Changing Pads

“The times they are a’ changing” a wise man once said, and that statement is never more true than with a new baby and all the diapers that will be gone through. Whether your baby wears disposables or cloth diapers, whether you launder your own or have a diaper service, things are bound to be going soggy. New parents might appreciate the number of diapers that need to be stocked up (or they might be aghast at the sheer volume of diapers needed) but many are not aware of the usefulness of baby changing pads.

As they will be finding out, a baby changing pad is that which goes in between your baby’s bottom and the changing surface you have placed her on. This could be your chilly changing table on a winter’s night, your in-laws bed with the heirloom patchwork quilt, the changing table of a restroom, your carpet, or any horizontal space in an emergency. The object of the changing pad is to protect baby’s soft skin from cold or irritation, and/or to protect the changing surface (as in your in-laws’ quilt.) Parents of boy babies will probably have already appreciated the part about the changing surface; changing pads might not help protect surfaces that much, but parents will learn to change diapers very quickly.

Changing pads can be bought from a store or they can be made. A handmade baby changing pad would make a fine shower gift. You might take that opportunity to clue in the parents-to-be about their usefulness. How to sew a baby changing pad? Anyone with an appreciation of geometry can make one. They can be square- or rectangular shaped, and the size will be up to you. The side next to baby should be soft and comfortable. Ask your yardage store about waterproof or water resistant material; they can steer you in the right direction. You can use several layers of fabric for softness, or you might want to sneak in a little cotton batting for a little luxury. Your choice of pattern could be anything that takes your fancy, but the material should be flannel or a soft cotton that will stand up to repeated, and I mean repeated washings and dryings.

And there you have it. A portable baby changing pad or a pad that stays around home, either way, the parents will understand what an important piece of baby care you made for them and in time, they will thank you for it. It is always nice to be appreciated.