Household Wonders

Why You Need a Changing Pad for Your Baby

baby changing pad

A lot of people will argue over the necessity of whether you need a changing pad for your baby or not. While it’s certainly fine to just throw a towel or blanket on your bed to make your own changing station, there are some great benefits to a changing pad for your baby. Not only that, but they’re extremely affordable and can come in a number of different designs.

So, why do you need a changing pad for your baby? You need a changing pad for your baby if you’re concerned about saving space compared to a changing table, keeping diapers, wipes, and other items in one location, comfort for your baby, and being able to take your changing pad anywhere.

When you have a newborn, it’s not always clear on what you need. I can understand why others wouldn’t feel the need to get a changing pad for their babies, I know that it comes with a number of benefits that are well worth the price tag. Let’s dive into why you need a changing pad for your baby!

Why Do You Need a Changing Pad for Your Baby?

Babies indeed need to be changed quite often within a single day. It’s not uncommon for newborns to need changing 10-12 times per day, while older babies tend to need 6-8 times per day. To prevent diaper rash as well as for sanitary reasons, there’s no question changing your baby’s diaper when they go is necessary.

My opinion is that if you’re going to need to change your baby every day for years, why wouldn’t you invest in a changing pad? It might not be super clear why you need a changing pad for your baby, so here’s a quick look into the best reasons:

  • Saves space compared to a changing table.
  • Conveniently keep diapers, baby wipes, lotion, and more in one place.
  • More comfortable for your baby.
  • You can take it almost anywhere.

Whether or not you have a full-on changing table for your baby, there’s no question that a changing pad would save you a tremendous amount of space. A standard changing table has the dimensions of 20″ wide x 26″ long x 36″ high. Of course, they can be even bigger! Saving space in our homes is more important than ever with all the clutter that seems to build up, so having a changing pad for your baby definitely helps save space.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to misplace items around my house all the time. I think it’s because I’m always on the move, but that’s for another post. With a changing pad for your baby, you can easily and conveniently store your baby’s diapers, baby wipes, lotions, and more in one place. Not all changing pads have this feature, so stay on the lookout the next time you’re shopping if this is important to you.

Easily the best part about having a changing pad for your baby is that it’s made for comfort. Not only are they soft and plush, but the good ones are contoured to keep your baby from falling off. They’re also waterproof for obvious reasons! Our babies’ skin can be super sensitive in the early years, so it’s certainly a positive to get a changing pad that’s made from a fabric they’re not allergic to.

Like I mentioned before, I feel like I’m always on the run. Being able to pick up my baby’s changing pad and head out the door is perfect for me. Since they’re smaller and more portable when compared to changing tables, it only makes sense that you’d take it wherever your baby goes. And if you find a changing pad that can store your changing items, you’ll have everything in one place.

So do you think you need a changing pad for your baby? There are definitely a number of benefits to having one and they all have the ability to add value in our every day lives. When it comes down to it, the benefits of owning a changing pad for your baby is most definitely worth the small cost associated with purchasing one, so take a look at what matches your budget and see if it makes sense for you.

Finding a good changing pad for your baby doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when there’s a clear winner: Summer Basic Changing Essentials Kit (link to read reviews on Amazon). This baby changing pad is a bestseller for a reason since it’s a kit that comes with everything you’d need from day one. It’s also contour-shaped, extra soft and plush, and waterproof. Both the changing pad cover and liner can be used in your washer, so no need to buy disposable ones. You and your baby will love it!

When to Stop Using a Changing Pad

Everyone grows out of their clothes some time or another and that’s certainly the case for your baby’s changing pad. When to stop using a changing pad really depends on what the manufacturer says, but there are some common guidelines you can follow.

In general, it’s considered a good time to stop using a changing pad around 2 years old. However, some parents will stop much earlier around 1 year old, but that, of course, depends on how wriggly and comfortable your baby is on a changing pad.

Another common way to mark when to stop using a changing pad is when your baby gets to about 30 pounds (13.6 kg). The main reason behind this is the changing pad will likely be unable to support the weight at the level the pad was intended to support. It might also mean your baby has outgrown their changing pad in terms of height, which may mean you need a bigger one.

In the end, the best way to know when to stop using a changing pad is to find out directly from the manufacturer of the changing pad. While the information I just provided is common among the community, they’re just guidelines to help you get a better idea of when to stop using a changing pad for your baby.

Is a Changing Pad Necessary?

In short; no. Getting a changing pad for your baby is absolutely not necessary. For the longest time, we’ve been changing our babies’ diapers without modern, non-toxic changing pads, so why do we need them now? The answer is we don’t necessarily need them.

Instead of using a changing pad, it’s pretty normal to simply lay out a towel or blanket onto a flat surface and get changing. This is super convenient because you can pretty much do this anywhere. Plus, you don’t have to spend any extra money. One of the downsides is if you change on something that’s not very comfortable for your baby, like a hard surface (dresser, table, floor).

If you’re not convinced on getting a changing pad, then you should at least consider getting a disposable changing pad. I keep a spare set of Nena & Nene Large Disposable Changing Pads (link to read reviews on Amazon) if I’m without my changing pad since they’re super convenient to use in any situation. Whether you’re using a bathroom baby changing station or in the park, a large disposable changing pad will keep your baby clean and comfortable.

Whether you choose a changing pad, disposable changing pad, or nothing, it’s all a matter of personal preference. Personally, I don’t mind trying out different products to test if me and my baby will enjoy them, which is how I came about using a changing pad for my baby. However, this is certainly not the case for everyone, so try out what makes sense for you.

Closing Thoughts

In the end, the argument on whether changing pads are a necessity or not may be decided upon, but they certainly have their benefits. Why you need a changing pad for your baby, in my opinion, comes down to improving your baby’s life as well as your own. Whether that means saving space, having everything in one place, increasing your baby’s comfort, or portability, there are positives for everybody.

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