How to change a diaper: A step-by-step guide

When it comes to safety, sustainability and performance, Healthybaby diapers check all the boxes and then some. As the first (and only) diapers verified by the EWG, they’re setting a new standard in the diaper industry. Their premium, plant-based disposable diapers took three years to develop and are tested for over 900 chemical compounds, assuring parents that they’re the purest on the market. Ordering Healthybaby’s Monthly Diaper Bundle ensures you have a consistent supply of high-quality diapers for your little one and will never run out.

Coterie has upgraded basically every aspect of diapering. Their plush, cashmere-like disposable diapers absorb moisture super fast to prevent not only leaks, but rash and redness as well. The eco-friendly design is also free of fragrance, lotion, latex, rubber, dyes, alcohol, heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleaching, VOCs, and optical brighteners. Your baby’s bottom deserves the best–and these are pretty perfect.

A tried and true and most importantly trusted brand by parents for decades, the Pampers line of all natural, plant-based diapers (called Pampers Pure) are extremely breathable and absorbent, keeping your baby’s bum dry and free of diaper rash. Plus, they’re chlorine, fragrance, paraben and latex free! Conveniently, they’re widely available in your local super markets and drug stores or on Amazon!

Boasting “cheek to cheek” versatility 🤣, we love The Honest Co.’s wipes for what they don’t have rather than for what they do: no alcohol, chlorine processing, phthalates, parabens, or any other potentially harmful chemical. Honest Wipes are one of our favorites for functionality, too—they’re large, durable, and moist enough to clean even the biggest messes. (They also come in adorable packages that feature their signature prints!) Prices vary.

Great for sensitive skin, these thick, soft wipes offer safe and gentle cleaning for baby’s bottom, hands, and face. They’ve been dermatologist tested and are hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and don’t contain any alcohol or parabens. Prices vary.

The Skip Hop wipe-clean changing pad tops many lists of “must-haves” for baby—and with good reason. Made with contoured, cushioned foam and a non-skid base that will keep it in place, this changing pad is wipeable and won’t absorb liquids or smells. (Yay!) The Skip Hop pad also has a tuck-away toy bar and safety belt so baby can be distracted and safely secured while you change their diaper. It’s like they thought of everything when designing this thing.

This changing pad from Jool is another highly rated baby item—due to its non-skid grip design and the fact that it’s made with standard dimensions to fit pretty much any changing table. The pad comes with a soft, machine-washable, odor-resistant cover too (which is important, because the chances of it needing to be washed are… well… 1000%).

Stationary changing pads are important, of course, but as we all know, a loooooot of baby’s diaper changes will happen when you’re out of the house, making a portable changing table necessary. (It’s also great to just have this at home in a separate room from the stationary changing pad/table so you have more than one place to change a diaper!) The Lil Fox portable changing pad is a favorite due to its easily opened (single-handed) hook and loop fastener mechanism as well as multiple pockets for diapers, wipes, creams, and whatever else you might need to get the job done. Add in the soft memory-foam headrest and water-proof, wipe-clean fabric, and… well, you see why everyone loves it.

It won’t grant you 3 wishes, but the Diaper Genie is probably the most magical of all the diaper pails—at least when it comes to smell. With odor-locking clamps, a foot pedal for hands-free operation and convenience, and easy tear-away bags, the Diaper Genie has it all. You do need to use this brand’s unique bags, however, so make sure to add a couple extra refills to your cart now (you’re gonna need them!)

The Ubbi diaper pail costs more than others upfront, but you don’t have to buy special bags if you don’t want to. That’s right—this one works with regular bags just fine (and still blocks odor!) A winner of nine awards proving that parents everywhere love it, the Ubbi pail is different in that it’s made from steel, which is not porous like plastic, so the pail truly traps in odor. And it comes in 15 different colors, so you can find one that fits your nursery decor.

Ask veteran parents about what they recommend for diaper rash, and there’s a good chance they’ll tell you to “get the butt paste!” because it works. Boudreaux’s truly heals a sore baby bottom—often on the first application. Free of parabens, dyes, and talc, this one’s a a tried-and-true that’s been around for years, and parents of babies know why.

Earth Mama likes their customers to know exactly what in is in their products—like this diaper balm, made with lavender and tea tree essential oils, St. John’s Wort, chickweed, plantain, and calendula to protect and comfort painful or itchy skin. Gentle and effective, Earth Mama’s Organic Diaper Balm is a safe and smart choice to sooth and comfort your little one. (And pssst! Breastfeeding moms—their nipple butter is ah-mazing too.)

Obviously this one’s a huge investment—but you’re getting two pieces in one. A changing table plus a dresser that will last your kid’s entire childhood (and then some!) This gorg mid-century modern piece would look absolutely stunning in any nursery as well as child’s bedroom long after the changing pad is removed.

This super cute changing table comes in white or gray and includes two open shelves where you can store diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and anything else baby might need. The Adley Changing Table comes with a changing pad and safety strap as well as wheels at the bottom so it’s easily moveable around your home.

Hello Bello is a safe and effective sanitizer to have nearby for anyone who is about to touch the baby—whether that’s you, your partner, your guests, or your other children. Made without synthetic fragrances or artificial dyes, Hello Bello kills germs and keeps skin soft.

The Honest Co. also makes a great sanitizer—this one is in spray form—that will kill germs but be safe around baby. A plant-based sanitizer that effectively kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, this spray sanitizer is hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested. And it leaves hands clean and soft without a sticky residue. The perfect choice to have by the changing table!