Diaper changes might not be the most exciting part of parenting, but they sure happen a lot. And if you’ve ever tried changing a wiggly baby while digging through a messy bag—or realized too late that you forgot the wipes—you know how much a good setup really matters.

That’s where baby changing stations help. One is set up at home to keep things calm and comfortable. The other is for when you’re out and need something quick and easy. Having both doesn’t just make life simpler—it gives you one less thing to worry about during those messy moments.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a diaper changing station that works for everyday life—at home and on the move. So what do we have here? Let us break it down: what each of those stations requires, how to make it fit your space, and why having two of them is more than worth it.

Table of Contents

• The At-Home Changing Station: Your Everyday Essential

• What Should It Include?

• Smart Storage Ideas

• Choosing the Right Spot

• The On-the-Go Diaper Bag with Built-In Changing Station

• What You’ll Need in Your Bag:

• Designed with Parents in Mind

• Why You Might Need Both

• How to Set Up a Baby Changing Station (Both Types)

• At-Home Setup

• On-the-Go Setup

• Safety & Hygiene Must-Knows

• Baby Changing Station FAQ

• Conclusion: Stress-Free Diaper Duty Starts Here

The At-Home Changing Station: Your Everyday Essential

When you're home, diaper changes become part of the daily rhythm—before naps, after feedings, and definitely during those middle-of-the-night wake-ups. Your at-home station should be your diaper-changing command center. Set it up once, and it’ll keep working for you every single day.

What Should It Include?

Your essentials:

• Diapers (more than you think you’ll need)

• Wipes (fragrance-free are great for sensitive skin.

• Diaper cream or ointment

• Waterproof changing pad

• Extra onesies or clothes

• Sealed diaper pail or trash bin

• Hand sanitizer

• A soft toy to keep the baby’s hands busy

Think of it like this: you shouldn’t have to step away once you lay your baby down.

Smart Storage Ideas

It does not matter whether you have a whole nursery or only a corner in your room; the organization is a big difference. An excellent method of organizing creams, wipes, and baby clothes is to use drawer dividers in order to have everything in place and easy to find. Baskets or small bins can also be kept close so that you can pick what you want without moving away. And when you are short of space, a portable changing caddy which you can carry around the house is very useful.

Choosing the Right Spot

Your changing station doesn’t need to be in the nursery. The best spot is wherever it makes things easier for you. Placing it near the crib can help with quick nighttime changes. If cleanup is a priority, the bathroom might be the most convenient. And for homes with more than one floor, setting it up in a central spot can save you a lot of steps. No matter where you choose, the goal is the same: keep it easy to reach, well-stocked, and safe.

The On-the-Go Diaper Bag with Built-In Changing Station

Then there is the other sort of station--the one that follows you around.

Let’s be real: babies don’t wait until you’re back home to need a diaper change. That’s why a portable baby changing station inside your diaper bag is a non-negotiable. It saves you from dirty restroom counters and parking lot panic.

What You’ll Need in Your Bag:

• Foldable or built-in changing pad

• Travel-size wipes and cream

• Hand sanitizer

• Ziplock or trash bags for dirty diapers

• A clean outfit (or two)

• Snacks and water—for you and your baby

When everything has its place, there’s no digging, no panic, no mess.

Designed with Parents in Mind

Diaper bags from Papercliplife, like the Willow and Jojo, are a perfect example of what a mobile changing station should look like. Built-in, wipeable pads, smart compartments, and machine-washable interiors? Yes, please.

You want a setup that feels like a mini command center—just grab, unzip, change, and go.

Why You Might Need Both

So… when are baby changing stations required? Truth is, any time a diaper needs changing. Which means, all the time.

That’s why having both setups—a consistent space at home and a fully stocked diaper bag for outings—just makes sense.

Home = Comfort & Routine

It’s your safe zone. Organized, familiar, and fully equipped.

On-the-Go = Freedom & Flexibility

Whether you’re at the park, in the car, or out running errands, your portable setup keeps you ready for anything.

