Make a Convenient Diaper Changing Pad

Picture this, you are out shopping and realize your baby is in need of a diaper change. No parent wants to lay their child on a public surface. Who knows what germs may be lurking? Convenient diaper changing pads are a must for a mom and baby on the go. This easy to sew diaper changing pad folds and slides nicely into a diaper bag. The attached pocket corrals a package of baby wipes, which means no more digging and rooting around in the bag. With one hand holding the baby, the other slips into the diaper bag and pulls out the changing pad with ease.

With these simple instructions sew at least two. While one is being laundered you will have a back up. They make nice shower gifts for the new mom, too. With so many choices of fabrics, it should be no problem to find a color or print to match any nursery theme. Consider using leftover fabric to sew additional changing pads for women's shelters or sell them at a local craft bazaar.

Materials You Will Need:

14" x 26" baby print fabric

14" x 26" quilted fabric

2 1/2 yards single fold bias tape

2" piece of Velcro

Plastic sheeting 10" x 20"

Matching thread

Sewing machine

Scissors

Measuring tape

Pins

Iron

Steps:

1. Layer the baby print fabric and the quilted fabric with the wrong sides together. Round the corners and baste.

2. With the quilted fabric facing up, pin a long raw edge of the bias tape to the edge of the diaper changing pad layers. Fold the ends of the bias tape over and overlap where they meet. Sew along the crease fold of the opened bias tape. Trim the excess close to the stitching.

3. Fold the bias tape over the edge of the baby changing pad and pin to the baby print side. Top stitch the binding in place.

4. Cut two pieces of baby print fabric 4 1/2" x 8 1/2" for the pocket. With the right sides together, sew a 1/4" seam allowance around the pocket, leaving a 2" opening. Clip the corners and turn the pocket right side out through the opening. Iron the pocket.

5. Fold the length of the diaper changing pad in thirds with the baby print on the outside. Center the pocket on the outside overlapping flap. Pin the pocket to the diaper changing pad. Note-The pocket's opening for turning should be on the bottom of the pocket. Unfold the diaper changing pad and top stitch the pocket to the diaper changing pad, leaving the top of the pocket open.

6. Refold the diaper changing pad. Place the Velcro under the edge of the outer flap. This is where you will sew the top and bottom pieces of the Velcro. Mark their position. Unfold the diaper changing pad and sew them in place.

Place the plastic sheeting inside the diaper changing pad and refold. Insert a package of baby wipes in the pocket and you are ready to go.