changing pads

A changing mat and a changing table are part of the absolute basic equipment in the children's room. Even if the children's room is not used from the beginning and the little ones don't spend much time in their own room, a changing table is often a favorite place in the children's room. Since newborns need to be changed 10 to 12 times a day, a changing table pad is an essential part of the nursery decor. This handy utensil is designed to make changing babies as safe and comfortable as possible. Many parents are a little scared and unsure at first, but changing diapers should be fun for both babies and adults. On the changing table, looks are exchanged, bonding intensified, laughed and kicked. But what types of changing mats are there? are all changing mats the same? How do you choose a right changing table pad? There are a couple of points to note here.

What is a changing mat?

If you are a first-time parent, you may be wondering if all changing mats are the same and how to choose the best one for your needs. A good changing mat should be well padded. It ensures that the baby lies comfortably and is warm during the diaper change. Because a changing table is ultimately just an ordinary chest of drawers with a hard wooden surface if no changing mat is placed on it. The padded underlay acts like a mattress and gives the baby a feeling of warmth and security.

Types of changing table pads

There are many different types of changing mats. There are wedge-shaped changing pads, PVC pads or the most popular fabric changing pads. The wedge wrap pads have a curved piece cut from a thick block of foam. The special shape prevents your baby from rolling over the changing table. The PVC mat is padded but uncomfortable for the skin without a corresponding fabric cover.

Advantages of a cloth overlay

A standard diaper pad is a small mattress with raised sides. The changing mat is usually placed in the middle of the attachment. So that the pad sits well and does not slip, it should be chosen to match the changing attachment . The raised sides of the changing mat ensure that your baby cannot roll off the edge of the changing table. A washable fabric covers the pad. Cotton is ideal for this purpose. Cushions made of muslin are particularly popular because this fine cotton fabric is very comfortable and feels pleasant on baby's delicate skin. In the event that something goes wrong when changing, a changing mat made of fabric can be removed at any time and washed in the machine. It is therefore practical and advisable to get two changing mats so that one can be in use while the other is being waxed or dried in the washing machine.

Protect the changing mat with a separate changing mat

So that the padded changing mat does not have to constantly go into the washing machine, there are also special changing mats that protect the mat from dirt. These are usually impermeable to water and thus also prevent the pad from getting wet. These documents are available in every drugstore. The disposable mats may seem practical at first glance, but they produce a lot of waste and are therefore unfortunately not exactly environmentally friendly. Conscious parents for whom sustainability plays a major role can opt for a reusable version of the changing mat, which can also be washed and reused like the pad. The reusable changing pads are also made of cotton and can be made from the same fabric to match the pad but have a waterproof layer built in which protects the padded pad.

Travel Changing Pads

An on-the-go changing mat is another option that will make your life easier when you are out with your baby. The travel changing mat is a small, lightweight, foldable mat made of cotton, terrycloth or similar material. This pad usually has a waterproof surface and is slightly padded so that the baby can be changed comfortably on the go. A travel pad is usually thinner than a normal mat, but can be folded up and stowed in a diaper bag.

Safety when changing

If you use a chest of drawers as a changing table or have another changing area, you should make sure that the desired changing mat fits well on it. It should not slip or hang over the edge. Babies grow quickly, so the lying surface of the pad should be large enough so that they can use the pad for a longer period of time. The baby should have enough freedom of movement to kick on the pad. No matter what type of changing pad you choose; the important thing is that it is easy to clean and comfortable for your baby.

Safety Tip: Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table or changing pad, even if it's just for a few seconds.