Together, they’ve got you covered from every angle. No scrambling, no stress.

How to Set Up a Baby Changing Station (Both Types)

Setting up a baby changing station—both at home and for when you’re out and about—can make diaper duty much smoother. When everything is easy to reach and well-organized, you're less likely to feel stressed in the middle of a mess. Here’s how to set up both types of stations so you're always ready, wherever you are.

At-Home Setup

The first one is to select a safe surface to change the diaper, such as a changing table or a dresser with a firm changing pad on top. Ensure that the surface is firm and comfortable for your baby. Next, fill the space with everything you need: diapers, wipe,s and diaper cream must be within reach, so you never have to leave the room during a change.

A diaper pail or trash bin with a lid will assist in controlling the odors and make cleaning easy. Having a hand sanitizer at hand or a sink nearby is also a good idea so that you can keep clean during changes. Have spare clothes at hand, remember accidents do happen, and a soft toy or book will help to entertain your baby whilst you get on with your work.

If you like a setup that offers both function and style, the Jojo Diaper Bag Backpack from Paperclip is a great companion, even at home. You can store it in the same room or carry it to another room because of its smart compartments and built-in changing station. It is particularly convenient when the family does not want to be restricted to a single changing place.

On-the-Go Setup

Your diaper bag acts as your portable changing station when you are out and about. A fantastic bag will have a built-in or foldable changing pad so that you are never without a clean surface, no matter where you are. Pack travel-size wipes, rash cream, and hand sanitizer to be ready inside.

Always carry at least two or three diapers with you and a ziplock bag or wet bag to put the dirty clothes or used diapers. An extra set of clothes and a mini towel also comes in handy, as blowouts do not wait to get home. In the event that your bag does not have a changing pad, you will need to carry a small mat that can be folded and cleaned up easily.

The Willow Diaper Bag from Paperclip is built for exactly this kind of flexibility. It has a built-in changing station that is machine-washable, has several compartments, and is sleek-looking, keeping everything in order and easily accessible when you are on the road. Going to run errands or a day trip, Willow has got your back literally.

Safety & Hygiene Must-Knows

These might sound obvious, but when you're juggling a baby and a messy diaper, it's easy to forget the basics:

• Never leave your baby unattended on a changing surface

• Use the safety straps if your setup has them

• Sanitize surfaces regularly, especially if using shared spaces

• Wash your hands before and after changes

• Keep hand sanitizer or wipes in your bag at all times

Keeping things clean and safe isn’t just for your baby—it’s peace of mind for you, too.

Baby Changing Station FAQ

How to Set Up a Diaper Changing Station?

Choose a safe surface, keep all supplies within reach, and make sure the area is clean, stocked, and easy to access.

How to organize a diaper changing station?

Use bins or drawer dividers to separate diapers, wipes, creams, and clothes. Keep items you use most often at the top or front.

What do I need for a diaper changing station?

Diapers, wipes, rash cream, changing pad, extra clothes, hand sanitizer, and a trash bin or diaper pail.

How to keep baby from crying during diaper change?

Talk softly, give them a toy or soft book, and keep the room warm. Be quick but gentle.

What are the three main steps to follow when changing a diaper?

• Clean the diaper area

• Apply cream if needed

• Put on a fresh diaper and dress your baby

Conclusion: Stress-Free Diaper Duty Starts Here

Good hygiene is something you must always find time to practice even when you are busy. Having a clean, reliable setup like the Paperclip diaper bags ensures peace of mind.

Setting up your baby’s changing area doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, you can transform a basic space into a functional haven for quick, clean diaper swaps. Whether you’re figuring out how to set up a diaper changing station at home or prepping for travel, the right tools make all the difference.

And when you're out and about, don’t forget to grab your trusty diaper bag backpack from Paperclip—it’s your portable changing station hero. For the ultimate upgrade, check out our diaper bag backpack with changing station.

Your future self (and your baby’s bottom) will thank you!