Nappy Caddy Checklist: What to Keep Within Reach

A well-stocked nappy caddy can make those countless nappy changes a little easier, especially during the newborn stage when you're recovering from birth and getting used to life with your little one.

Whether you keep your caddy beside the change table, in the nursery, in your bedroom or in the living room, having everyday essentials in one place means less searching and more time focusing on your baby.

Use this checklist to organise your nappy caddy and keep everything you need within easy reach.

1. Nappy Changing Essentials

These are the everyday basics you'll reach for during most nappy changes.

☐ Newborn or age-appropriate nappies

☐ Baby wipes

☐ Portable changing mat

☐ Nappy rash cream, if needed

☐ Cotton wool or reusable cotton cloths

☐ Disposable nappy bags or a reusable wet bag

☐ Clean cloths for unexpected messes

☐ Hand sanitiser for the caregiver

☐ Small rubbish bags, if needed

☐ Spare changing pad cover, if you use one

2. Spare Clothes & Everyday Essentials

Nappy leaks, spit-ups and unexpected messes happen, so keeping a few spare items nearby can be helpful.

☐ 1–2 spare bodysuits

☐ Spare sleepsuit

☐ Clean socks

☐ Muslin cloths

☐ Burp cloths

☐ Spare bib, if needed

☐ Lightweight spare blanket for appropriate supervised use

☐ Extra outfit suited to the season

3. Baby Skincare & Personal Care

Keep your baby's everyday care products together so they're easy to find when needed.

☐ Fragrance-free moisturiser, if needed

☐ Nappy barrier cream, if needed

☐ Baby-safe skincare products recommended for your baby

☐ Soft washcloths

☐ Cotton pads or cotton wool

☐ Saline drops, if recommended

☐ Baby nail file, stored safely

☐ Soft hairbrush, if needed

Safety tip: Use products appropriate for your baby's age and needs. Avoid unnecessary fragranced products, and follow your healthcare professional's advice if your baby develops a rash or skin irritation.

4. Feeding & Settling Essentials

Depending on where you keep your caddy, a few extra items can make feeding and settling easier.

☐ Breast pads for mum

☐ Nipple cream, if needed

☐ Burp cloths

☐ Muslin wraps

☐ Bibs

☐ Dummy or pacifier, if used

☐ Small comfort item appropriate for your baby's age

☐ Feeding cloths

☐ Water bottle for mum

☐ Small snack for mum

Remember: Keep bottles, prepared formula and expressed breast milk stored safely according to feeding guidance rather than leaving them in a room-temperature caddy.

5. Practical Extras for Mum

A nappy caddy can also hold a few essentials to make those frequent changes easier for you.

☐ Hand cream

☐ Hair ties

☐ Lip balm

☐ Tissues

☐ Hand sanitiser

☐ Water bottle

☐ Small snack

☐ Phone charging cable nearby, safely positioned away from baby

☐ Small notebook for tracking feeds or nappies, if useful

6. Optional Extras for Your Nappy Caddy

These items aren't essential, but they can be useful depending on your routine and available space.

☐ Reusable wet bag

☐ Small laundry bag

☐ Extra nappy cream applicator, if desired

☐ Portable night-light for overnight changes

☐ Small organiser baskets or dividers

☐ Labels for different sections

☐ Spare dummy case

☐ Travel-sized changing kit for quick outings

7. Nappy Caddy Restock Checklist

A quick daily check can help you avoid running out of essentials when you need them most.

☐ Refill nappies

☐ Restock wipes

☐ Check nappy cream

☐ Replace used muslin cloths

☐ Add clean spare clothes

☐ Empty rubbish and remove used nappies

☐ Move dirty clothes to the laundry

☐ Clean the changing mat

☐ Check that skincare products are clean and within their expiry dates

☐ Remove anything you no longer use

Bejbi's Tips for an Organised Nappy Caddy

Keep it simple. You don't need every baby product in your caddy. Start with the essentials you use most often and add extras as your routine develops.

Create sections. Use small compartments to separate nappies, wipes, creams and spare clothing so everything has a place.

Keep it portable. If you change your baby in different rooms, a lightweight caddy makes it easier to bring the essentials with you.

Think about overnight changes. A small caddy beside your usual changing area can save you from searching through drawers in the middle of the night.

Prioritise safety. Change your baby on a safe, stable surface and keep one hand on them whenever they're on an elevated changing surface. Store creams, small objects and other potentially hazardous items out of reach, and never leave your baby unattended.

A well-organised nappy caddy won't make every nappy change mess-free, but it can make the everyday routine feel much more manageable.

Happy organising from Bejbi!

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