Waterproof Changing Pads
Here's a handy baby-item
that tops my list of most handy things to have
around...
It is a simple, fabulous gift idea for expecting moms and
their soon-to-be bundles of joy! Just roll them up and tie a
ribbon around them for a cute baby gift. I use these to sit
on top of my son's actual changing pad so that it doesn't
have to get washed all the time. These pads are easier to
make than spare covers, and quicker to change out as needed.
(There were some days while he was a newborn I'd actually go
through 2 or 3 in a day.)
They're also handy to throw
in the car, on the couch or floor or where ever you may end
up changing your baby other than the changing table. You
could even make a few extra to stick in a basket, along with
diapers & wipes, in another room for handy use.
I'll just tell you right now
that if you have a serger this is a quick, easy project, and
it's so simple that you'd be silly NOT to do it! If you don't
have a serger, you CAN do this with only a sewing machine, so
don't fret. Alternate directions are included below.
Supplies:
Fabric of your choice*
rip-stop water-resistant material
Batting
Optional: bias tape for the edges
*How much fabric do you need? I don't give a specific fabric
measurement because you'll want to measure what size you
prefer to use sitting on top of your changing pad. If you're
making it as a gift for someone, so you can't measure their
changing pad, I'd cut each rectangle to be about 28" x 16."
My first batch of changing pads were a smidge smaller, and my
second batch were a smidge bigger. But right around in there
is good. After you've decided the size you're after then buy
enough fabric to cut two rectangles (one for each side of the
pad) of printed fabric, plus one rectangle of rip-stop, and
two rectangles of batting. An alternate way of making this
pad is to buy store-bought waterproof pads
(like these) instead of the ripstop
and batting. I did this on the first pads I made. If you
go this route, be sure to pre-wash both the pads and
fabric before sewing/serging.
Directions:
Cut TWO pieces of
fabric into your desired rectangle size.
If you're using
rip-stop and batting, cut TWO pieces of batting and ONE
piece of rip-stop into your desired rectangle size. OR:
If you're using a store-bought waterproof pad, cut it
into your desired rectangle size, and use it in place of
the rip-stop/batting.
Lay out the layers as
follows: Fabric (face down), Batting, Rip-Stop, Batting,
Fabric (face up).
Pin it securely.
See all those little red clips on mine? I was trying out
"
"Wonder Clips"
IF SERGING: Serge the
edges with a coordinating thread, rounding the corners
off as you go. Then you're done!
IF SEWING: Sew the
edges secure, leaving them square and not rounding the
corners. Be sure you catch all the layers of fabric and
letting the ends stick out raw. Then trim the ends
neatly, rather close to your sewing line (maybe 1/4 inch
or so). Last, cover the raw ends with a finished edge by
sewing on a bias tape around the edges as a border.
Here are the front and
back of the changing pads I made for my newest nephew,
Jeremiah:
Don't you just want to scoop
him up?
And here are the first changing pads I made...
Which have been
ever-so-handy over the past year with my little guy, Austin:
Babies are the BEST! Even if
they do have stinky hinies from time to time. :)
Last, if you decided to
do this project yourself, please send me a photo of it
with your name and what state you're from! I've recently
decided to start featuring my readers' finished results.
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