jenna August 13, 2025

Keeping It Clean

Out of everything I thought I knew about having a baby, one thing felt like it just made the most fundamental sense…diapers. Probably the number one staple item as you step into the world of parenting. But alas! Even in something so seemingly straightforward, the options are endless: disposable diapers, cloth diapers, elimination communication (EC), and more.

In our home, we chose to use disposable diapers. For a bit of context behind that decision and the rest of our baby care choices, we are already a household well-acquainted with skin sensitivities and eczema. I knew baby skin would be even more delicate. When it comes to the “crunchy mom” vs. “silky mom” scale, I fall somewhere in the middle – a proud “scrunchy mom.” I lean toward natural, low-tox options, but will absolutely choose convenience when needed.

My son developed eczema around 9–10 months old, so I’ve become even more mindful of the products I use. I’m doing my best to keep him clean, comfortable, and cared for.

This post is a straightforward list of what we’ve used and loved, items that have truly made life easier for us. I hope it helps you feel confident and guided as you choose what’s best for you and your little one!

📝 How This Guide Works

I’ve mapped out essential items for:

  • Diapering
  • Bathing
  • General Baby Care

Symbols to Note:
⭐ = Must-have favorites
👍 = Nice-to-have (but not urgent, you might borrow or buy later)

🛒 For a quick glance at all these items – check out this Amazon Idea List so you can easily add them to your registry and grab what you need!

👶 DIAPERING ESSENTIALS

These items will set you up for diapering success! Since we used disposable diapers, I won’t be diving into cloth diapering options here.

⭐ Diapers

We’ve used Pampers Pure Diapers since day one! Other clean brands we tried or considered:

⭐ Wipes

We’ve used Water Wipes, but here are some more clean options we considered: 

⭐ Diaper Cream

After lots of research, we went with Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste—and we’ve used it from the very start. I love all their products!

⭐ Diaper Caddy

This is a personal choice based on your decor style, but I kept it simple with the luxury little Diaper Caddy Organizer. It’s spacious and super handy for travel (especially visiting grandparents!).

⭐ Diaper Pail

We tested three different diaper pails, and the only one that hasn’t broken and actually keeps the smelly smells in is the Ubbi Diaper Pail. I highly recommend it!

👍 Changing Pad

The best advice I can give you: get a wipeable changing pad.
We use the Hatch Baby Grow Changing Pad, but the Jool Baby Changing Pad is another wonderful option I love to give at baby showers.

When you’re out and about, traveling changing pads or even disposable changing pads make diaper changes way more convenient.

👍 Changing Reusable Covers

We also used Waterproof Changing Pad Liners at home as a backup to catch bigger messes. So worth it.

🫧 BATHING & CARE ESSENTIALS

Splish splash! Here’s what helped us keep our baby clean and comfortable.

⭐ Shampoo/Body Wash

We started with Tubby Todd Fragrance-Free Hair + Body Wash and used it for almost a year.

We later switched to ELLAOLA Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash, which we now use sparingly due to eczema flare-ups. Both are gentle, clean options we love.

⭐ Lotion

Finding the right lotion may take trial and error, especially if your baby has sensitive skin or eczema. These worked well for us:

⭐ Baby Bath Tub/Mat

We used the Boon Soak 3 Stage Baby Bathtub on the counter for his first 6 months.

Once our son could sit up, we moved it into the bathtub and used it until he outgrew it (around 10 months). After that, we switched to using the Boon GRIFFLE Textured Non-Slip Bath Mat and just added a few inches of water, no need for a bulky bath seat! And for mom and dad – the Elbow and Knee Saver is a must. 

⭐ Wash Cloths

You’ll end up with tons! But I really like the KeaBabies Baby Washcloths. 

⭐ Baby Nail Clippers/File

I absolutely preferred using regular Baby Nail Clippers & a Nail Filer over the electric ones. 

⭐ Laundry Stainer Remover

The GOAT of stain removers: Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray and Stain Remover

⭐ Sunscreen (6+ Months Old)

We’ve used Tubby Todd Face and Body Mineral Protection Sunscreen – it isn’t greasy and applies smoothly! I’m also excited to try out the SKY & SOL Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 this summer based on good recommendations. 

👍 Hooded Towels

We used Keababies Hooded Towels and a few others we received as gifts. Now that he’s older, we’ve moved on to fluffy regular towels.

👍 Water Thermometer

Baby Bath Thermometers for Infants are handy early on, especially if (like me) you’re used to scalding hot showers. It helped me learn what “baby-safe” warm water actually feels like.

👍 Nose Care (my top picks):

Here are our favorites for tiny stuffy noses:

❌ HOT TAKES (a.k.a. Skippable Items)

  • Wipes Warmer – They get babies used to warm wipes, which is not ideal when you’re out and about and only have cold ones!
  • Nose Frida Nose Sucker – Personally, I didn’t love it. I felt like I got sick the two times I used it—even with the filter.

🏆 My Top 5 Must-Have Baby Care Essentials

Beyond the obvious (diapers + wipes), these were game-changers for us:

  1. ⭐ Diaper Caddy – Keeps everything organized and easy to grab
  2. ⭐ Baby Bath Mat – Still using it, and it makes bath time easy
  3. ⭐ Baby Nail Clippers & a Nail Filer  – Simple, non-intimidating, and effective
  4. ⭐ Lotion – Find your favorite, it’s a daily essential
  5. ⭐ Miss Mouth’s Stain Remover – Trust me, you’ll use it weekly

Wrapping It Up! 

A lot of caring for your baby is trial-and-error and a whole lot of messes. The best strategy I can give you is: one day at a time, one mess at a time.

I hope this list gives you a strong starting point to build your baby registry and peace of mind as you find what works best for your little one.

Check out Part 6: Ultimate Baby Registry Guide & Advice series, where I’ll share our favorite picks for playtime and must-haves for self-care (for both Mom and Dad!).

Go be Loyal & Limitless, my friends!