending a lot of your time. But if you live in a home with multiple levels, a smaller home or apartment where baby may not have their own room, or think you’ll be hanging out in other rooms of the house (like your bedroom or living room) more often, you may want to consider a portable changing setup—like a diaper caddy or basket. These tips work whether you choose to use disposable diapers or are going the cloth diaper route.
From where to set up your diaper-changing home base to what exactly to stock it with, here’s how to set up the best station for you and your baby.
Choose Your Setup
First on the to-do list: figuring out where to put a changing station in your home. We have both scenarios below, whether you're going with a setup in baby’s nursery, a portable option or a combination of both. Choose your own adventure and skip down to whatever route sounds best for you.
Dedicated Diaper Changing Station
Thinking of setting up your changing station in one place? Here are our tips for how to do it.
First, Pick a Changing Table or Dresser
If you’re going the stationary diaper changing station route, the first thing you’ll need is a safe surface for baby. There are many different ways you can approach this—some parents like to get a specific changing table and some prefer a dresser with a changing pad on top.
One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but keep in mind that if you choose the dresser + changing pad arrangement, your baby will be able to use the piece of furniture even after the diapering days are over. Consider what works best for your family, budget and space.
If you do decide a changing table is the right choice, make sure you factor in storage space (like drawers and shelves) to keep all of the supplies close. You can also use a diaper caddy (more on those below), specific changing table organizer, cute baskets, bins or drawer dividers to keep everything in order, too. Note: don’t forget to check your table or dresser’s measurements! Changing pads come in different shapes and sizes, so you’ll need that info when picking one out to make sure it fits.
Here are a few changing tables and dressers to help in your search.
What to Include at Your Diaper Changing Station
Once you have your dresser or changing table, it’s time to fill it up with all the supplies. Though each family and needs are unique, there are some basics you’ll want to include in your diaper changing station:
Wipe warmer (optional, but some parents swear by them)
Diaper pail or trash can and poop bags
Hand sanitizer
And since you’ll likely be doing more than just changing diapers here (think general baby care and grooming) we recommend keeping a few other supplies ready. This can vary, so feel free to pick and choose, but here are some extras it’s helpful to have on hand:
Hair brush and/or comb
Extra pacifiers
Nasal aspirator and saline spray
Booger picker
A couple of burp cloths (because they clean more than spit-up!)
Portable Diaper Changing Station
The way you approach organizing a station for on-the-go will be a little bit different. Here’s what to consider.
Choose Your Diaper Caddy or Basket
If you think you’ll be changing diapers wherever you are in your house, or even just want a secondary “kit” so you don’t have to go to your baby’s nursery for each soiled diaper, a diaper caddy is a great choice. They’re organizational baskets designed specifically with diapering needs in mind, so they fit all the necessities. Here are a variety of options with different styles and features (hello, light-up handle) to help you narrow down your search.
How to Organize Your Portable Changing Setup
Think of packing your diaper caddy like you would your diaper bag (minus the snacks and toys). You’ll want to include the diaper changing essentials and a few extras for convenience. Travel size items, like a small tube of diaper cream or pack of wipes, work great here.
One big difference when setting up a portable changing station and a changing table or dresser is where you’ll actually change your baby. Since you probably won’t be lugging a Keekaroo Peanut from room to room, you’ll need a travel-ready change mat or pad to do the changing on (and also protect your couch or rug from accidental leaks). I had a small basket in our living room for easy access to diapering supplies and found the Gathre changing mat folded up and fit nicely. I also liked the disposable changing pads mentioned below, and they’re thick enough that you can reuse them a few times (assuming they’re still clean!). If you have room, it can be helpful to include a spare outfit in case there are any leaks. Since you may not be close to your diaper pail or trash can, it’s a good idea to include a roll of plastic poop bags in there, too.
Here a list of what we recommend stocking in your caddy or basket.
Portable change mat
Hand sanitizer
Poop bags
Nasal aspirator and saline spray
Booger picker
Extra pacifiers
A small toy
Muslin burp cloth
One spare outfit