Are you preparing for a new baby and want to know what to put in a diaper caddy for a newborn? Newborn babies need frequent diaper changes. Having everything you need right there in one caddy makes it convenient, and also helps a newly postpartum mom prioritize rest.
You don’t have to include just diapers and wipes in your diaper caddy. You can put in all the essentials you need and use daily with your baby!
This is especially helpful if you have a home with multiple levels. They can prevent you from having to head to the baby’s nursery every time you need something.
It’s really simple to put this little basket together! Let’s go over the baby essentials and some additional items you may like to add!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Diaper Caddy Essentials
1. Changing Pad
A changing pad is great to give your baby a little cushion and protection from potential rough surfaces while also protecting whatever surface you’re changing your baby on from any mess. Changing pads can usually be easily folded and stored, making them perfect to fit in your diaper caddy.
2. Diapers
Whether you’re using cloth diapers or disposable diapers, have your caddy stocked full so you’re not making trips back and forth to the nursery.
3. Baby Wipes
The same goes with baby wipes! You can choose disposable wipes or cloth wipes. Keep at least one pack of baby wipes in the diaper caddy at all times.
You can use these for everything, not just wiping your baby’s bum! A little refresh to your underarms from that postpartum body odor or to clean up any spit-up messes.
4. Diaper Cream
Diaper cream is a must in the diaper caddy! Newborn babies have sensitive skin and often get some redness on their bum from wearing diapers. Diaper cream is great not only for a diaper rash but also as a barrier cream to prevent any rash in the future.
5. Hand Sanitizer
Not only can having a baby be a little messy, but they are also prone to sickness with their immature immune systems. Use the hand sanitizer to give your hands a clean refresh. Or keep it handy to use before any guests hold the baby.
6. Baby Lotion
You may notice your baby’s skin might get a little dry at times. Baby lotion can help prevent any itching and keep your little one’s skin hydrated.
7. Change of Clothes
There’s a 100% chance your baby will either poop, pee, or spit up on the outfit they’re wearing. There were days I was changing my daughter’s outfit at least four times.
Keep at least one extra onesie or sleeper in the diaper caddy so next time your baby has a blowout or big spit-up you can easily change their outfit.
8. Electric Nail File or Nail Clippers
Baby’s nails grow really quickly which makes them prone to scratching their face. Keep a set of nail clippers or an electric nail file (my favorite!) in your portable diaper caddy for a quick trim!
9. Burp Cloths
Burp cloths are great to use after you feed your baby when burping them. I also like using a burp cloth underneath my baby’s face when they’re doing tummy time.
10. Nasal Aspirator
A nasal aspirator (or bulb syringe) is definitely on my list of what to put in a diaper caddy for a newborn. I always have one nearby in case my little one spits up and needs help clearing their mouth.
They’re also great to have to help clear your baby’s nose of any congestion since they are unable to clear it themselves.
11. Plastic Bags
When my first baby was born, I loved using my diaper caddy all over the house. One thing I noticed though was the trail of dirty diapers I was leaving behind. In the living room, on my nightstand, or basically anywhere I didn’t have access to a trash can nearby.
Now I like to keep one or two plastic bags in my diaper caddy to collect the dirty diapers and throw them away when it’s convenient.
12. Extra Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, you’ll definitely want to keep an extra pacifier in the diaper caddy! Pacifiers get lost so easily. Rather than searching all over for it, just grab the extra one.
Diaper Caddy Recommendations
You can find a wide range of portable diaper caddies that will fit your certain needs! Some of them are a large size perfect for a stock that will last you quite some time. While others are more compact and hold one day’s essentials.
Here are a few of the best diaper caddies that I love! I prefer my diaper caddies to be structured with special compartments. Makes it really easy to carry and organize.
I hope this list of diaper caddy essentials helped you discover what to put in a diaper caddy for your newborn. These essentials will remain the same even as your little one grows, so I think it’s totally worth the effort to put together!
