Welcoming a newborn into your home is a truly exciting experience, and proper preparation can help make it a smooth one, too. While parents’ opinions can vastly differ on a lot of baby gear, there is one item most agree is an absolute must: diapers.
Let’s take a closer look newborn diapering essential.

What are baby diapering essentials, exactly?

From wipes warmers to diaper sprayers, the world of diapering accessories is seemingly endless and, yes, at times overwhelming. However, there are very few essential diaper accessories you truly need. Here is an easy to follow (and shop) list of top 5 diapering essentials that do make a difference.

• Diapers

  Diapers are the cornerstone of your diapering routine, and it is important to choose the type that best suits your family needs. (Spoiler alert: while some people might have strong opinions on disposable or reusable diapers, it is totally ok to use both.)

  • Disposable Diapers
    • Convenient, easy to use, and widely available, disposable diapers come in various sizes and absorbency levels to suit different stages of your baby’s development.
    • Disposable diapers are designed to be highly absorbent, with useful features such as leak guards and wetness indicators.
    • They do, however, add to the household waste (especially in those first weeks of a baby’s life) and can be more costly over time.
  • Reusable Cloth Diapers
    • Reusable, soft, and cute, cloth diapers are confidently making their way into the baby registries and diaper carts across an increasing number of households.
    • Modern cloth diapers are often made from soft, breathable fabrics that keep the baby’s skin comfortable. And no, contrary to what your grandma might remember, scary safety pins are no longer involved!
    • Some reusable diapers come in different sizes , while others, like Charlie Banana One Size Diaper, feature adjustable sizing to grow with your baby from newborn to potty-trained.
    • While washable diapers do require more maintenance, they are quickly becoming the go-to option for parents who are trying to reduce their family’s waste (and save up to $1,500 per child over the course of two years),

  Whether you are choosing disposable or cloth diapers, or a mix of both, you will need to stock up enough to last through the early weeks.

  Newborns typically go through 10-12 diaper changes a day, so for disposables, plan on having up to 70 diapers per week during the newborn phase. (Pro tip: don’t go too crazy on the smallest sizes, as your munchkin might outgrow them pretty quickly.)

  If you are aiming to cloth diaper exclusively, we recommend having at least 20-24 reusable diapers, if you wash them every other day (increase this number to 30-36 for washing every three days).

• Wipes

  Wipes are indispensable for maintaining your baby’s cleanliness during diaper changes. Just like the diapers, they come in two varieties:

  • Disposable Wipes
    • These are typically pre-moistened and packaged in resealable packs or tubs to keep them moist.
    • They are designed for convenience and ease of use, but, like any single-use item, will contribute to your household waste.
  • Reusable Wipes (aka Cloth Wipes)
    • Made from materials like cotton or bamboo, they are gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin and can be used dry or wet, with water or a mild cleansing solution.
    • True to their name, they can be washed and reused multiple times. (For easier maintenance, you can wash them together with the cloth diapers.)

  Similarly to diapers, it is perfectly fine to opt for a mix of disposable and reusable wipes, switching between the two depending on the situation (e.g. disposables on the go, reusables at home).

  For a newborn, you will normally need between 25 and 40 wipes per day (these numbers may vary depending on the brand and the type of the accident you need to clean up). Make sure to stock up, as wipes come in handy not just for diaper changes, but also for cleaning hands, spills etc.

  If you are planning on only using reusable wipes with your newborn, make sure to have at least 50, so that you have enough to go in-between the washes.

• Diaper Pail

  Investing in a good diaper pail will help keep your home clean and organized, reducing the hassle of diaper disposal or washing.

  Unlike regular trash cans, diaper pails are specifically designed to contain odors and maintain hygiene. They typically feature tight-sealing lids and specialized liners that help control unpleasant smells and prevent leaks.

  If you are taking the cloth diapering route, a reusable diaper pail bag is a great option: you can use it instead of a diaper pail liner or hang it on the doorknob. (Quick tip: a long zipper on the side of the bag is a game-changer when it comes to transferring the contents of the pail into the washing machine.)

  If you are cloth diapering on a budget, you can store used diapers in a bucket of water (just don’t let them sit for longer than 2-3 days between the washes).

  Here are some features to consider when choosing a diaper pail:

  • Odor control: Many diaper pails come with odor-control systems, such as activated carbon filters or antimicrobial liners, or an inner aroma patch (for reusable bags), which can help keep your nursery smelling fresh.
  • Hands-free operation: Choose a pail with a foot pedal or automatic lid for more convenient diaper disposal.
  • Size: Though you will be disposing or laundering used diapers regularly, you want to make sure that the pail holds at least a day’s worth of diapers (two days for cloth diapers).

• Changing Pad

  A changing pad provides a clean and comfortable surface for diaper changes. It’s a useful diapering accessory both for diaper changes on-the-go and at home.

  Look for a changing pad with the following features:

  • Waterproof surface: Choose a waterproof, easy-to-clean material made with lab-tested ingredients (look reputable certifications, like STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, for ultimate peace of mind).
  • Safety features: Some stationery changing pads feature raised edges and safety straps for providing extra security during diaper changes.
  • Portability: Not all changing pads are designed for on-the-go. While larger, padded changing pads work great for home use, it is also a good idea to have a thin foldable option for diaper changes when out and about.
  • Ease of cleaning: Nothing speaks low maintenance like a removable, washable pad cover.

• Waterproof Tote Bag

  A waterproof tote bag is a handy cloth diapering accessory for managing diapering supplies when you’re out and about. Made from durable, water-resistant materials, these bags help contain odors and keep other items in your diaper bag clean and dry.

  Key features to consider:

  • Waterproof material: Because when it comes to dirty diapers and wipes, no one appreciates leaks and odors.
  • Secure closure: Reliable zippers or Velcros help prevent leaks.
  • Portability: An adjustable strap or handle makes it easy to carry the bag or attach it to a stroller.
  • Odor control: A discreet aroma patch inside the bag will help further control the odors until you get home.

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