As a mom of four, I’ve been through countless diaper changes, and I’ve learned that changing pad safety during those moments is crucial. Whether you\’re changing a newborn or a squirmy toddler, there are a few key safety tips every parent should know to make sure diaper changes go smoothly—and safely. Trust me, I’ve had my share of close calls, from babies trying to grab everything in sight to toddlers rolling over at the most inconvenient moments!
In this article, I’ll walk you through some practical baby changing safety tips every parent should know, covering everything from the right size of the changing station to keeping certain objects out of reach. And at the end, I’ll share what features our product Babypal has that has made diaper changes a lot safer for me and my kids. So let’s get into it!
1. Choose the Right Size Baby Changing Pad for Your Baby
The first safety consideration is getting the right size baby changing pad for your baby. Babies come in all shapes and sizes, so your changing pad should be big enough to comfortably fit your little one, without being too tight or too loose.
Standard changing pad dimensions are 16\” by 32\” which should fit a baby up to 18 months comfortably.
Ensure the changing mat sits completely on the changing table with no edges protruding anywhere to make it unbalanced. Changing Pad Safety Tip No.1!
When I first had my oldest child, the more he grew and wiggled most soft foam changing pads didnt hold up to his weight. Also even as newborns a pad that’s too small leaves their little legs hanging off, which can make them fidgety and uncomfortable. On the flip side, a pad that’s too large might not fit securely on your changing station, making it unstable.
Always check the specific dimensions of both your changing pad and table before buying.
2. Make Sure Your Changing Station Is the Right Size
Having the right size changing station is just as important as choosing the right pad. You want a changing station that’s not too narrow or unstable. I remember once with my second baby, we were using a smaller dresser as our changing table, and while it worked for the first few months, once my baby grew a bit, it started to feel cramped and wobbly.
The general rule of thumb is to make sure your changing station is wide enough to allow for the changing pad and some extra space for diapering essentials (changing pad safety tip No2), like wipes and cream. Most standard changing stations are about 36-42 inches long and 18-20 inches wide. Look for one with sturdy guardrails around the sides for added security, and if possible, secure it to the wall to avoid tipping.
Here are a few Changing Pad Dressers we like for all sizes:
Fits only the changing pad but has space underneath
Wide dressers that can be kept as baby grows
3. Keep Everything You Need Within Reach of You (but Not Baby!)
One of the biggest mistakes I made as a first-time mom was leaving things out of reach while I was changing my baby. It’s so easy to to be distracted with the messy job at hand but never underestimate baby\’s curiosity and the love of putting things in their mouth.
If you leave to fetch something like a change of clothes, by the time you have turned around baby may have already wriggled halfway to the edge of the changing pad. These are heartstopping moment we parents endure at some point. Never leave your baby unattended, not even for a second
To avoid accidents, make sure all your diaper-changing essentials are within arm’s reach. That includes:
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper rash cream
- Changing pad covers
- A change of clothes
- Hand sanitizer (for you)
Having these things close by not only keeps your baby safe but also makes diaper changes quicker and smoother.
4. Keep Small Items Out of Baby’s Reach
Babies are incredibly curious, and they’ll grab at anything that’s near them. Once they start reaching and grabbing, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they can get their hands on something you didn’t think they could reach.
I had a scary moment once when my youngest, about 7 months at the time, managed to grab a nasal spray from the edge of the changing table. Before I even noticed, the top of the spray had come off and was in his mouth! Luckily, I was able to pull it out in time, but it was a reminder of how vigilant you need to be. (Baby changing pad safety tip no 4).
Keep all potentially dangerous items—like medications, creams, scissors, or even small toys—completely out of reach. If possible, store these items in a drawer or a basket that’s securely away from the changing area.
5. Never Leave Your Baby Unattended
This is, hands down, the most important rule: never leave your baby unattended on a changing table. It doesn’t matter if you’ve strapped them in or if they’re not yet rolling over—babies are unpredictable, and accidents can happen in seconds.
As parents we place too much reliance on straps and the raised sides of changing pads, but there is no precaution than your own hands.
I’ve heard so many stories from moms who turned around for just a moment, and their baby rolled right off the table. Even with my fourth baby, I was tempted to think, “Oh, I’ve got this, they won’t move in the next five seconds.” But that’s the thing about babies—they move when you least expect it.
Using a strap on your changing pad is a great option, but it’s not foolproof. The best way to keep your baby safe is to never walk away, not even to grab something across the room. If you really need to step away, take your baby with you, or ask someone for help.
6. Watch for When Your Baby Starts to Roll or Sit Up
Once your baby starts rolling over or trying to sit up (changing pad safety tip No 5.), changing pads can become even more dangerous. With my second child, I remember one day she suddenly decided to roll onto her side mid-diaper change, and I barely caught her before she fell off the edge! That was the moment I realized diaper changes weren’t going to be as easy anymore.
At this stage, it’s all about being extra cautious. Keep one hand on your baby at all times, and be prepared for some serious wriggling. You can also start changing your baby on the floor once they become too mobile for the changing table. This removes the risk of falling entirely, though it may not be as convenient.
7. You Can Secure the Changing Pad to the Table or Opt for No-fabric changing pads
Most changing pads come with a safety strap or anchor that allows you to secure the pad to the changing table. Don’t overlook this feature—it can make a big difference in preventing the pad from slipping or shifting during diaper changes.
If your changing pad doesn’t come with a built-in strap, then opt for a pad with no cover. This gives better grip on a smooth surface and generally larger and heavier pads are more stable with flimsy foam or Moses baskets. Once again, this is not a guarantee and your presence is paramount to all safety precautions (changing pad safety tip No 6.)
8. The Features of the Babypal Changing Pad to Ensure Changing Pad Safety
After trying many different changing pads over the years, I can confidently say that the Babypal Changing Pad is one of the safest and most convenient options out there. It has all the features I’ve come to rely on as a mom:
- Raised sides: These help keep your baby securely in place, reducing the risk of rolling.
- No Loose Bits: straps, buckles etc – nothing for baby to put in their mouth and for us to place excessive reliance on
- Elevated headrest: This feature provides extra support for your baby’s head, which is especially helpful for newborns and gives mom or dad a better view of baby\’s face
- Waterproof and good grip: Because there is no cover, Babypal has resistance on the changing pad table and wont slide around as much as fabric covered changing pad. Not to mention it stays hygenic.
These were a lot of the reasons I designed Babypal, I could relax knowing that my baby is safe and secure during every diaper change. It’s well-designed and offers the peace of mind that every parent needs.
Final Thoughts on Changing Pad Safety
Changing pads may seem like a small part of your baby’s setup, but they play a huge role in your baby’s safety. Choosing the right size pad and table, keeping essentials within reach, and never leaving your baby unattended are key steps in preventing accidents during diaper changes. As a mom of four, I’ve learned the hard way that a little bit of preparation goes a long way in keeping diaper changes safe and stress-free.
If you’re looking for a changing pad that prioritizes safety, the Babypal Changing Pad (available on our website or Amazon through the link) is definitely worth considering. With its raised sides, elevated headrest, and sturdy design, it’s a game-changer for busy parents.
Happy diapering, and stay safe!
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