Is a Portable Changing Pad Necessary?
And Why Do You Need it For Your Baby?
Is a Portable Changing Pad Necessary? Many people will argue about whether or not you need a changing pad for your baby. While it is perfectly acceptable to simply throw a towel or blanket on your bed to create your own changing station, there are some significant advantages to using a changing pad for your baby. Not only that, but they’re very affordable and can be customized in a variety of ways.
So, why do you require a changing pad for your child? If you want to save space compared to a changing table, keep diapers, wipes, and other items in one place, provide comfort for your baby, and be able to take your changing pad anywhere, you need a changing pad for your baby.
Why Do You Need a Changing Pad for Your Baby?
Babies do require frequent diaper changes throughout the day. It is not uncommon for newborns to require diaper changes 10-12 times per day, whereas older babies require 6-8 times per day. There is no doubt that changing your baby’s diaper when they go is necessary to prevent diaper rash as well as for sanitary reasons.
In my opinion, if you’re going to have to change your baby every day for the next few years, why not invest in a changing pad? It may not be obvious why you need a portable changing pad for your baby, so here’s a quick rundown of the top reasons:
- When compared to a changing table, it takes up less space.
- Keep diapers, baby wipes, lotion, and other items together for easy access.
- Your baby will be more at ease.
- It can be taken almost anywhere.
Whether or not you have a full-fledged changing table for your baby, a changing pad will save you a significant amount of space. A standard changing table measures 20′′ wide by 26′′ long by 36′′ high. They can, of course, be even bigger! With all of the clutter that seems to accumulate in our homes, saving space is more important than ever, so having a changing pad for your baby definitely helps save space.
I don’t know about you, but I constantly misplace items around my house. I believe it is because I am constantly on the move, but that is a topic for another post. You can easily and conveniently store your baby’s diapers, baby wipes, lotions, and other items in one place with a changing pad. This feature is not available on all changing pads, so keep this in mind the next time you go shopping.
When to Stop Using a Changing Pad?
Everyone grows out of their clothes at some point, and your baby’s changing pad is no exception. When to stop using a changing pad is determined by the manufacturer, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.
Around the age of two, it’s considered safe to stop using a changing pad. Some parents, however, will stop much sooner, around 1 year old, but this is dependent on how wriggly and comfortable your baby is on a changing pad.
Is a Changing Pad Necessary?
In a nutshell, no. Purchasing a changing pad for your baby is completely unnecessary. We’ve been changing our babies’ diapers without modern, non-toxic changing pads for a long time, so why do we need them now? The answer is that we don’t necessarily require them.
Instead of using a changing pad, it’s common practice to spread out a towel or blanket on a flat surface and begin changing. This is extremely convenient because you can do it almost anywhere. Furthermore, you will not incur any additional costs. One disadvantage is if you change your baby on an uncomfortable surface, such as a hard surface (dresser, table, floor).
Final Thoughts
In the end, the debate over whether changing pads is necessary or not may be settled, but they do have their advantages. In my opinion, the reason you need a changing pad for your baby is to improve both your baby’s and your own life. There are benefits for everyone, whether it is saving space, having everything in one place, increasing your baby’s comfort, or portability. So if you think a Portable changing pad is best for you, you can review the 10 best portable diaper changing pads for your baby.