Must Haves: For the Changing Table

October 18th, 2007

Last night, my final (for now) niece arrived!  Little Viv was born just after midnight on her brother’s birthday.  A great gift for a three-year-old, huh?  Baby sister!  Mom and baby are great and her two big brothers are really taken with her.

You are probably wondering if her quilt is finished… (well, you probably aren’t, but I’m feeling some guilt about it).  The answer is no, not yet.  We are going to visit next month, so I’m giving myself until then to get it done.  That way I can deliver it in person, right?

In light of this latest new arrival — and for the several friends of mine that are also expecting right now — here are my recommendations for your newborn’s changing table.

Must Haves for the Changing Table

  • Diapers - 2 packages newborn diapers to start
  • Wipes - Kirkland brand (Costco) is perfect (don’t bother with a wipe warmer, they’ll just get used to it!)
  • Diaper rash cream - BEST is Aquaphor mixed with Creamy Desitin at a 1:1 ratio
  • Baby lotion - I love the bedtime one by Johnson & Johnson
  • Purell - in a hand pump is great
  • Baby sunscreen - because this is where you’ll use it – not for newborns, though
  • Finger nail clippers
  • Hair brush
  • Rubbing alcohol & Q-Tips for umbilical cord cleaning
  • Vaseline packets (for umbilical cord and diaper rash on newborns – they will probably give you these at the hospital)
  • Contour changing pad
  • Contour changing pad covers - 3 recommended
  • Diaper pail - I really like our Diaper Champ: no cartridges to buy and it’s still serving us well after 3 years

I might also mention that Costco doesn’t sell newborn diapers.  Get a couple of packages from the grocery store, Target, etc., and then pick up some 1-2 size diapers from Costco.  Also good to know: they don’t sell size “1″ or “2″ at Costco or other warehouse clubs.  It’s size “1-2″ and then you go to size 3.  No, it’s not a problem.

I also thought I’d mention that a changing table is really a good idea too.  I know a lot of people get by just fine without one, but I really like having a space in which the toot is contained (side bars, strap, etc.), at a reasonably convenient height, and where everything is already organized and ready to use.  I highly recommend it.

On a side note, I got the buttons for the toot’s pirate costume sewn on last night and I’m going to finish the sash today.  Then I will take some photos and post them!

We didn’t make it to Wheeler Farm last Saturday; the weather was too yucky.  We are hoping to go this Saturday, though.  I’ll let you know what I think of their Scarecrow Masquerade.

Posted by SavvyToddlerMom Filed in STM's Posts, The Toddler Mom, Must Haves, Favorite Things

3 Responses to “Must Haves: For the Changing Table”

  1. Heather Says:
    October 18th, 2007 at 2:38 pm

    Oh Please tell Viv’s mom and dad I am so excited for them! How wonderful.

  2. SavvyToddlerMom Says:
    October 18th, 2007 at 3:26 pm

    I’ll do it! I finally got some pics, so I’ll email them to you as well.

  3. sunny Says:
    October 25th, 2007 at 11:12 pm

    This is the staple gift I give to new moms:

    - travel size antibacterial wipes - for mom, not baby. When at the grocery store wipe the cart handle off and wipe your hands off when you get back to the car.

    - dark-activated night light. You’ll use it for years.

    - shout stain stick. When they’re little, keep the stain stick at the changing table. When they’re toddlers keep it in the LOCKED bathroom cabinet or wherever they disrobe. Remove icky clothes, swipe with stain stick, wash and don’t worry.

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