By Olivia DeLong, former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect.
A changing pad is a must have when it comes to setting up your nursery, but with so many different kinds out there, it can be hard to know which type to get. I’ll be the first to sing from the rooftops about how much I loved my wipeable changing pad. A lot of moms told me I wouldn’t want something with a cover that I’d have to wash all the time, and boy were they right.
Turns out, moms aren’t the only ones singing wipeable changing pad praises. Experts love them too.
Here’s why a wipeable changing pad will be your best friend once your little one is earthside:
1. The convenience is unmatched
“I’ve cleaned my fair share of changing tables,” says mom and Chicago-based nutrition scientist Elieke Kearns, PhD, RD. “And let’s just say, sometimes the mess doesn’t stay contained to the diaper.” Isn’t that the truth? “A wipeable changing pad is one of those small design decisions that makes a big difference,” she adds. “Instead of constantly stripping and laundering covers, you can quickly disinfect and move on.”
2. It won’t absorb odor or liquids
Like Kearns mentions above, it’s very likely there might be times where your little one’s diaper contents get… well, everywhere— especially since newborns poop up to four times a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The good news is that with a wipeable changing pad, like Lalo’s Wipeable Changing Pad, is that they don’t absorb any of that odor or liquid. Even more importantly, because they’re waterproof and made from antimicrobial material, they help prevent mold and bacterial growth. “Material matters when it comes to hygiene,” adds Kearns. “A smooth, wipeable surface doesn’t trap moisture the way fabric can...which, as a boy mom, I deeply appreciate. A wipeable, antimicrobial surface lets you fully clean and disinfect in seconds.”
Simply wipe it with your disinfectant of choice (or a mixture of soap and warm water) and let it dry completely before the next change.
3. You can easily move it if needed
Wipeable changing pads are easily transportable. Made from cushioned materials, they’re lightweight and simple to move from one place to the next. We kept my daughter’s right on top of the dresser, but there were some instances when we needed to set it up downstairs on a hard surface or throw it in the car for a road trip. Another idea? You can keep one on each floor of your home so you always have a place to change your little one. Easy-peasy.
No matter what type of changing pad you use, always make sure to use the safety strap to buckle your little one in, and never leave your child unattended, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
About the writer:
Olivia DeLong is the former senior health editor at BabyCenter and What to Expect. She’s been an editor, writer, and content strategist for over 15 years, holding staff positions at WomansDay.com and Sharecare prior to her role at pregnancy and parenting brands. After a traumatic fertility journey, she’s now a mom to her 6-year-old miracle girl, and lives with her family in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves digging into parenting, women’s health, and wellness trends with experts, and believes that speaking up about just about anything is so important for moms to feel seen.
