ParentlistBaby Diapering & Potty Essentials
From the first diaper change to the last potty accident
This category runs from the first newborn diaper to the end of potty training. In the early months you'll change a lot of diapers, so the setup matters: diapers in the right size, fragrance-free wipes, a rash cream, a contoured changing pad at home and a folding one in the diaper bag. A wet bag handles messy clothes when you're out.
It's smart not to stockpile newborn diapers, since babies often outgrow that size quickly. A diaper pail and caddy are conveniences rather than must-haves. Potty gear comes later, often somewhere between 18 months and 3 years: a floor potty or a toilet seat reducer, a step stool for the sink and toilet, training pants for the in-between stage, and a travel potty seat for outings and road trips.
By age
- Newborn essentials
- 3 Month Old essentials
- 6 Month Old essentials
- 9 Month Old essentials
- 1 Year Old essentials
- 18 Month Old essentials
- 2 Year Old essentials
- 3-5 Year Old essentials
All diapering & potty items
Contoured Changing Pad
Wipe-clean pad with raised sides for a changing table or dresser top.
Diaper Bag
Organized backpack or tote with changing essentials and insulated pockets.
Diaper Rash Cream
Barrier cream that protects skin from redness between changes.
Folding Changing Pad
Portable, foldable mat for clean diaper changes on the go.
Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes
Gentle wipes that clean sensitive skin without perfume.
Newborn Diapers
Snug diapers sized for the first weeks, with a cutout for the umbilical stump.
Wet Bag
Waterproof zip bag for soiled clothes, swimsuits and cloth diapers.
Size 1 Diapers
Next-size diapers for growing babies and longer stretches of sleep.
Floor Potty
Child-sized potty that sits on the floor for the first stage of potty training.
Toilet Step Stool
Non-slip step for reaching the toilet and the bathroom sink.
Diaper Caddy
Portable organizer that keeps diapers, wipes and cream in one spot.
Diaper Disposal Bags
Small sealable bags for dirty diapers when there's no bin nearby.
Diaper Pail
Sealed bin that contains odors between trash runs.
Toilet Seat Reducer
Insert that makes the adult toilet seat smaller and steadier for kids.
Training Pants
Pull-up style underwear for the in-between stage of potty training.
Travel Potty Seat
Folding seat or portable potty for public toilets and roadside stops.
Momblet
Something calm for kids and parents, from the people behind Parentlist. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when it's ready.
Questions parents ask
- How many newborn diapers should I buy?
- Newborns go through diapers quickly, but they also outgrow the newborn size fast. Many families buy only a pack or two and move up to size 1 once the fit gets snug. Keeping receipts or buying smaller packs makes it easy to adjust.
- When should we start potty training?
- Many children show readiness somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, and the range is wide. Signs include staying dry longer, noticing when they go and showing interest in the toilet. Follow your child's cues, and ask your pediatrician if you have questions.
- Floor potty or toilet seat reducer?
- A floor potty is low and easy for a small child to use alone, which many toddlers like at first. A seat reducer fits on the regular toilet and skips the switch from potty to toilet later. Some families use both, along with a step stool.
- Do I need a diaper pail?
- Not strictly. A lidded trash can and regular trips to the outside bin work for many families. A diaper pail helps contain smells, which is handy if the nursery is far from the door.