Change, Change, Change the Baby.... (Pampers Care Mats)

Member Name: ukusa

Product:	Pampers Care Mats
Date:	02/09/06 (180 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fold up small, added security, lots of uses

Disadvantages: Cost about as much as a pack of nappies

~Background~

Pampers Care Mats are now called Pampers Change Mats. I actually bought a pack of these a month before my little boy was born. We had just bought a brand new bed and I was worried that my waters would break whilst in bed and the bed would be ruined. A friend recommended these as something I could use even after the baby was born. I usually research about every item I buy for the first time. However, for this one I didn't and just took her recommendation. I am glad that I did!

~What are Pampers Change Mats?~

They are absorbent disposable mats for use when making nappy changes on the go. They have a plastic covering to protect the baby from any dirty surfaces as well as an absorbent, soft reverse side to lay the baby on and catch any leaks. They are very thin and can be easily folded up very small to take with you when you are on the go.

~ What Are Their Different Uses?~

1- They are first and foremost a disposable changing mat. They provide a clean surface to change baby on no matter where you are. They are thin and fold up very small. This is great when I know I will be out for a short while. I pack a reusable freezer bag with a nappy, change mat, nappy bag and a onesie for an emergency. This all fits easily into my handbag for quick get aways. I have always reused the mat if it is not wet. So, unless your baby has been a right mess or the surface you lay him/her on is a mess, they can be used over and over again.
2- Placed under the sheet in your little one's cot will protect the mattress from any of those late night leaks. As your baby sleeps longer and longer at night, it is bound to happen. It is better to be safe than sorry!
3- Great to use while potty training. They can be easily laid into car seat or pushchair to protect it in case there is an emergency!
4- You can place them under your own sheets if you are pregnant and, like me, worried that your waters will break or leak and ruin your bed. My water's didn't break while I was in bed, however, it did give me that extra peace of mind that I needed when I had so many other things to worry about.

~ My Experience~

I first bought them to protect my bed. I was worried they would be like those plastic sheets and be all cold and make lots of "crinkly" sounds. I just could not bare to have that. I ended up using 2 mats to cover a good portion of my side of the bed. That night when I went to bed, I honestly forgot that I had put them on the bed. I would forget until it was time to change the sheets and then I would remember. They could not be felt through the sheet at all! I was impressed by this. My waters did not break while I was in bed. So, I can't testify to how absorbant they would be for such things. But, I did have peace of mind with them on.

Now, I use them with my little one. I pack one away in my handbag and away we go. Even the cleanest of changing areas leave me a bit wary. I want to be SURE that my baby has a clean surface to lay down on. I wouldn't want to just lay on the counter top and I don't expect my baby to. It unfolds easily and easily stores away. If it gets wet or dirty, I just throw it in the bin. No problem!

I have one under the sheets of my little boy's cot. He has had only one major late night leak and I was pleased to see that the Pampers Change Mat kept the bed well protected. Again, like when I had it on my bed, there is no uncomfortable "crinkly" noise to wake the baby when he moves.

~ Size and Cost ~

The mats are 60 x 60 cm. Plenty big enough for newborns to toddlers. They come in packs of 12 and cost approximately £5 for the pack. That does sound a bit pricey. However, I have been having the back for 6 months now and still have 10 left!

~ Overall Conclusion ~

I was a bit worried about buying them and their cost. Where they just another money grabbing scheme? Was it, yet, another thing that mothers thought they had to buy to be a good mother? However, I have been very pleased with the purchase. It is very versatile and provides a lot of peace of mind. That is important for a new mum. I have and will continue to recommend this product.

Summary: This is a versitle and useful product that provides an added peace of mind for mom.