Simmons Contoured Changing Pad

Simmons Contoured Changing Pad is an acceptable option for those who want a portable changing pad, a pad for a dresser sort of changing table configuration, or as a replacement for similar changing pads.

Prior to the birth of my second child, I placed a dresser style changing table in what would become her bedroom. This dresser, intended for use as a changing table, had a section that was used for a changing pad and a taller section that worked well for wipes and such. The dresser itself was very sturdy. However, as can be understood by any person that has done repeated diaper duty, the changing pad eventually needed to be replaced. Years later, the dresser continues to be used -no not for my child, she's long been out of the diaper scene- but the pad has been changed numerous times.

The Simmons Contoured Changing Pad is one of the pads that I've used on said dresser/changing table. This pad measures approximately 1 1/2" thick in the middle and rises to approximately 4" thick on the sides -contoured. The overall pad is approximately 16 1/4" x 32 1/4". The pad is vinyl covered foam with a stiff insert along the entire bottom. The bottom portion offers a foam non-slip action. There is a nylon strap with a plastic snap-together buckle for securing baby to the pad. There are two nylon straps that extend from the back of the unit. These straps each have a hole, and two screws are included - intended for fastening the pad to a dresser/counter/table.

The nylon straps, intended as a safety belt for keeping baby on the pad, are not removable. Those familiar with changing practices realize that diaper changing can be messy, especially if baby has diarrhea. Well, the straps became soiled and although you can wipe them off, because they cannot be removed, it is hard to throughly clean them. I cut the straps off, as they really just provide a false sense of security anyways.

Thankfully the vinyl changing pad surface is actually easy to clean, and it holds up to diluted bleach sanitation. This pad has been used for child care purposes, meaning multitudes of diaper changes daily. The pad works well for infants and young toddlers.

The vinyl surface has a quilt like appearance. Eventually the surface weakens at those points, and tears occur. Once tears occur it is important to throw this unit away, as it becomes less likely you'll properly sanitize the pad. In comparison with similar pads, the Simmons Contoured Changing Pad lasts longer, as the quilted patterned is more mild than certain other pads.

There are several pad cover options for the Simmons Contoured Changing Pad. However because the majority of use has been in child care settings, I refrain from using the covers. The surface seems to stay room temperature, so it doesn't appear to be uncomfortable for baby. If you are using this pad in a colder setting, the covers would likely be preferred.

In addition to using the Simmons Contoured Changing Pad on said dresser, I have also used it on the floor in the bathroom. I stored this alongside the toilet, and pulled it out for use with children in the toilet training phase. This type of pad was a better option than placing the children onto the floor or attempting to put said child onto a changing table. It has been my experience that children in the toilet training phase have better success when bowel movement and urine accidents are dealt with in the bathroom. This pad was easy to clean, sanitize, and again stored.

Overall this is an average pad, retailing at approximately $20. When used in a home setting for one child, longevity is most likely acceptable, but when used in a child care setting (approximately 8 babies changed massive times in a week) this pad lasts approximately 3 months.



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Thank you for reading!
?2006 Lisa_J