The changing table is one of the busiest spots in the nursery. Morning, noon and somewhere around three in the night, you will be standing there with a fresh diaper in one hand. The cover on that changing pad gets more use than almost anything else in the room, so it is worth choosing well.
Here is what to look for in a changing pad cover, how many you need, and how to make it part of the look of your nursery.
Do you need a changing pad cover?
A changing pad is the cushioned pad that sits on top of a dresser or changing table. A changing pad cover is the fitted fabric layer that goes over it, a little like a fitted sheet goes over a crib mattress. Many parents like using one because the cover can come off and go into the wash, while the pad itself stays in place. It is also an easy way to bring color and pattern into the nursery.
1. Check the size of your changing pad
Start with the pad you have. Changing pads come in a few sizes, so measure the length and width of yours before you choose a cover. Our changing pad covers measure 32 x 16.5 inches (81.3 x 41.9 cm) and are made to fit a standard changing table pad. If your pad is a different size, check the measurements on the product page before you order.
2. Look at the fabric and the fit
Our changing pad covers are a stretch jersey knit of 96% polyester and 4% spandex, with a reinforced elastic fitted lining. That is the same jersey knit as our crib sheets, so the two feel the same in your hands. When you compare covers, always read the material on the product page, so you know exactly what it is made of.
3. Think about washing
A changing pad cover goes into the wash often, so read the care instructions before you buy. Ours are hand washed and line dried. Do not bleach, do not iron and do not dry clean. Following these steps helps keep the colors of the print rich, wash after wash.
How many changing pad covers do you need?
A simple rule of thumb is three: one on the pad, one in the wash, and one folded and ready. Because a cover needs some time on the line before it goes back on, having a spare means you are never left with a bare pad. If you have a second changing spot, for example a travel pad or a changing area downstairs, count that one too.
4. Match it with the crib sheet
This is where a changing pad cover becomes more than a practical piece. Choose a cover in the same print as your crib sheet, and the crib and the changing table suddenly look like they belong together. Our changing pad covers come in prints from our crib sheet collection, so you can match them, or pair a quiet print with a bolder one.
A few ideas to start with:
- A small check. Our gingham crib sheets go with almost anything and look calm on both the crib and the changing table.
- Soft florals. Our floral crib sheets bring a gentle pattern into the room.
- Tonal dots. Our polka dot crib sheets keep things quiet, and pair well with a bolder print elsewhere.
A gift for the nursery
A changing pad cover in the same print as a crib sheet makes a thoughtful baby shower gift. It is practical, it will be used every day, and together the two feel like a little set for the nursery.
A short checklist before you order
- Does the cover fit the size of your changing pad?
- Do you like the fabric listed on the product page?
- Do the care instructions fit the way you do laundry?
- Do you have enough covers to keep one ready while another is in the wash?
- Does the print match, or pair well with, your crib sheet?
Find a match for your crib sheet
Our changing pad covers come in prints that match our crib sheets, so the crib and the changing table can feel like they belong together. Browse all changing pad covers, see our crib sheets, or read how to choose the best crib sheets.
