Multiuse Waterproof Pad Safety Question

I used to use the ones that were soft & felt-like, rather than the ones that are quilted. My daughter was the same way & I used to put one under her head. It never seemed to be a problem.

I used to use the waterproof (lap-type) pads all the time. My crib didn't have wheels, so I just got so tired of having to reach across the crib and tie the tie-down kind only by feel. If I am thinking of th esame kind you are thinking of, they are about 2ft x 3-4ft? They are made of a heavy material which is much thicker than a regular sheet. In my opinion, that is what made them safe because they did lay so flat and were a lot harder to "inhale". My son will be 2 next month and I still use the small ones (1ftx 1 1/2ft?) ALL the time on my changing table because they are so easy to just pick up and wash vs having to change the whole cover. My son also frequently spit up, so the lap pads were a lifesaver. So easy to pull up and put a new one down. I think they are perfectly safe.

my oldest spit up alot. i always put something under her head...burp cloth or folded receiving blanket. i never had any problems with these items. trust your instincts.

Both my kids spit up in their bassinet and crib, and as they got older, were big droolers. Looks like you’re in the same situation, so I HIGHLY recommend this products: Crib Savers. They are a soft fabric on one side and plastic protection on the back. You can buy them at Target or BrUS:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2391668

http://www.target.com/Quilted-Terry-Cloth-Sheet-Saver/dp/...

In the bassinet, I would line the little oval mattress and tuck the corners under. I never had a problem with it “scrunching”. For the crib, the pad has 4 ties so you can secure it to the slats. We use two pads in the crib, placed close together, because babies squirm, roll over etc., so you may place them to sleep with their head on the mat, but find them at the opposite end of the crib. It saves SO MUCH effort as you don’t need to change the crib sheet every time there’s some sweet potato spit up.

I got mine at BrUS (Especially for Baby brand) and they are very durable – I bought 3 when my daughter was born and used them for 2 years and now I’m using the same 3 for my son for the past 7 months.

Hope that helps!

~J.

I use the sheet saver that ties in her crib, but I've also used the multiuse pads when she was in a smaller sleeping bed - called the snugglenest when she was first born. She was fine with that too, so I wouldn't worry.

L.,
I too am a first time mom that stresses about EVERYTHING... I have been using the tie down sheet savers but I also use the multi use pads on my couch. My 3 week old son likes to sleep there during the day and I haven't had a problem. The kind I have are very flat so I don't see it being a problem as long as it is flat when I put him in his bed. So far he hasnt' moved it around because it has grip things on the back. Hope this helps.

I used a "lap pad" which I think is the same thing you are describing. I used it for diaper leaks and it save the sheets a lot. They also have sheet savers that you might want to look into. Babies that small do not move a lot so I think you are safe. They are really worried about thick blankets and pillows, so go for it or you will be washing all the time.
Good luck

I have used both types and the gerber multiuse are great. We have had no problems with the pads moving as our son wiggles.

I used the multiuse pads with both my kids, now 8 and 6. They do lie very flat and at 7 weeks you baby will not be squirming around so much. I stopped when they were strong enough to sort of "kick" it out from under them.
Good luck and don't worry about doing everything "right". If you feel it is then it is!!!

I have not used a non-tie pad, but there is a product called the Ultimate Crib Sheet that I LOVE! I buy one for every baby shower I attend. My son is 16 months old, and I still use it.

It costs about $20 and is a flat waterproof top sheet that snaps to the rails of the crib. When your baby spits up, you can change it while your daughter is still in the crib without removing the bumpers. Changing the fitted sheet is difficult because you need to find a safe place to put your daughter, and probably need to remove the bumpers.

I hope this helps. I even recommend buying two as an investment. You will use the Ultimate Crib Sheets as long as your child is in a crib.

A.

I've used both and the non-tie down ones are much easier. Especially at her age she wont be moving around too much to worry about her getting wrapped up in the pad. Good luck!

Hello. I understand your concern. I used the smaller versions and just put them under my daughter's head. I never had a problem b/c they kind of "stick" to the sheets. I also have the larger pads for when she was older and had the flu.I never had a problem with those either. They didn't bunch up. Good luck and trust your instincts!! If you are uncomfortable with something, don't do it. Only Mom and Dad knows best!

Is it big enough that you could put it sideways and tuck it into the sides of the crib, very snugly? That's what I'd do.

