What To Put In Diaper Caddy: Essentials and Organizing Tips

Not sure what to put in diaper caddy? Or if you even need one?

Aside from the essentials, it’s actually quite useful to have a diaper caddy as you can also use it for other purposes. Other than for your baby’s diapering needs.

But before we go through the list of items you will need and might need in a diaper caddy, let’s go through the basics.

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What’s a Diaper Caddy?

A diaper caddy is a container – box or basket – that can hold several baby items and diaper-changing essentials.

It’s typically kept in another room, other than your baby’s nursery room.

Do I Really Need a Diaper Caddy?

Yes, you might need a diaper caddy if you live in a multiple-story house or you find yourself changing your baby’s diaper in another room, other than their nursery room.

It’s just easier to have a diaper caddy standing by, rather than going all the way to your baby’s room to change their diaper.

Now that’s out of the way, scroll down below to know what to put in a diaper caddy – the minimalist version.

What To Put In a Diaper Caddy (Minimalist Version)

If you just want a simple, basic diaper caddy, just stock it up with the bare minimum diapering essentials such as:

  • Diapers
  • Diaper Cream
  • Baby Wipes
  • Changing Pad
  • Plastic Bags
  • Baby Toys
  • Hand Sanitizer

And that’s it!

Kinda like the essentials you’ll need in a diaper bag for going out with your newborn.

Related Articles: 11 Tips For Leaving the House with a Newborn

But if you find that too bare, then check out the other items you might need in a diaper caddy.

What To Put in Diaper Caddy for Newborn (Must-Have Items)

Diapers

If you’re using disposable diapers, better have at least 20 or more in your diaper caddy. If it can fit! 

If not, just have 10 or more. Something that can last you for at least a few days or a week, so you don’t have to keep stocking it now and then.

Just to make sure you’re ready for unexpected leaks or diaper blowouts.

Related Article: 27 Best Diaper Blowout Hacks Every Parent Should Know!

Diaper Cream

This is another essential in your diaper caddy.

One diaper cream can last you for months, depending on how you use it and if your baby doesn’t have a diaper rash.

I highly recommend using a diaper cream everyday though on your baby, even on your newborns, to protect their skin and to prevent diaper rashes.

Baby Wipes

This, along with the diapers and the diaper cream, makes up the trio of bare minimum essentials of a diaper caddy, for changing your baby’s diaper.

You can use other baby wipes alternatives but it’s just more convenient to get the regular, conventional ones. And having the best non-toxic baby wipes is even better.

I’d suggest having 2 packs as one pack of baby wipes is enough to last you for a couple of days or a week, depending on your baby’s needs.

Changing Pads

Changing pads or pee pads are a must for 2 reasons – to have a safe, clean area to put in your baby and to contain, more or less, diaper messes.

So always have some at all times.

You can just have 2 reusable changing pads in your diaper caddy.

Then add in some pee pads, for extra protection. Especially when you’re dealing with your baby’s diarrhea.

Baby Toys or Book

Use these to distract your baby, to make changing their diapers so much easier. Especially when they wriggle, squirm and hate diaper-changing sessions!

Just have 2-3 at hand and make sure that they’re clean and to change them every few weeks or so.

Check out the best non-toxic wooden baby toys here for a more age-appropriate age toy for your little one.

Teether/ Pacifier

This is another way to distract and calm your baby when changing their diapers. Especially when they’re being fussy and are actually going through a teething stage.

Have 2 or more at hand and just make sure to change and clean it when needed.

Hand Sanitizer

Make sure to keep your hands clean at all times, before and after changing your baby with a hand sanitizer.

If you’d like to take sanitizing a notch further, keep rubbing alcohol in your diaper caddy. 

I find that more effective in disinfecting my hands, more so than a regular, alcohol-free hand sanitizer. But they can be drying though so just a warning!

If you just prefer a hand sanitizer, look for an antibacterial one, with alcohol, to ensure you’re getting rid of certain bacteria in your hand, before touching your baby.

Change of Clothes

It’s typical for babies to have accidents and diaper blowouts. 

So for moments like these, it’s always wise to keep a few simple onesies in your diaper caddy.

You can also add in 1 or more pajama long-sleeved onesies, some pants, hand mittens, and socks if you like.

Plastic Bags

If you don’t have a diaper pail or trash can nearby to throw in your baby’s dirty diapers, just use a plastic bag.

For cloth diapers, prep your diaper caddy with wet bags.

Keep a dozen plastic bags in the diaper caddy, for convenience. 

Baby Lotion

A baby lotion is not a must-have to care for a newborn but it can be helpful for little ones who have eczema or dry skin.

