This baby changing pad tutorial is fast and makes the very best changing pad perfect for diaper changes at home or on the go! Stuff it in your diaper bag with your DIY Moby baby carrier and easy shawl nursing cover and you’ll be ready to go.
I searched everywhere for a basic changing pad. I didn’t want a baby changing station. I didn’t want a cute tote that folded up with pockets since I had one. I just wanted something I could shove into my bag and change my baby on anywhere.
Funny enough I didn’t find anything that fit the bill. So I decided to quit being so lazy and just make one.
And I’m happy to report, I’m totally in love and so is my husband because it’s crazy useful.
I love that it’s slightly padded. I love that it is washable. I love that it’s JUST a changing pad so it’s not bulky. And I love that it is easy to to throw in any bag or use anywhere. Not only is it exactly what we needed but it was insanely easy to make.
Baby Changing Pad Tutorial
There are so many cute fabrics out there it’s easy to find different prints or designs to fit any style and taste. These are easy and so useful they make for a great baby shower gift. Pair it with a darling DIY binkie clip and you’ll be a hit at the party.
What You Need to Make A Changing Pad
I opted for a laminate back fabric since I thought it would be easy to wipe off while on the go.
- Back Fabric (I used a laminate but it would work with any fabric since the other fabric should prevent minor leaks) 28 X 20 inches
- Thin terry cloth 28 X 20 inches
- 2 layers Rip Stop 28 X 20 inches
Steps to Sewing a Simple Baby Changing Mat
The fabric measurements aren’t strict so if your fabric works better for a different size or if you’d love a different size you can easily adjust it. You just want all 4 layers to be the same size.
What to Do
- Layer fabric with both pieces of Rip stop on the bottom, then your back fabric face DOWN, then your terry cloth fabric.
- Curve the corners by using a round edge object and tracing with a fabric marker and trimming.
- Starting in the middle of one straight edge sew around all edges leaving a 4 inch opening.
- Flip the changing pad right side out so that the rip stop is showing and the back fabric is showing on the other side with the terry cloth sandwiched in between.
- With a medium iron on the rip stop side press the edges (make sure to test so you don’t scorch your fabric).
- Top stitch around 1/4 of an inch closing up the hole.
It’s really super easy. This would be a great second or third sewing project for new sewer since it’s pretty much straight line sewing but good for teaching how to handle multiple layers.
Baby Changing Pad Tutorial
Ingredients
- Back Fabric I used a laminate but it would work with any fabric since the other fabric should prevent minor leaks 28 X 20 inches
- Thin terry cloth 28 X 20 inches
- 2 layers Rip Stop 28 X 20 inches
Instructions
- Layer fabric with both pieces of Rip stop on the bottom, then your back fabric face DOWN, then your terry cloth fabric.
- Curve the corners by using a round edge object and tracing with a fabric marker and trimming.
- Starting in the middle of one straight edge sew around all edges leaving a 4 inch opening.
- Flip the changing pad right side out so that the rip stop is showing and the back fabric is showing on the other side with the terry cloth sandwiched in between.
- With a medium iron on the rip stop side press the edges (make sure to test so you don’t scorch your fabric).
- Top stitch around 1/4 of an inch closing up the hole.
Notes
I hope you love this as much as we do. We used it SOOOOOO much!
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Anne says
Awesome!! I always preferred the simpler solutions when Liv was a baby. No frills, no fuss, just get the job done. :) I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-30-minute-baby-changing-pad/2014/07/07/
–Anne
Barbara says
Okay, I hate to admit that I don’t know what Rip Stop is but what is it? lol
marissa says
no worries at all it’s not that common. It’s a kind of fabric like the stuff they use for tents and sleeping bags. It’s water resistant. Just ask them at the fabric store I know they carry it at Joann’s.
Emily says
What a cute baby! And such a good idea! I made pne with terry cloth on one side and pul laminate (? Or whatever cloth diaper covers are made of) and it’s so good I should make another. Totally going to check out that ripstop nylon.
G Cianci says
Just keep in mind that PUL is completely water proof whereas rip stop is only water resistant. This will make a difference if baby actually has a big pee while lying there (let’s just say i was very thankful for the layer of PUL i sewed inside my change pad while at a friend’s house last month! )
marissa says
Good point. I’ve had quite a bit of water on the rip stop and it’s pretty slow to seep through plus the terry cloth layer. I keep going back and forth to whether I like it since it won’t spill over as bad or if I’d rather it be actually water proof. But it’s nice to keep the PUL in mind for the option!
Sandra says
Hi Marissa!
This looks beautiful! I would love to make one as I’m expecting a little one myself.
I’m having some trouble translating though… Could you maybe explain
in more detail which fabrics you used?
The laminated fabric is the one with the mermaids on it, right?
Which fabric is the terry cloth? I tried to translate it, but the translation I looked up looks like none of the fabrics on the picture… Is this whats inside when finished?
marissa says
Yes the laminated is the mermaids. Terry cloth is inside not visible in the finished product and the rip stop is the brown other outside fabric. Hope that helps!
Sandra says
Yes – thank you for helping, Marissa!
MEygan says
HI great tutorial! Where did you find that Adorable Material or who is.the designer
marissa says
its a Robert Kaufman print that I got from Michael Levine but I’m not seeing it on their website (I bought it over a year ago)
Courtney Fuller says
I love the mermaids! Could you please tell me where you got it?
marissa says
I got it last year from Michael Levine in LA unfortunately I don’t see it on their website
Mariette Forget says
Hi and thanks a lot! 😎🌸
Best Baby Bibs says
I found these bibs and they have been amazing. They cover her like a regular bib and then some. It protects her and her clothing so well. She doesn’t hate it because the material is soft so she can freely move her arms.
Most importantly. It washes so well. We have hand washed in sink and also in the washing machine. Comes out perfect both ways and dries so quickly when you hang it. I just hang it on a magnetic hook on the side of my refrigerator. No odors. No stains. Tough material. I bought six bibs but I probably would have gotten away with three since they are so durable. I keep one in my diaper bag now, too.
I highly recommend these to any Mom who is starting solids with their baby. Starting solids can be such a pain because of the constant cleaning. Less mess, easy cleanup, and a happy baby!
Farzeen Khan says
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I came across your website and find out that it has information related to
the best baby bottle nipples And I have to say that it was very good and valuable information.
Thanks a lot, guys for the help.
marissa says
I’ve found that those are super personal preference. We ended up using the dr. brown bottles and liked that it helped minimize air bubbles. hope that helps.