Baby Diaper Change Pads

Wow, I'm getting behind on my blog! Thought I had already added the diaper change pad photos but I don't see them anywhere, so I guess I must have just been thinking about it, LOL!

I went online to try and find directions for making baby diaper change pads. I found a number of tutorials on different sites, but decided I liked this one the best (after consulting my daughter who will be the recipient! :D)

Finished rolled up product. 

I decided I would try and make one where the inside part which touches baby would never meet the outside part so there would be no transfer of surface germs. To be honest, the pad will likely get washed often so that might not be much of an issue...

I have lots of fleece so I decided to use a fleece layer for the side touching baby as well as in the centre for padding. You can easily use quilt batting too. Then I went through my fabric stash to try and find some fabric that would look nice together with the fleece.

I did a bit of research on line to find out the size. That varies from about 14" X 20" (finished size) to 16" X 26".  I decided to go with a slightly larger version, as you might want to use it with a toddler as well as in the infant stage. I cut my 3 fabric layers 17" wide by 26" long.

On the first one, I used the turquoise fleece with white lambs, a piece of M&Ms fleece in the centre and a leftover piece of yellow star fabric from another project. I found the perfect size of white ribbon just lying there in my wrapping/ ribbon drawer  (18 - 20")  :)


I used a piece of M&Ms fleece to make the outside pocket: cut it 9" x 17".  Hem the top and right side of pocket ( 1/4 inch seams).  Place pocket on lower left side of outer fabric only. Stitch the RIGHT side of the pocket to the outer fabric. You probably want more than just 1 big pocket so stitch down the middle of the pocket to divide it into 2 smaller pockets, or make them whatever width you like.

 Handy pockets to stash whatever...

Now you are going to 'envelope' your fabrics together. Lay all 3 of your layers of fabric on top of each other with the main fabric and the outer 'baby bum' fleece so they are facing each other, right sides together. Put the inner fleece/ batting layer  on the very top. (You won't see it once its sewn together.) You are about to stitch all 3 layers together on all 4 sides with a scant 1/4" seam. 

Layers: fleece and star fabric are right sides together. The inner M&M fleece is on the very top

Before you start stitching you will want to place the ribbon so it gets stitched in at the same time.
I found that placing the ribbon was the tricky part. Fold your ribbon in half and put the folded end between your layers of fabric and the 'baby bum' fleece, at the left side of your fabric layers with the fold touching the outer edge.  The ribbon should be running vertically towards the inside of your fabric layers. Place it about 4 1/2 inches from the bottom left corner.

The M&M's fleece is the inside unseen layer, but also the outside pocket.

Now sew around the outside, (but remember to leave an opening about 3 to 4 inches long to turn it all right side out when you're done.) The fleece tends to stretch so it's a good idea to start in the middle of any side and sew to the corner, then sew the other half of that side to the other corner. Do the same for all sides, but remember to leave your opening.

Inside lamb fleece layer to lay the baby on.

Now clip the corners a tiny bit, then reach inside and turn the whole thing right side out. Press the almost finished pad well, and then press a 1/4 seam in the opening and pin it closed.

 One more step to go! Sew a 1/4" top stitch all around the outside edge of the whole change pad...  And you are done!!!

Fold it in half lengthwise, then fold that in thirds or roll it up and tie the ribbon around it. Voila! 

Pink Newton Lamb change pad

I loved how the yellow star diaper change pad looked and so I wanted to make another one!

This change pad is the same finished size as the yellow star one.

Newton Lambs on the outside/ pink fleece for baby to lay on/ M&Ms fleece for padding on the inside.

The pockets are the same fabric as the outside

You could also make this pad quite easily with NO pocket if you wanted.

I found the directions and photos for making it on this site:

http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/2010/06/simple-changing-pad-my-favorite-baby.html

(Thanks, Julia!)


Other sites with baby change pads that I considered:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Minimalist-Changing-Pad/



This one uses velcro to keep it closed:
http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2010/02/tutorial-baby-changing-pad.html


This one uses vinyl sheeting inside:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4488591_make-baby-changing-pad.html


These 2 are clutches with fleece in the centre:
http://smallfryandco.blogspot.com/2009/02/changing-pad-clutch.html

http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/sewtakeahike/2008/07/diaper-changing.html


Use your imagination and you can quite easily adapt these directions to make one to suit your own needs.
Happy Quilting!  :D