Why Buy a Baby Changing Pad?

Changing your baby’s diaper at home and on the go shouldn’t be difficult or messy.

Your baby’s diaper changes should be easy and fuss-free no matter the time of day and where you are. You should always lay your little one down on a safe, clean, and comfortable surface. That’s precisely where diaper changing pads by KeaBabies come in handy!

What is a Baby Changing Pad?

As the name hints, a baby changing pad is a portable padded surface designed for diaper duty. Having one handy can be a lifesaver since you cannot control where and when your munchkin does his or her business. Some diaper pads also offer a convenient place to tuck away your diapering supplies and other baby essentials.

Not all pads are created equal. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right pad:

Safety straps

In your search for the perfect diaper changing pad, opt for a model with safety straps. They’re essential to keeping your little one safe during diaper changes. Make sure the straps are adjustable and fitted with a buckle to ensure a secure and snug hold.

For additional safety, look for one with anchoring straps. These are designed for fastening to a dresser, baby furniture, or a changing table.

Non-skid bottom

If it lacks safety straps, then a non-skid bottom can serve the same purpose. After all, babies tend to wiggle a lot during diaper changes.

Design

You want a changing pad design that guarantees optimum safety, comfort, and usability. Look for handy features like 4-sided, skip hop, and contoured changing pad. They’re there to protect your baby’s head and keep them comfortable.

Is It Portable?

At their core, baby changing pads are meant for on-the-go diaper duty. So, the best pad should be lightweight and easy to fold for hassle-free carrying. It should fit into your diaper bag.

Ease of Cleaning/Waterproof Capacity

The last thing you want is to deal with any further mess from soiled diapers. Therefore, a good pad should be easy to clean, airtight, and odor-proof. Look for waterproof materials like polyurethane, vinyl, and foam. Simply wipe clean the surface and you’re good to go.

Other things to consider

Fit is another significant consideration. This is especially true if you already own a changing table or a baby crib with a built-in dresser.

Cushioning does matter, as well. Look for foam, cotton, or other soft padding materials.

Types of Pads

Diaper changing pads come in an array of styles, sizes, and price ranges. They all provide a cushiony place where your little one will feel comfy while getting changed.

There are five main types of changing pads: standard, portable, contoured, travel, and disposable. Let’s find out more about each pad type.

a) Standard Changing Pads

The standard pad looks like a mini foam mattress. It features raised sides to improve both comfort and safety. High-quality models sport waterproof construction, so you can simply wipe them clean. If it’s a traditional foam pad, you’ll need to pair it with a waterproof cover.

b) Contoured Changing Pads

The name says it all – these changing pads have contoured sides. Their curved and raised walls are conveniently designed to:

• Secure your baby’s head
• Prevent your baby from falling off
• Provide a barrier that protects your little one from rolling off the changing table

Most contoured changing pads are either 2-sided or 4-sided. And most of them are built for topping converted dressers or changing tables.

c) Portable Changing Pads

Your diaper duty isn’t done when you step outside the house. Portable changing pads are designed for on-the-go diaper changes. Whether you’re at an airport, office, or anywhere in-between these pads can be a lifesaver.

Most portable changing pads are available as an all-in-one kit. These innovative kits fold down to a stylish and functional clutch purse. Their pockets provide convenient storage for diapering essentials like cream, diapers, and wipes.

d) Travel Changing Pad

Most diaper bags come with this type of changing pad for on-the-go diaper duty. They fold out flat and fit easily into any handbag, wet bag, or diaper bag. However, they may not offer much in the way of cushioning or pockets.

e) Disposable Changing Pads

These are use-and-toss changing pads. They’re typically compact, lightweight, and come in affordable multipacks.

More Reasons to Love Changing Pads

The common benefits of using a pad include:

On-the-go diaper changing made easy

You can expect to change well over 2,000 diapers before the first birthday of your little one. Many of these diaper changes will occur outside your home. And that’s where you can count on KeaBabies changing pads to report for on-the-go diaper duty.

Provides comfortable and safe support for your baby during diaper changes

A great pad will act as a well-cushioned spot for diaper changing. Your munchkin will feel comfy and safe laying down on it. You can rest assured your baby is well-supported.

Babies are known for being quite restless when it’s time for a diaper change. Changing pads keeps your little one contained. Thus, preventing all the flipping, rolling, and wiggling.

Protects your stuff from a dirty mess

Pads help contain diapering messes. It will protect your bed, carpet, car, furniture, and even your sanity when changing diapers.

Easy to clean

Cleaning most changing pads is effortless. Just wipe clean, especially if it has waterproof material. In this regard, they’re a godsend for millions of moms and dads out there.

Say goodbye to questionable public changing stations

Having portable changing pads helps you skip those public diaper changing rooms. As such, you can protect your infant from coming into contact with germs, grime, and dirt. Trust us; those public changing stations are rarely cleaned properly.

Removes stress from diapering

No one enjoys changing diapers. Dealing with soiled diapers can send your nerves to the edges, let alone additional messes. While baby changing pads don't eliminate diaper duty, they certainly make the job easier. Knowing your child is safe, comfortable, and protected is enough to calm your nerves down.

