By Olivia DeLong, former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect.
There’s a lot to remember as a new parent, and in those early days, it’s easy to forget things. I can’t tell you how many times I completely forgot to put the diaper in the diaper pail or move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. (Honestly, I still forget that one sometimes.)
During the fourth trimester and beyond, you’re likely running on very little sleep while adjusting to life with your new little one. But even during those bleary-eyed moments, it’s important to make sure you’re using baby gear safely and correctly, especially when it comes to diaper changes.
Because here’s the thing: you’re going to change a lot of diapers in that first year. Making sure your changing area is set up safely can help give you peace of mind (even when your mind feels…mushy).
Many parents place their changing pad on top of a dresser or a designated changing table, which makes diaper changes and outfit swaps much easier. But since these surfaces are elevated, it’s especially important to follow safe setup guidelines to help prevent falls.
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when setting up your diaper changing area, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
1. Choose a changing pad with raised or concave sides
A changing pad with raised or slightly concave sides (meaning the middle is lower than the edges) can help keep your baby centered during diaper changes. This design helps reduce the chances of your little one rolling unexpectedly.
Many modern changing pads, including the Lalo Wipeable Changing Pad, feature supportive sides that help keep babies more secure during changes, which can be especially helpful when you’re managing a wiggly newborn and a messy diaper at the same time. The best ones are raised by small feet, off of the table, to allow for airflow underneath.
2. Always buckle the safety strap
If your changing pad includes a safety strap, be sure to use it every single time you change your baby. Yes, this is the stop a lot of us often forget.
Most changing pads now include safety straps thanks to guidance from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but it’s still important to double-check when purchasing one.
That said, a strap alone isn’t enough to prevent falls. The AAP recommends always keeping one hand on your baby during changes and never leaving them unattended on a changing surface, even for a moment.
3. Keep diaper-changing essentials within arm’s reach
One of the easiest ways to make diaper changes safer (and smoother) is to keep everything you need right next to your changing space.
That way, you won’t have to turn away, bend down, or step away from your baby mid-change. A small basket or organizer on top of the dresser works perfectly.
Diaper essentials to keep at the changing station:
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Diapers
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Wipes
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Diaper cream
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A small rattle or chew toy (for especially squirmy moments)
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Baby brush or comb
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Pacifiers (plural, trust me)
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Burp cloths
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Thermometer
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Nasal aspirator bulb (just in case)
Setting up a safe, organized changing area may seem like a small thing, but during those busy newborn days, it can make a big difference.
About the writer:
Olivia DeLong is the former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect. She’s been an editor, writer, and content strategist for over 15 years, holding staff positions at WomansDay.com and Sharecare prior to her role at pregnancy and parenting brands. After a traumatic fertility journey, she’s now a mom to her 6-year-old miracle girl, and lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves digging into parenting, women’s health, and wellness trends with experts, and believes that speaking up about just about anything is so important for moms to feel seen.
