Sewing a reusable waterproof changing mat
Today, with the availability of diapers and disposable pads, baby care has become much easier. Nevertheless, many moms have already appreciated such a baby accessory as reusable waterproof pads. Factory-made products come in several types, differing in thickness and size, but you can easily sew a waterproof changing mat at home.
Why are these pads so useful? You can lay them in a stroller, on a changing table, or on a sofa to prevent furniture and mattresses from getting wet. The pad can also be turned into a comfortable blanket for your little one to practice rolling over and crawling on.
I want to say right away that the cost of sewing this "dowry" depends on the material you choose. There are 2 practical and health-safe options:
- A bottom layer made of medical oilcloth. Unlike polyethylene, oilcloth is breathable and can be used for baby care. You can buy this material at any pharmacy, and it is quite inexpensive.
- A bottom layer made of water-repellent terry cloth or molleton. This is a new type of material; it is two-layered, breathes perfectly, has a pleasant surface to the touch, and does not let moisture through. The downside of molleton is its rather high price.
After considering both methods, choose the one that suits you best. In addition to the lining, we will need accessible materials in the following sizes for sewing:
1. For the top - flannel, thin terry cloth, or fleece. Size 93 by 58 cm 2. For the second layer - white calico. 3. Batting (polyester batting) with a density of 100. 4. Medical oilcloth or impregnated terry cloth.
The size of all three pieces for a standard pad is 50 by 85 cm. We cut the top piece 4 cm wider on all sides for the future hem.
How to sew a reusable waterproof pad
Cut out all the layers and stack them face down: flannel, calico, batting, oilcloth. Pin them together around the perimeter.
Perform a double hem on the bottom edge and stitch it with a straight stitch.
If you have an overlocker, do it differently. First, finish the top layer of fabric on all 4 sides and only then pin the "sandwich" together.
Sew a straight stitch. The reusable pad is ready. It can be machine-washed on a delicate cycle at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees.
For a mattress cover or blanket, you will need to take measurements beforehand and sew based on the dimensions obtained.
For another reusable household textile project, see the tutorial on sewing a textile bowl cover.
Interesting idea! (y) I always laid a disposable pad in my son's bed just in case – back when he was older and sleeping without diapers. But it rustled so terribly in the silence of the night that it was just awful. I sleep very lightly, especially reacting to the child's movements, even now. And he is, mind you, already 10 🙃 I probably wouldn't have liked the medical oilcloth option either. But I haven't heard anything about molleton at all. I need to google what kind of thing that is.