Changing tables make diaper changes easier, but they are a breeding ground for germs. Most changing tables come with removable foam pads that are covered in plastic or vinyl for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Regular cleaning of your baby's changing table will not only keep germs under control and benefit your baby's health, it will also prolong the life of your changing table pad and reduce odors.
Clean and disinfect your pad after every diaper change if it becomes soiled or is used by more than one baby. If not, wipe it down after every change and thoroughly clean and disinfect it daily.
Step 1
Remove the changing pad from the table. Remove and wash the cover that fits over the pad according to the manufacturer's instructions. Warm water and a gentle detergent are acceptable for most covers. Put the cover through an extra rinse cycle if your baby has sensitive skin. If your pad is covered with a disposable liner, throw it out before cleaning the pad.
Step 2
Wash the vinyl or plastic pad with hot water and soap. It may be easiest to do this in the bathtub. Scrub hard enough to loosen and wash away any dried feces or other soil, but not so hard as to tear the waterproof material.
Step 3
Rinse the pad with clean water and dry it with a clean cloth. If the foam inside the pad is damp, allow it to air dry fully before reusing.
Step 4
Wipe down all surfaces of the pad with a disinfectant. You can make an effective spray disinfectant by mixing 2 tsp. chlorine bleach with 1 qt. water in a clean, plastic spray bottle.
Step 5
Allow the disinfectant to sit or dry on the pad. The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education explains that simply wiping with bleach and then rinsing is not sufficient to kill the bacteria and viruses often found in or transmitted by feces. The solution must be left in place for at least 2 minutes after any visible soil has been washed away with soap and water.
Step 6
Wipe down the changing table itself with paper towels and a disinfectant before replacing the pad. It is possible for germs to migrate from the changing pad to the table.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Pregnancy Association states that the average newborn urinates about 20 times each day. Substitute vinegar for a bleach solution if you desire a more natural disinfectant. Vinegar is a very effective antimicrobial, according to researchers at Purdue University.
Things You'll Need
- Laundry detergent
- Plastic spray bottle
- Household chlorine bleach
- Paper towels
- Vinegar
