Comfortable diaper changes with the right changing pad
Especially in the first years of life, your baby will spend a lot of time on the changing table. This is because, in addition to diaper changes, it's also often used for getting dressed or for care after bathing. That's why it should be designed to be especially cozy. But changing tables alone aren't enough to change your baby comfortably and safely, since they're usually delivered without a padded pad. A changing pad turns the hard surface of the changing table into a cozy, comfortable environment.
However, the feel-good factor isn't the only advantage of a changing pad. Changing pads are generally well padded and thus protect your little one's back. Most pads are also made of wipeable or washable materials. This protects the changing area from contamination and ensures a hygienic environment. That's why a cozy changing pad should be part of every baby starter kit.
Types of changing pads
When it comes to types of changing pads, a distinction is made between mats for crosswise changing and pads for lengthwise changing.
Changing pads for lengthwise changing
These pads are the classic and better-known form of changing pad. The child lies with their feet toward the person changing them, which allows for direct eye contact. The mats feature a practical changing hollow and a raised border on three sides, which is meant to prevent the baby from rolling off. Since they're often used together with the classic changing table, they usually have a square shape.
Changing hollows for crosswise changing
These changing pads form a hollow thanks to their wedge-shaped edges. Since the baby lies crosswise to the person changing them in the hollow, they can hardly fall off the changing table. This is why the changing pad offers especially good protection. Unlike classic changing pads, these changing hollows are usually much narrower and therefore take up less space. This is a great advantage for households without a classic changing table, since these pads can also be used on tables, narrow dressers, or even washing machines.
The right material
Plastic
The padding in plastic changing pads is usually made of foam or polyester fleece. These inserts hold their shape well and adapt perfectly to your baby's body. To hygienically protect the padding, it's covered with a coated plastic surface or PVC film (film changing pads). These are water-repellent and prevent moisture from getting into the inside of the changing pad. Thanks to the water-repellent surface, dirt on plastic changing pads can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth or rinsed off in the bathtub. This makes the mats especially easy to keep hygienically clean, and they're quickly ready for use again even after a little mishap.
The big drawback of these changing pads: because of the plastic surface, these mats feel very cool and uncomfortable against baby's skin. Especially sensitive baby skin can even react to these materials with skin irritation. That's why these changing pads should never be used without a separate cotton or terry cloth cover. However, some manufacturers now also offer plastic pads with a surface blend of polyester and cotton. These are much softer and gentler on the skin, while still being water-repellent.
Cotton
A good alternative to plastic pads are changing pads made of cotton. With these mats, both the core and the surface are made of the skin-friendly natural fiber. Thanks to the soft surface, babies feel much more comfortable on this mat than on a cold polyester pad. However, since cotton isn't water-repellent, the mat always has to be fully cleaned if something happens to spill. While cotton pads can be hygienically cleaned in the washing machine when soiled, they aren't suitable for the dryer. This means they need a long time to dry after every cleaning and aren't ready for use during that time. If the cotton pad isn't pulled back into shape after washing, it can quickly lose its shape. To protect the mat from soiling and reduce how often it needs cleaning, it's a good idea to place a waterproof flannel pad underneath.
More advice on different types of changing pads in the Babyartikel.de magazine
Covers for changing pads
Removable covers are a useful addition to plastic pads, since they prevent your child from coming into direct contact with the cold PVC surface. They're usually made of cozy terry cloth or cotton, making them especially soft against delicate baby skin.
Terry cloth is one of the most popular materials for baby linens. However, since the cover needs to be washed more often, terry cloth covers can become hard and rough after several wash cycles. That's why it should only be washed at 40°C in the washing machine, to protect the delicate fabric. A more durable alternative are covers made of cotton. These can be thoroughly cleaned at 60°C. The fabric doesn't warp or shrink when drying.
Important buying criteria
Many people believe you can't go too wrong when buying a changing pad. However, there are a few features you should keep in mind when buying a mat.
Size
Changing pads come in many different sizes. The standard sizes are 70 x 75 cm, 70 x 80 cm, and 70 x 85 cm, but there are also pads for much smaller changing tables (e.g. 50 x 65 cm) or for especially large changing dressers (75 x 85 cm). However, size isn't a decisive factor for the quality of a changing pad.
The right size for your changing pad depends on the size of your changing table. That's why you should get the changing table first, before looking for a matching pad. A well-fitting changing pad completely fills the surface of the table. Smaller pads do offer extra space to set down items, but they tend to slip and don't provide good stability during diaper changes. Pads that are too large can stick out beyond the side barriers, meaning the child is no longer properly protected from falling off.
Material
Regardless of which material you choose, when buying a changing pad you should make sure it's made from high-quality materials. Various quality seals confirm that the materials used are safe. For example, fabric changing pads should always be certified to Öko-Tex Standard 100. Öko-Tex-certified changing pads are safe for your baby's health and were produced fairly and in an environmentally friendly way. For plastic pads, you should also make sure they're made from low-emission materials without plasticizers (phthalates).
More advice on the material of changing pads in the Babyartikel.de magazine
Changing pad cover: The decisive factor when buying a cover is, of course, the size. This has to match the dimensions of the changing pad. That's why covers usually specify explicitly which sizes they fit. Covers are usually 1 cm larger than the changing pad. This makes it easy to put on and ensures a good fit.
Colors/design
Changing table pads come in countless colors and designs. The selection ranges from classic designs to colorful variants with patterns or prints of cute bears, bunnies, and other animals. A good choice is always a changing pad that visually matches the rest of the nursery design.
Our selection
With us you'll find a large selection of changing pads from well-known manufacturers such as Roba, Rotho Babydesign, Alvi, Pinolino, Julius Zöllner, bébé-jou, Hauck, Lässig, Fillikid, Baby Fehn, Zamboo, Asmi, Schardt, Keeeper, Beaba, Diago, and many more.
Especially gentle on baby's skin are muslin squares & muslin cloths. For afterward, baby bodysuits & wrap bodysuits are practical.
Frequently asked questions about changing pads & changing mats