Just have one in the caddy and that will be enough.

Burp Cloth

If your baby tends to spit up or vomit a lot, it’s better to have at least 3 or more burp clothes to protect your clothes and for easy clean-ups.

Nail Clippers/ Nail File

Just keep this nearby in case you need to trim your baby’s nails.

Thermometer

Keep one at all times in your diaper caddy, in case your baby seems under the weather.

Nasal Aspirator 

For times when your baby needs to clear their noses – especially during the flu season.

Choose something that you’d be comfortable using on your baby and remember to always clean and maintain it.

Swaddles

Swaddles can be handy to have for changing your newborn’s diaper. So you can quickly get them ready for their naps or bedtime or just soothe and calm them down.

Related Article: How Many Swaddles Do I Need? (Types, Pros, Cons, and More)

You can have 2 or more in the diaper caddy if you prefer.

Gas Relief Drops

It’s useful to have one to help your constipated baby.

Cradle Cap Brush and Lotion

Add this to your diaper caddy for some frequent cleaning and reducing your baby’s cradle cap scales.

Tiny Spray Bottle

One mom shared having these, for those moments when her baby has sticky poop!

Other Uses of Diaper Caddies

Diaper caddies can also be used for the following:

  • Breast Pump Station Kit
  • Baby Medicine kit
  • Baby Grooming kit

You can also use it for your toddler’s essentials and toys for storing so it’s pretty handy to have!

What to Put in a Breastfeeding Caddy: Tips and Hacks

  • Have a separate nursing caddy

It seems easier to just include everything in a large diaper caddy, including nursing essentials.

But it’s just ultimately better to have a separate caddy for breastfeeding.

That way, it’s easier and lighter to lug the diaper caddy around, it’s not overwhelming to look for an item, and it’s easier to refill diaper caddy stocks when needed.

So get a separate caddy or organizer for your breastfeeding pump station.

  • Remember to stock up

Don’t forget to check if you still have enough items in your diaper caddy, particularly the trio of essentials – diapers, diaper rash cream, and baby wipes.

Always refill and stock these items every few days or so, to avoid the hassle of wanting to change your baby and finding out that you’ve run out of diaper essentials.

  • Clean it regularly

You don’t need to do it every week or so.

But do it at least every month or every 2 months, just to make sure there’s no nasty stuff left in it!

  • Get a rolling cart

If you’d like more storage area for your baby’s diaper essentials OR if you want to include your pumping necessities, why not just get a rolling cart.

Related Article: Breast Pumping Station Ideas: Essentials and Tips in Setting It Up

The ones like below would be enough.

It’s actually more convenient to have one so you can fill it up with your baby’s diaper changing items and you only need to stock it up every few weeks or so.

Best Diaper Caddy Organizer

Check out a few diaper caddies and other organizers below with high ratings and lots of positive reviews here:

Parker Baby Diaper Caddy

Maliton Diaper Caddy Organizer

HOME FOR EACH – Portable Diaper Caddy Storage Bag with Roll Lid and Removable Dividers

StorageWorks 3-Section Wicker Baskets

FAQ: Diaper Caddy Essentials FAQ

What should you put in a diaper caddy?

ou can put the basic diapering essentials in a diaper caddy such as diapers, baby wipes, diaper creams, changing pad, and hand sanitizer.
But to make things more convenient for diaper changes, you can also add in other items such as baby toys, plastic bags, nail clippers, and more.

What do you do with a diaper caddy?

A diaper caddy’s main use is to keep and organize items you’ll need for changing your baby’s diaper.
But that’s not the only use of a diaper caddy.
You can also keep your breastfeeding items in items, especially if you have a dedicated pumping area in your house. You can use it as a baby medicine or grooming kit!

Is a diaper caddy necessary?

A diaper caddy is necessary if you live in a multi-story or level house or apartment.
Or if you find yourself wanting to change your baby’s diaper in the living room, your bedroom, or even the kitchen and you find it a hassle to always go to the nursery room.

What should you pack in a diaper bag?

You can pack the diaper essentials in a diaper bag such as diapers, baby wipes, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, diaper changing pad, along with other items.
Check it out here 13 items for a lighter, minimalist diaper bag essential.

What To Put In Diaper Caddy: Wrapping Up

Diaper caddies are great to have and just make things more convenient especially if you keep on changing your baby’s diaper in another room. Other than their nursery room.

Just make sure that if you have a toddler or younger kids running around, keep or hide it away from them.

Store it in a higher area, put it at the back of something, cover it with a blanket – just make it hard for them to reach it.

You never know what they might do with all the items and more that you put in your diaper caddy!

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Julie