How to Use Changing Pad Straps

You will change your baby's diaper about 2,000 times in his first year alone.

Changing diapers becomes a way of life with a new baby, and you will do it about 2,000 times just in the first year alone. Safeguards such as changing pad straps are a necessity when using a changing table. The straps come attached to the changing pad itself, and the changing pad has its own fastener to the table. Using changing pad straps will help to ensure the baby does not have any accidents.

Things You'll Need

• Changing pad straps

Instructions

1. Check the location of the changing pad straps are on your changing table before you place your baby there. Two straps should be on either side with a fastening buckle that snaps shut. Tighteners should be on at least one side to change the length of the strap as your child grows.

2. Place your baby onto changing pad.

3. Buckle the two straps together by pushing the forked piece into the open piece until you hear a loud snap.

4. Pull on strap to ensure it is fastened and secure.

5. Tighten straps so your baby cannot wiggle out.

6. Change your baby's diaper, but never leave her alone on the changing table.

7. Press down the sides of the buckle to unstrap it when you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure family members and babysitters know how to use the changing pad straps. Put all diapering necessities, such as diapers, creams and wipes, within reach of the changing table.

• Never leave your baby alone at the changing table. The straps are a safety mechanism, but adult supervision is the most important safeguard for your baby. Also, once your child can sit up or crawl, you may need to change her on the ground instead of a changing table.

References

• Simmonskids: changing pad

Resources

• Consumer Reports: Changing Tables