Diaper changes are an opportunity to connect with your baby in a way that builds trust, safety, and comfort. Every touch, every soothing word, and every gentle wipe is a moment of reassurance in a world that is still new. We may not remember the first months of our lives, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if every baby were cared for with kindness, patience, love, and respect during those early days? Imagine, for a moment, being new to the world. You can only see a few inches ahead; your surroundings are a mix of sounds and shifting shapes, but what you do know—what brings you a sense of security—is the scent and voice of your parent. The way they hold you. The way they comfort you. The way they respond to your needs.
In this Elevated Mindful Parenting Series, we’re not just talking about what you need—we’re talking about how you show up for your baby in these first, everyday moments. Because how we care for our babies shapes their sense of security in the world.
Now, let’s talk about diapering. The first few weeks at home are simpler—your setup is within arm’s reach, and you have everything you need in one place. But as your baby grows and life picks up pace, you’ll find yourself changing diapers in cars, parks, cafes—anywhere life takes you. The key? Being prepared, wherever you are.
One commitment I made early on was to listen to my baby’s cries and check in every single time, no matter what. Is it hunger? A wet diaper? Colic? Sleep? Something else? And I won’t skip it—in the middle of the night, when exhaustion weighs heavier than anything you’ve ever known, it takes real strength to get up and check every time. But you will never regret doing it.
I also found it helpful to talk to my baby during diaper changes. “I’m going to change your diaper now.” “I’m going to get you clean and comfortable.” Babies may not understand the words at first, but they recognize rhythm, tone, and routine. And with routine comes a deep sense of safety.
So, let’s break it down. There are two phases of diapering: Phase 1 “At Home” and Phase 2 “On the Go”
Phase 1: At Home
Because I chose co-sleeping, I kept my diaper changing station right next to my bed. A changing pad, a few soft cotton covers, and three containers, arranged from left to right:
1️⃣ Wet wipes
2️⃣ Dry wipes
3️⃣ Diapers & ointment
That’s it. Keep it clear and simple so even when you’re running on no sleep, you know exactly what to grab while keeping your baby calm and secure with your other hand. I’ll be honest—I had a changing table, but it quickly became a storage unit for baby clothes and extra diapers. It was cute, though!
My Must-Haves for Diapering & Changing at Home
✔️ Diapers – My choice: Honest Diapers & Seventh Generation. Why? Gentle, eco-friendly, and free from harmful chemicals. I started with Honest for the first year and later switched to Seventh Generation, which are slightly wider and more comfortable as my baby grew.
✔️ Water Wipes – My choice: WaterWipes & Seventh Generation. Why? For the first year, I used WaterWipes because they are thinner and extra gentle. Later, I switched to Seventh Generation, which have a better texture for cleaning up bigger messes.
✔️ Dry Wipes – My choice: Honest & Seventh Generation. Why? Same reason—I started with Honest early on, then moved to Seventh Generation. Having both wet and dry options gives flexibility, especially for sensitive skin.
✔️ Diaper Changing Pad – My choice: Munchkin Portable Changing Pad. Why? Fits most dressers and changing tables 16 inches by 31 inches. The material is Cotton and polyurethane Foam, latex Free. I got two—one for the house and one for the car. They’re incredibly durable, and I still have them!
✔️ Waterproof Hypoallergenic Absorbent Changing Liners – My choice: Burt's Bess Baby -Changing Pad Cover. Why? 100% organic, GOTS certified, breathable cotton - the purest layer for baby’s thin and porous skin. I had four because some days were more challenging than others.
✔️ Diaper Cream Brush – My choice: Made Of, and Babo Botanicals Why? Made Of It is my top favorite NSF Organic with Avocado Oil and Argan Oil. It is not always available, so if you see it, get a few of them. Babo uses plant-based ingredients like shea butter & coconut oil.
Phase 2: On the Go
As your baby grows, you’ll find yourself visiting friends and family, enjoying a café, or strolling through a mall. Diaper changes will happen anywhere—sometimes at the least convenient moments—but having a familiar and organized setup makes all the difference. Keep the same changing pad in the car, with the same three-container system: wet wipes, dry wipes, and diapers with ointment in the third container. Store everything inside a diaper-changing bag, along with additional disposable covers and small garbage bags, so you’re always prepared no matter where the day takes you.
My Must-Haves for Diapering & Changing On the Go
✔️ Car Setup – I kept the same changing pad in the car at all times. It’s convenient for quick changes and ensures a clean surface no matter where you are.
✔️ Portable Foldable Changing Pad – My choice: JoyingBaby Why? The foam pad and waterproof lining, and the inner foam, all providing extra softness for the baby.
✔️ Disposable Changing Pad Covers – My choice: Munchkin Why? Ultra absorbent layers keep moisture away from baby's skin.
✔️ Small Disposable Bags – My choice: Ubbi Why? Essential for wrapping up dirty diapers and wipes when there’s no trash bin nearby. Lavender Scented, Easy-To-Tie Tabs.
✔️ Diaper Bag – My choice: Disney Baby Why? It's large capacity and size, and multiple inside and outside pockets let you fill this backpack with non-essentials like extra snacks, toys, clothes for your baby, and even bottles.
What You Can Skip
🚫 Changing Table – Like I said, I never really used it except for storage. If you can place a changing pad on your bed or a soft carpet, it’s often safer and more practical than setting up on high surfaces.
🚫 Wipe Warmer – I thought I’d use one because I lived in a cold climate, but honestly, I never had time for it. Life gets busy, and by the time you get to the warmer, you’ve already grabbed the wipes and moved on.
Final Thoughts: Diaper Changes Are Messy, But Manageable
Diapering is a constant part of early parenthood, but it’s also an opportunity for connection. It’s a moment to check in, to reassure, to build trust. Every baby is different, but one thing is certain—your journey is unique. Whether you’re part of a traditional couple, a single parent, a single mother or father by choice, a same-sex couple, whether you carried your baby or had the help of a surrogate, whether you use cloth diapers or disposables, whether your baby has sensitive skin or not.
I am a single mother by choice, and I learned quickly that having the right products on hand is half the battle. The other half? A little patience and a lot of baby wipes.
Coming Next: Clothing Essentials – What Babies Wear
In the next article, we’ll talk about Clothing Essentials—what’s worth buying, what fabrics are best, and what newborns actually wear.
✨ For Parents: Follow along for more mindful, practical parenting guides. @AngelesLifeCoaching
📩 For Brands: If you have a product that aligns with this elevated parenting approach, let’s connect! @SociallyBilingual
💛 Let’s build a mindful parenting community—one essential at a time.
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