How to Use a Baby Changing Pad 

As a proud mommy or dad, you must know how to use a changing pad safely. It gets easier as you move one diaper to the next. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Installation: You must set up the changing pad according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Most often that means attaching the pad to the dresser, the changing table, or other viable surfaces. Test your pad to ensure the fasteners are holding well.
2. Check pad covers: In most cases, the pad is made of waterproof material and won’t require a cover. However, if it’s a basic foam pad, you’ll want to attach the cover ahead of time. It would be best to pre-wash and sanitize them.
3. Check safety straps: They should be tightly secured. Use the buckle to amend the length of the straps. This will help ensure your baby is well-contained during diaper changes.
4. Check non-slip bottom: Your pad should have a non-skip bottom in place of or in addition to the safety belts. If it doesn’t have one, you might want to place non-slip matting on the bottom.
5. Conduct a thorough safety check: Is there any loose? Make sure there’s nothing your little one can pull towards herself during diaper changes. Any sharp or potentially harmful objects should be removed from the pad.
6. Changing the diaper: You must first lay your munchkin down on the pad then strap her in. Start changing the diaper only when she is secure and comfortable. Once changed and fully clothed then you can unfasten the safety straps.
7. Clean and store: Once you’re finished, you must wipe down the changing pad. You can then fold it out and store it safely when it’s dry and clean.

Where to Buy Changing Pads

When it comes to diapering essentials, it’s always best to get them before your due date. Here are top online and brick-and-mortar stores where you can buy changing pads:

KeaBabies.com

KeaBabies believe that quality and comfort should go hand to hand. That’s why they've put together a dedicated section for top-notch changing pads. They’re stylish, foldable, and waterproof pads with pockets for your diapering accessories.

Amazon

Don’t feel like heading to a physical store? You can order KeaBabies diaper mats right from Amazon.

Walmart

Unlike Amazon, Walmart allows you to purchase changing pads both online and at their big-box stores.

Buybuy BABY

BuybuyBABY offers a wide range of changing pads from many different brands. Disposable pads, travel pads, and contoured changing pads are all on the stock. Besides, they offer curbside delivery.

Pottery Barn Kids

If your baby has sensitive skin, you’ll want to stock up on Naturepedic changing pad. And for this one, Pottery Barn Kids has got you covered.

Target

Target offers a good selection too. If you don’t want to take a trip to your local CVS store, you can always shop at their online store for your baby changing pad.

Getting More Out of Your Changing Pads

Baby changing pads are a worthy investment. Keep the following tips in mind to make the most out of your new purchase.

Always have diaper essentials within reach

It’s also important to keep diaper-changing supplies within reach. Creams, diapers, wipes, and other essentials should be within arm’s length. In this way, you can keep a constant eye on your baby and avoid distractions.

Keep diaper bag stocked

Along the same line, you must ensure everything you need is inside your diaper bag. Remember, you must never leave your little one unattended on the changing pad.

Practice good hygiene

Your diapering will only be successful if you keep germs off the pad. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each diaper change. This reduces the odds of your infant coming into contact with germs, dirt, and grime.

Keep additional covers handy

Small unforeseen accidents can happen when changing diapers. Keep a few additional changing pad covers so you don’t have to deal with big, messy situations.

Distract your baby when changing the diaper

Keep some diapering distraction toys in your diaper bag. You must use them to keep your little one busy to avoid all the flailing, wriggling, and kicking. They can result in a mess.

Clean your changing pads properly

Cleaning your changing pad will lengthen its lifespan and prevent the spread of germs. However, the technique for cleaning will vary from one type of pad to the next. Nonetheless, you must follow the label’s cleaning instructions.

• Changing pads with softer fills are usually machine washable. You can still hand-wash them, but make sure to use a dash stain remover, bleach, or white vinegar.
• You can toss cotton and polyester foam pads in the washing machine. But hold onto the mat itself. You can wipe clean using antibacterial wipes.
• Plastic contoured changing pads are easy to clean. Wipe them down using a splash of weak bleach or a bit of detergent. For best results, use antibacterial wipes.
• Don’t machine wash portable pads. Instead, wipe them down using a wet cloth with a little bleach or antibacterial wipes. Air-dry in the sun.
• Wipe down your pad after each use, no matter the type.

Diaper Changing Pad FAQs

You probably have a ton of questions on baby changing pads. Below, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions.

1. How many baby changing pads do you need?

A: As we’ve noted earlier, there are various types of baby changing pads. Each pad type is designed for certain applications. In practice, we think having two pads is the golden rule.

For one, you should have a portage or travel changing pad. It should fold out quickly for easy use and fit in your wet bag, travel bag, or diaper bag. On the other hand, you need a complete contoured changing pad for at-home use.

2. Is it worth it?

A: Yes, changing pads can save you lots of headaches. This is particularly true if you go outside of your home regularly. Besides, a pad can help keep diaper soil from your precious furniture, car, or even bed.

3. Can I attach my pad to the changing table?

A: Most modern baby changing pads come with fasteners or straps. They help you anchor the pad to your converted dresser, changing table, or another platform.

4. Is changing cover necessary?

A: If you’ve got a solid-shell pad, good news! You don’t need a cover because the pad is moisture-proof. All that you have to do is clean it regularly with soapy water. Use antibacterial wipes or disinfectants to eliminate germs and dirt.

5. Is my baby changing pad machine washable?

A: That’s the beauty of it. Most baby changing pads, including KeaBabies EZEE DIAPER CHANGING MAT, are machine washable. Just spot clean with soapy water and machine dry on low heat.