If you’re planning to buy a changing pad for your little one, you’ll also need a cover for it. So, how many changing pad covers do you need?
You will need 2-4 changing pad covers. One cover won’t cut it because, at some point, it will get wet or soiled.
Pad covers are essential to maintaining a clean nursery.
Just like your mattress needs a cover to protect it from stains and dirt, the changing pad cover keeps the pad from getting wet or soiled.
The cover absorbs any mess that may occur while changing your baby’s diaper. It also provides a comfortable surface for your baby during the process.
Some caregivers pride themselves on being diligent with their laundry and assume they will need only one. However, you can never predict how soon your baby will need the next diaper change.
You also don’t want to start worrying in the middle of the night because you have run out of baby linen.
What Are Changing Pad Covers?
Changing pad covers are small sheets that you fit on your diaper changing pad. Parents prefer to place their babies on a changing pad while changing their diapers.
It is safe, soft, and handy for this process. The covers work like a mattress cover or pillowcase protecting the pad.
One of the great things about changing pad covers is the simplicity with which you put them on and off.
They fit onto the pad like a tiny version of a fitted bed sheet. It won’t take you more than three minutes to set up.
The elastic part of the cover allows you to secure it to the mattress. That way, the cover won’t move during a diaper change.
This eliminates any wrinkles, folds, or bagginess to ensure that your baby is safe on the changing pad.
You can get these covers in various types of material, depending on your taste or the season.
Most caregivers prefer organic cotton covers, which they use all year round because the material is soft, breathable, and can absorb liquids.
It’s also easy to wash. Other materials include muslin for summer and spring and polyester or fleece for winter months.
Vinyl material is great if you don’t have the time to do laundry as it is wipeable and easy to clean.
However, it’s not as breathable as the rest and does not absorb liquids. Changing pad covers also come in a variety of beautiful prints and colors.
Do I Need Changing Pad Covers?
Most changing pads are made from vinyl or plastic. This material can get cold, especially during the winter months.
Even though you’re going to put the baby on it for a few minutes, it’s still uncomfortable for them and will make the diaper changing process more stressful.
The discomfort happens during the hot months too. Having a wet or poopy diaper in the heat is uncomfortable enough.
Now imagine what it feels like for a sweaty, sticky baby to lie on plastic-like material. Covers offer a protective and comfortable barrier for the baby.
Changing pad covers protect the pad from getting ripped or torn.
Some caregivers will argue that it’s much better to wipe the vinyl on the pad but that frequent direct contact on the pad will wear it out quickly. The edges get affected easily.
It will be dangerous to put your baby on a ripped pad because it could scratch their delicate skin.
If the pad gets torn, the baby’s urine could get into the pad, or when you’re cleaning it, water could seep through.
This will damage the pad ultimately.
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If you’re going for aesthetics, you can find several covers that match your nursery’s theme, design, and colors, giving the whole room a cute look.
You don’t have to worry if you want to change the room décor because you’ll still find a cover to match.
Some parents will shun changing pad covers because of the hassle of washing them often, especially for the first couple of weeks.
While it’s not set in stone that you should use a cover, the baby’s interests should come first. They should be comfortable, safe, and happy.
How Many Changing Pad Covers Do You Need?
As earlier mentioned, you will require anything between 2-4 changing pad covers.
When one is dirty and in the laundry basket, you should be able to immediately fit your changing pad with another one in case the baby needs a change soon after.
It takes off the pressure of having to do your laundry immediately after changing the diaper so that you can focus on other essential parental duties too.
If you’re a first-time parent, everything about parenthood is overwhelming; you don’t need more stress. When you have 2-4 covers, there’ll always be a clean one waiting when you need it.
Tips To Help You Pick the Best Changing Pad Covers
The options for changing pad covers on the market are numerous. When buying the covers, you need to consider a few important factors.
These will help you make an informed decision so that you buy the best for your baby.
Price
This is an essential factor for most parents because baby shopping is a lot.
However, the cost of changing pad covers is minimal, unlike other baby items you’ll need to buy like the crib, stroller, and breast pumps.
That said, not all covers are made equal. Some are much more expensive than the others, but it won’t be difficult to find those within your budget.
Material
The material should be soft and gentle on your baby’s skin because they will lie on it several times a day. Newborns are especially sensitive to cold surfaces.
Therefore, making sure it provides warmth and comfort for their back and bare bottom is essential. This way, you won’t risk waking a sleeping baby while changing them.
Also, make sure your baby isn’t allergic to the material to avoid skin breakouts. It’s safer to buy naturally hypoallergenic covers so you won’t have to worry.
These are made from cotton that wasn’t treated with toxic pesticides.
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Appearance
The market offers a variety of designs, prints, and colors to choose from. You can choose covers that match the aesthetic of the nursery or your baby’s regular bedsheets.
Whether it’s blue, pink, green, or yellow, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can also buy neutral plain sheets that will go with any other color in the nursery.
Absorbability
The cover should have a high absorbability rate. Make sure it absorbs liquid and does not repel it in case your baby pees on the changing pad.
If it doesn’t absorb properly, the urine will collect and wet the baby’s clothing and body. This not only makes the baby uncomfortable, but it causes a mess.
Conclusion
They may seem non-essential, but you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of changing pad covers as they are an important element of your little one’s daily routine.
Newborns especially will need a diaper change several times a day. Changing pad covers keep the nursery hygienic and your infant clean, happy, and comfortable.
A primary caregiver’s concern should be the well-being of the baby and not the amount of laundry.
Buying changing pad covers and washing them several days a week is a small price to pay for the safety and happiness of your baby. Let’s not forget that they also add to the wonderful look of the room.
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