With buying tips from Dr. Gibson in mind, we researched options with useful organizational features and tasteful aesthetics. Our favorite is the Skip Hop Light Up Caddy, a thoughtfully designed diaper holder with adjustable compartments and a handy light for middle-of-the-night changes. Here, the best diaper caddies to organize and simplify your changing routine. As the name suggests, this caddy has a touch-activated light on the handle. The soft illumination helps you see what you’re doing during middle-of-the-night diaper changes. More to the point, you won’t have to risk stimulating your peaceful baby by flipping on the bright overheads in your nursery or room. After 10 minutes, the light automatically shuts off. The thoughtful design is powered by a CR2 battery (included) that promises not to die for nearly 1,300 hours. If you crunch the numbers, it should last the entirety of your kiddo’s multi-year, diaper-wearing stage. Our only complaint about this product is that it comes in just one color, but the gray hue is versatile enough to work in most nurseries. Price at time of publish: $41 If we could change anything about this holder, we’d add a couple of pockets. But all things considered, it’s an impressive product for the price. Plus, you can pick between various different animal patterns that are all set on a cream background. Available animals include a hedgehog, owl, bear, elephant, rabbit, and whale. Price at time of publish: $17 Doubling as a diapering station anytime, anywhere, it also comes with a foldable changing mat. The entire thing is super easy to wipe clean too. Just a heads up: the caddy is 3.5 pounds when empty, so keep this in mind if you’re packing for a trip or taking it with you anywhere. However, there are several color combinations available, so you can nicely match your caddy to your stroller and hit the road. Price at time of publish: $40 With a coated iron shell and a solid wood handle, this carrier is sturdier than many others, not to mention easy to clean. Not only that, but you can use the minimalistic design for home organization well beyond your child’s diapering years. You’ll just want to be careful of your little one bumping into this caddy, since it’s made of hard metal instead of fabric or another more flexible material. Notably, the caddy does have rounded edges, though. Price at time of publish: $40 There’s also an accessory drawer on the bottom for smaller items, like a comb, nail clippers, Band-Aids, and other first aid supplies. Additionally, this portable carrier has a foldable changing mat and a locking handle for easy transport. The durable thermoplastic design is a breeze to wipe clean, too. Price at time of publish: $40 Made of 100 percent cotton, this braided, tote-style caddy is sturdy enough to hold up in the washing machine. You can also wipe down the interior and spot-clean it as needed. The only thing to note is that it doesn’t hold its shape well, especially when it’s not packed full. Price at time of publish: $25 This nursery organizer has two metal hooks that fit over most doors. It can only support up to 10 pounds of weight, though, so keep that in mind when filling it up. We wish there were more color options as well, but the neutral oatmeal is endlessly versatile. Price at time of publish: $39 While the materials are sturdy, it doesn’t have the same structure as cardboard-reinforced designs. Also, it only comes in the traditional, off-white canvas color, with the option of a black or brown handle. Still, the versatile appearance should complement virtually any nursery aesthetic. Price at time of publish: $29 The regular size is bigger than average, but there’s a larger option if you need even more room. You can also remove the divider and use it to store or transport other items you need for your little one, like toys or baby linens. This organizer bin only comes in two colors, but other than that, we have no complaints. Price at time of publish: $20 While you shouldn’t have trouble getting everything to fit into the three compartments, there aren’t any pockets for organizing smaller items. Our favorite thing about the Natemia Diaper Caddy might be the color selection, though. It comes in several tasteful hues ranging from marigold to periwinkle and blush. Price at time of publish: $30 The options available to you are key to consider so you know that you have all the right spaces to put your diaper change necessities. How these compartments are laid out is also worth considering—you want to make sure the caddy is working for you as best as it possibly can, so diaper changes are easy and efficient. “I like to have one with a handle that is easily portable and small enough to be placed out of the way,” says Katy Gibson, MD, a pediatrician, motherhood coach, and educator for new parents. Several cute and functional caddies on this list, including the Crate & Kids Canvas Diaper Organizer that’s our pick for a canvas caddy, include a handle. However, if you’re planning to keep your caddy in one place, like on a dresser, there are also larger options with more spacious capacities, and alternatives to handled carries. “This means everything from carts on wheels to baskets,” Dr. Gibson adds. “There are so many choices!”
Material and Color
Diaper caddies come in a plethora of materials, colors, and patterns. When browsing designs, look for one that’ll complement the palette and theme of your little one’s room—and potentially your personal style, if you plan to bring it on-the-go. In the case of the 3 Sprouts Diaper Caddy, you can pick from a selection of animal patterns. Aesthetics aside, the material—whether it be canvas, metal, or plastic—of your diaper caddy affects its durability and safety. Fabric designs are more unlikely to hurt a baby, in the event they fall to the floor or get bumped into. Those with reinforced construction can be sturdy, helping them stay on a dresser or in their place well, and also hold your things more effectively. Roped cotton, canvas, and felt are surprisingly strong, but also soft and lightweight. Polyurethane and other types of thermoplastic are durable and generally considered safe for use in kids’ products, though they may not have the same decorative appeal as other options. There are also metal options that are the most sturdy. But, you’ll want to look for rounded edges, and consider keeping this type of caddy away from an area that your little one can bump into it easily.
Cleaning Requirements
Care requirements vary for different materials, too. Plastic caddies tend to be easy to wipe clean, and if yours comes with a foldable changing mat, you should be able to wipe that down as well. Whether it be roped cotton, canvas, or polyester, many diaper caddies are made of fabric, which can typically be spot-cleaned. Lots of pockets are convenient, but this can make a caddy slightly trickier to clean. Some textile carriers are machine-washable; however, it’s best to check the brand’s care instructions before tossing yours in the wash. The care instructions may also note whether you should use warm, cold, or hot water when washing your caddy.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a product reviewer and commerce writer specializing in storage solutions, home improvement, travel, and decor. For this story, she interviewed Katy Gibson, MD—a pediatrician, motherhood coach, and educator for new parents—for insight into storing and transporting diapering supplies. She considered dozens of caddies from various brands and retailers, ultimately choosing durable, versatile, child-safe designs with visual appeal. “Some other helpful items include extra clothes (for those blow-outs), lotion (often the best time to also do skincare), a pacifier, and a teether or small toy,” says Dr. Gibson. “A small blanket or swaddle and extra burp cloths can also be helpful.” A caddy can help you organize diapers, wipes, rash cream, and grooming products. That said, you’ll probably want to have a backstock area for extra supplies in a nearby closet, bathroom, or laundry room. Some caddies are machine-washable, but this isn’t the norm and you’ll want to check your product’s label first to see if it’s compatible with a washing machine routine. Lastly, if the corners and pockets of your caddy are filled with crumbs, dirt, or other debris, you can also try vacuuming them up with a handheld vacuum or a larger vacuum with a crevice attachment. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. You can find more of her work on Travel + Leisure, People, Verywell Family, and Byrdie.
