As a new parent preparing for your baby’s arrival, having the right supplies is key. One of the many essentials you’ll need is changing pad covers. But how many should you get? Here’s what you need to know about stocking up on changing pad covers for your little one.
Why Do I Need Multiple Changing Pad Covers?
There are a few key reasons why having multiple changing pad covers on hand is recommended:
- Babies have frequent blowouts, leaks, and other accidents that can soil changing pad covers. Having extras allows you to quickly replace a soiled cover.
- Covers in the wash? No problem. You’ll have clean backups ready to go.
- Outfitting multiple changing stations? You’ll want covers for each spot where you’ll change baby.
- As baby gets older, changing pad covers make great portable changing surfaces for on-the-go changes.
The bottom line? You’ll find yourself going through many covers throughout baby’s first year. Having a good supply will make life easier.
How Many Covers Do You Need?
Most baby experts recommend having at least 6-8 changing pad covers on hand. Here’s a closer look at how many you should stock up on:
For Home Use
- 4 covers per changing station: Have enough to equip each changing table/spot at home and still have backups. So if you have 2 stations, get 8 covers.
- 6-8 covers for heavy use stations: Get extra covers for high-traffic spots like the nursery changing table. Accidents happen often here.
- 2-3 covers per portable pad: Keep extra covers with each portable changing pad to have on the go.
For Infant Care Centers
- 4-5 covers per child: Provide enough that teachers can swap out covers after accidents.
- 5+ extra covers: Have backup stock for when covers are in the wash.
For Babysitters/Grandparents
- 2 covers: Send over a couple covers when leaving baby with sitters or family. Accidents happen!
Having at least 6 covers is a good baseline. But the more changing stations and portable pads you have, the more covers you’ll need. Stock up accordingly.
Which Brands & Materials Are Best?
With so many changing pad covers on the market, how do you choose? Here are tips on the best fabrics and brands:
Fabric Considerations
- Waterproof: A must-have! Look for vinyl, PUL, TPU coated fabrics.
- Absorbent: Terry cloth, fleece, cotton tops absorb messes before they hit the cover.
- Easy-clean: Covers that can handle frequent washing and sanitizing.
- Comfortable: Soft, smooth fabrics keep baby comfortable during changes.
Recommended Materials
- Vinyl – Waterproof & easy to wipe clean
- PUL (polyurethane laminate) – Waterproof & breathable
- TPU coated – Waterproof & compact
- Terry cloth – Super absorbent
- Fleece – Soft & absorbent
- Organic cotton – Breathable & gentle on skin
Top Brands
Popular brands for quality changing pad covers include:
- Burt’s Bees Baby – Organic cotton, waterproof backing
- Little Tikes – Vinyl, cute prints
- Bamboo Nature – Absorbent bamboo fabric
- Keekaroo – Waterproof & antibacterial PE material
- Nuna – Soft cotton top, vinyl underneath
- Ubbi – Extra thick absorbent terry
- aden + anais – Muslin cotton, stylish prints
- Summer Infant – Affordable with fleece lining
Look for trusted brands that offer durable, high quality materials.
Matching Your Nursery Decor
Besides being functional, changing pad covers are a fun way to accessorize your nursery’s decor. Here are ideas for color-coordinating:
- Match crib sheets – Coordinates your covers with baby’s bedding.
- Compliment wall colors – Pull out a shade from the walls.
- Pattern mixing – Pair solids and patterns for interest.
- Themed covers – Use colors and prints that tie in to the style.
- Holiday/seasonal – Get covers for holidays and times of year.
Mix and match to create a stylish changing station. Change it up periodically to keep it fresh.
Special Features to Look For
Today’s changing pad covers offer conveniences like:
- Pocket for wipes: Keep wipes within reach during changes.
- Waterproof flaps: Fold over pad edges to contain messes.
- Non-slip backing: Grips cover securely to the pad.
- Adjustable straps: Create a custom fit for any pad.
- Wipe-clean surface: Allows for easy sanitizing after changes.
Bonus features like these can make covers more functional.
Disposable vs Reusable Covers
You have two main options when it comes to changing pad covers:
Disposable
- Pro: Can be tossed after messy changes.
- Con: More waste and expense over time.
Reusable
- Pro: Washable and cost effective.
- Con: Must be laundered after soiled.
Reusable fabric covers are best for home use. Disposable paper/plastic covers work for travel or quick changes away from home.
Tips for Use & Care
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your changing pad covers:
- Layer cover over a contoured changing pad for cushioned comfort.
- Use liner pads for extra absorbency against leaks.
- Wipe or rinse soiled covers before washing to prevent stains.
- Follow label instructions carefully for washing.
- Air dry is best to preserve waterproofing.
- Check for damage after washing and discard if needed.
- Consider eco-friendly reusable wipes to cut down on waste.
With proper care, your covers can last through multiple children!
Save Money by Making Your Own
You can sew DIY changing pad covers at a fraction of the cost. All you need is:
- 1/2 yard of waterproof fabric like vinyl or TPU
- 1/2 yard of a soft fabric like flannel
- Elastic for edges
- Sewing supplies
Then follow these steps:
- Cut fabric pieces using a changing pad as a size guide.
- Sew fabrics together with right sides facing in.
- Leave an opening for turning cover right side out.
- Topstitch around edges.
- Insert elastic in opening and stitch closed.
Customize your own prints and colors for a personalized cover.
Where to Buy Changing Pad Covers
You can find changing pad covers in these places:
- Baby specialty stores
- Big box stores with baby departments
- Online retailers like Amazon
- Direct from manufacturers
- Handmade on Etsy
Shop sales and deals when stocking up. Buying in multi-packs can offer cost savings.
Average Cost of Covers
Prices for changing pad covers can range from:
- Basic vinyl covers – $7-$15 each
- Printed cotton covers – $15-$25 each
- Designer brand covers – $25-$35 each
- Organic materials – $30+ each
- Handmade covers – $35-$50 each
Plan on a budget of $100-$200 to get a good supply of 6-8 covers to start.
Conclusion
When it comes to changing pad covers, it’s smart to have plenty on hand. Stock up on about 6-8 covers per changing station at home. And bring extras when on-the-go or leaving baby with others. Choose waterproof, absorbent materials from trusted brands. With multiple changing pad covers in a baby’s nursery, you’ll always have a clean, dry place for diaper duty!