Another idea is use a (old?) very FLAT, not fluffy, towel and tuck it in sideways the same way, then you can change the towels out easily. I know it's not a glamourous answer, but it might help you with quick changes. I always wanted to do it right too, but after a while, also have to safely get creative, even if it doesn't look like the Pottery Barn catalog. :) Gasp! Good luck!

The multi-use pad you're talking about - are you talking about the ones that are kind of thick/rubber-ish? We used those for both of our newborns with no problem. They're heavy enough to lay flat and they can't bunch up around the face even if the baby rolls over on her tummy. Plus, it saves you from stripping the crib each time there's a little mess.

As they got bigger, we used the "Ultimate Crib Sheet", which is full size and snaps to the crib rails. That way I didn't have to strip the entire crib when I was doing sheets.

I got some good advice when mine were younger as well, when diapers start leaking or they're throwing up, and when they're big enough that the Gerber pad doesn't contain the mess:

Cribs are very hard to strip and remake, so we would make it with two "top layers". The matress had a waterproof cover, then we'd put a top sheet, another waterproof pad, and another top sheet, then the ultimate crib sheet. That way, if the baby/toddler had an accident during the night, you just strip one set, and you already have a clean set (or two) on the mattress, so you can put the child right back down. Of course, if they're sick enough to do it again, you'll probably be up all night anyway! :)

Congrats on your baby girl, sounds like you've got it under control.

I have used and many of my friends have used the multi use pads. Non-tied down. No problems with baby and a lot less washing of sheets! Congratulations on becoming a mom!! Isn't it great?!!!

Hi L.-
Some of the waterproof pads are large enough that if you lay them cross wise you can tuck them in under the mattress. The pads with the flannel finish are nice because they will be less harsh on your baby's tender skin. I had success using the pads and I found I was more comfortable with the pad tucked into the mattress. I also found that if I made sure my children's faces were completely dry after washing off their spit up they were less likely to break out or get a rash. I know it sounds obvious, but sometimes I was in a rush and didn't completely dry their skin.
You can also try the Funkie Baby blanket at www.ittybittyladybug.com which has three layer construction with a water resistant layer in the middle. The blanket is large enough to tuck in around the mattress - even folded in half. It also makes a great playmat when you want to lay your baby on the floor for some tummy time.
I own the Itty Bitty Ladybug web site and if you are interested in purchasing the Funkie Baby blanket, please make a note in the comments section at checkout about Mamasource and I will give you a 20% discount. The site will be down until Wednesday for maintenance, but will be up and running after that.
Good luck!

I would advise against it for a few reasons. First, they get quite hot when the baby is laying on it. I found those pads great for the car diaper changes or to use on the changing table part of the playyard, but not to sleep on. Second, they get very ugly in the wash and look as if they'd be itchy and uncomfortable. I am using the "ultimate crib sheet" that snaps on the railings of the crib and it is working well. It washes easy, comes off and snaps on and stands up in the wash. It is also pretty soft and is "leak proof." Another thought, have you tried the "sheet savers?" They are smaller, soft and less expensive. Sounds like the problem is spit up so you'd need it just for the head area, so the sheet saver may be a good alternative. HOpe that helps!

I had a large waterproof pad under the sheet (the kind that fit like a sheet). Then, I also used a small-flat waterproof pad under the baby. This was for extra protection due to spitting up and overflowing diapers. This way, if something happens in the middle of the night, you just switch the small waterproof pad for another(buy extras) instead of changing the whole bed.

Good luck.

I haven't used those, I use the Ultimate Crib Sheet. It is fantastic! It lays flat on top of the mattress (I have a mattress pad and sheet on there too). It attaches with elastic straps that have snaps on them. It's a bit expensive, but I still use them (I have 2) and my daughter is 3 1/2. I have a crib that converts to a toddler bed so it still works.

You're a first time mom, so it is totally normal to worry if you are doing everything right! I was the same way and still am, just not quite so worried.

has your dr checked to see why your baby is a spitter upper, maby there is a problem that could be eaisly cleared up. GMAJ

I have used ans still do two different things. One is a special crib sized mattress cover. The other is water proof pads (soft on one side plastic on the other) that just lay flat BUT I lay them UNDER her crib sheet. Works well and can be washed easily with the sheets. I personally would NOT lay anything on top until she's a bit older. I am not a strict person as I have plenty of bears in her crib but I would wait until she can flip over on her own.

with both of my boys, mostly my youngest (who had terrible reflux)...i put burp clothes under there little heads to keep me from washing the sheets so much...i did it until they moved around so much it was pointless