changing bag

  • You will definitely need a bag for storing all the bits and pieces you’ll need when you are away from home with baby.
  • Can match prams, nursery or just be plain bags.
  • Purpose made changing bags often contain storage pouches for bottles and a changing mat and various pockets for accessories.
  • Look for the kind which have a small waterproof bag attached to the inside. These are invaluable for storing wet and soiled clothes in.
  • The most important things are to make sure that it’s big enough and comfortable/easy to carry.
  • A rucksack is a good alternative especially if you like to have your hands free.

nappy cream

  • Thick cream for heavy-duty moisturising and protection from wet nappies.
  • Can be used at every nappy change, but is probably more useful only when nappy rash is starting to become evident.
  • Again see what is in your bounty packs and go from there.

baby wipes

  • Disposable wipes containing a cleaning agent used for cleaning baby’s bum during nappy changes.
  • Many midwives discourage the use of wipes on newborn babies.
  • There are many different brands available and you need to choose one that has the right softness and cleaning agents for your preference and for your baby’s skin.
  • Wipes are frequently featured on a 3 for 2 or buy one, get one free offer.
  • It is a good idea to make use of any samples before you buy a new brand in bulk.
  • Unfortunately, many of the shops-own, cheaper wipes are not a good buy.
  • You want thick wipes which can be pulled out of the dispenser one handed, and make sure that the next wipe really does pop out ready for use.
  • It can be very frustrating for you and your baby when wipes fray, tear or you have to wrestle with babies legs and the packet during changing.
  • You can also use them like a ‘wet-wipe’ for cleaning grubby hands and faces, although this can be quite costly (soap and water is a much cheaper, although a less convenient, alternative).

changing unit

  • A unit specially designed for changing baby.
  • Can also incorporate bathing facilities for smaller babies.
  • They can be combined with chest of drawers or cupboard space, which is also useful later on.
  • Also available to fit on top of a cot.
  • It is important to make sure that the unit is the right height for you.
  • These are a great boon to anyone with a bad back as they reduce the amount of bending over that you have to do.
  • Make sure that you get one that is easy to clean.
  • Open units with shelves or storage boxes are cheaper but do allow toddlers access to the shelves so be careful what
  • you store on them.
  • They can be expensive so it is worth looking for second hand bargains.
  • You may just decide to change your baby on the floor – it’s cheaper and they can’t roll or fall off.

re-usable nappies

  • Also called Terry nappies, these come in square and shaped forms.
  • These are definitely the greener option and are cheaper in the long run.
  • The old fashioned method is to use a square, but the more modern shaped nappies are a lot easier to use.
  • Most require the use of a liner (either muslin or disposable) but there are some all-in-ones available.
  • Many companies now offer a cleaning service and some will deliver to your door.
  • You will need to make sure that you have sufficient nappies to ensure that you always have clean ones available (24 is sufficient) and they need boil-washing after being sanitised.
  • There are also modern re-usable nappies available that are very similar in shape and use to a disposable, but they are washable.

nappy disposal unit

  • This is a sealed bin especially for nappies.
  • Usually has a bagging system on the top to seal your nappies in and then you dispose of them in bulk.
  • Used correctly they prevent nasty odours and frequent trips to the dustbin but you still have to empty them fairly regularly.

plastic pants/nappy

  • These are used with terry nappies to prevent leaks and unpleasant spillages.
  • Available in various sizes.
  • Also handy for swimming if you don’t want to buy purpose designed swimming pants.

disposable nappies

  • These are nappies that are used once and then thrown away.
  • They come in sizes to match your baby’s weight and stages of development.
  • They are very easy to use and very convenient to carry around (e.g. when shopping).
  • There are many brands and varieties and it is worth shopping around for a compromise between cost and performance. This is usually down to personal preference.
  • There are often offers available and bulk buying is definitely cheaper as you will use a staggering  amount of them.
  • The better quality disposables do help to prevent nappy rash and are worth that little extra.
  • You need to consider your method of disposal, as nappies are quite bulky.
  • You may find it useful to keep a small supply for emergencies even if you normally use the re-usable kind.

nappy sacks

  • Small plastic sack for disposing of nappies.
  • They can be perfumed or unperfumed.
  • Handy for the changing bag so you don’t stink someone else’s house out!
  • Bear in mind that most pooey nappies will need to go outside in the wheelie bin – perfumed nappy sack or not – so old carrier bags are a cheaper alternative.