For sanitary reasons and comfort, there is no question changing diaper when you baby takes a pee or poop.
Fortunately, diaper change pad is a convenient parenting product of nursery arsenal. It is designed to turn the stress and hassle of diaper changing into a relaxing experience for parents and baby.
No matter wherever or how often your little one takes a pee or poop, changing pad will make the messy and demanding diaper changing and clean-up task easier to accomplish- anywhere and anytime.
But what is diaper changing pad?
I am here to introduce you this baby nursery product.
Check out the details below to know more.
What Is Diaper Changing Pad?
Diaper changing pad is practically a slightly curved and small version of crib mattress. It is a stationary, and comfy surface that fits inside a changing tray or topper on your baby dresser.
There are various types of change pads with various styles and features.
Most pads feature two curved/ contoured edges to keep your baby from rolling off the diaper changing table. Of course, some models have three sided design. Four curved sided pad are also available that contour around your baby. Some pads also come equipped with two safety straps and buckles to keep secured your baby when they are nappy changing.
In general, changing pads are rectangular in shape and most fits inside a diaper changing tray. Of course, some models are shaped differently and even some do not require a changing tray.
Flat change pads are also available. Usually, they have rectangular shape and you can place them on top of a dresser. Some models of flat diaper changing pads include screw snaps or rubber bottom that helps the pad from sliding or moving. Of course, there are some models that require to have a fixed changing topper on the dresser to keep them in place.
Typical change pad set-up has three layers:
Layer 1: Pad
Layer 2: Pad cover
Layer 3: Pad liner
A Word of Caution!
Safety strap is a nice feature for a change pad that provide additional safety for your little one. But you should never leave you baby unattended on the change pad even if he/she is buckled around with straps. The straps simply discourage your little one from wiggling right off the changing table so that you can change his diaper without too much hassle.
Two-Sided Vs. Four-Sided Diaper Changing Pads
Two-sided pads have two raised sides, the longer ends contoured upward. This design keeps your baby a little barrier to keep him in place during diaper changing. It also gives your little one a sense of coziness.
Four-sided pads keep your baby more nestled in. This design keeps your baby more secured while diapering.
Construction Materials of Diaper Change Pad
The pad is made of either non-organic or organic materials.
Vinyl: Vinyl (also called PVC) pad are easy to clean, but this component is not safe to use around your baby. So, avoid vinyl pad if it is possible. Instead of vinyl pad you can use safer waterproof polyethylene pad.
Polyurethane foam: It is another materials that you should avoid. Over the years this type of foam pad may emit VOCs into the air of your nursery room.
TPU: Compared to PVC and polyurethane, TPU pad is less troublesome and less toxic. TPU is the best option for a waterproof change pad.
Non-toxic materials: You’ll find change pad filled with non-toxic materials such as natural latex, organic cotton, wool.
If for any reason, you have to use vinyl or polyurethane pad, make sure it is Certi-PUR certified or Greenguard Gold certified. These certification ensures that the product is tested to limit VOC emissions.
Benefits of Using a Diaper Changing Pad
Diaper changing pad is not a must-have for your baby’s nursery set-up. You can use a small blanket or towel to make you own changing station. But change pad will make child care as easy as possible.
Some benefits of using a change pad are:
First of all, a changing pad ensures diaper change as safe and comfortable as possible for your baby. It will also make diaper-changing a pleasant experience for you.
Secondly, it is space-saving compared to a changing table.
Thirdly, a compact and portable diaper changing pad is easy to carry almost anywhere. So, you don’t need to be worried about messing up someone else’s sheets.
Some pads have options to store your baby’s wipes, lotions, diapers etc. in one place.
The best part of having a contour-shaped pad is it will keep your baby from falling off while changing.
So, Is Diaper Changing Pad Necessary?
No!
Investing in a change pad is absolutely not necessary.
If you’re on tight budget or don’t like having a lot of baby items, you could definitely get by towel or receiving blanket instead of changing pad.
However, considering the benefits of using a change pad, I can say that it is super convenient to use in any situation- no matter it is a bathroom baby changing station or in the park.
Speaking of the convenience, comfort and safety, you can easily achieve all of these if you have the best diaper changing pad.
How Many Diaper Changing Pads Do I Need?
One pad is enough. But if you’re mom on the go, my recommendation is to buy 2 changing pads so that you can use one at your home and keep a spare one to use an on-the-go pad when you’re on travel.
But when it comes to diaper pad cover, you should have at least two so that you always have clean one on hand. Although pad cover doesn’t get soiled very often, if one gets dirty, you can use the other.
Of course, you can also use changing pad liner on the pad cover to add an extra layer of protection from inevitable mess. Liner helps change pad cover stays clean. If mess occurs, you can simply toss the liner in the wash.
How Long Do You Use a Changing Pad for?
It depends on manufacturer guidelines, weight capacity of the pad and how wiggly and comfortable your baby is on the change pad.
Generally, the good time to stop using it is around two years age of your baby. Another mark of stopping using pad is if he gets to about 30 pounds (13.6 kg) considering the weight capacity of the pad.
However, you can stop using it much earlier if your little one has outgrown his pad in terms of weight and height recommended by the manufacturers.
How Do I Keep My Changing Pad Clean?
It’s simple!
Wipe down the top of the pad with water and soap. Pour a drop of mild detergent onto a cloth or paper towel and rub down the pad surface.
Can I Wash Diaper Changing Pad?
First you should read the care label for manufacturer instructions. Check it is machine washable or not. If it is washing machine-friendly, throw it in the machine setting the specified water temperature and cycle.
Also check if the pad is air-dried or tumble dried.