Time for a Diaper Change

When it comes to a newborn baby diaper change, you've got some choices to make.

There are 5000+ diaper changes in your baby's future. (Aren't you excited?)

“Child rearing myth #1: Labor ends when the baby is born.”

The decisions that you make about diapering may affect your finances, your baby's health, and the environment.

Being informed about your options and their effects will give you confidence that your are making the best decision for your family.

The first question to answer regarding newborn baby diapering is..."Will we use cloth or disposable diapers?" Cloth diapers are making a big comeback and you should see the makeover that they have had since you were a kid. Before you make that decision, you owe it to yourself to at least check out the option. I suggest Thinking-About-Cloth-Diapers.com to find out more about how to use cloth diapers.

Once you have decided which type of diapers you will use, you'll need an efficient set-up.

Choose one or two places in your home that will serve as a changing station. The first could be a diaper changing table in the nursery or simply a changing pad on top of a dresser. You may choose to have an optional second station on another level of your home, or a place where you spend a lot of time (perhaps where you feed the baby).

Each location can be stocked with the following items:

Changing pad - to protect the changing surface
Diapers - plan on 10+ per day for newborn babies
Diaper covers, inserts, etc. - if you will be using cloth diapers
Wet wipes - commercial or homemade (Here are some instructions on how to make homemade baby wipes.)
Wipe warmer - a great luxury item, but your hands work too!
Diaper disposal - to keep the smell contained
Diaper rash remedy
Hand sanitizer
Change of clothes

At our house, we keep a stylish basket in our living room, stocked with all of the necessities. This saves "Mom" a little time and energy, which is greatly appreciated during those first weeks of recovery after the baby's birth.

Whether you've chosen cloth or disposable diapers, environmentally conscious parents will want to be aware of all the organic and natural diaper options available.

Don't forget to prepare a diaper bag!

Click here for a diaper bag checklist that will have you prepared for any outing with your newborn baby.

Are you still feeling unprepared for changing your first diaper? If you've never had the occasion to change a diaper, here you will find instructions on how to change a diaper that will help you become a pro (...as if being a professional diaper changer is what you've always dreamed about)!