Reusable/washable bed pads (i.e., chux)?

[HeatherB]

Anyone have recommendations for reusable/washable bed pads as an option over chux? Last time, I kept a chux pad on the bed to sleep on but it really irritated by skin. I've been looking at options but am concerned that most commercial reusable bed pads (a la hospital style) use vinyl in their backing. We avoid vinyl as much as possible so I'm questioning those.

I have looked at Lunablankets (but hear they may be sort of nylon-y feeling because it's just one layer of cotton on each side over nylon) and Swaddlebees mattress pads (but worry that the microfleece would be too hot/sweaty to sleep on, even tho the sherpa sounds great).

Anyone have thoughts on these various options or other ones I should look into? I know they'll be a great investment for dealing with the plethora of messes that come with kids, anyway. I'd really like to find the *best* option, not necessarily the cheapest.

[Thalia]

We've been using Incogneato pads at night with my 3yo, and I've been sleeping on one, too; just in case my water breaks. It's a thick pad, but it's just layers of cotton and I don't find it to be too hot to sleep on. The layers are the secret to the wetness protection.

I invested in three of them because, like you, I can see these being handy for years in the future (sitting on them in the car after the pool, for example, as picnic blankets, etc, etc). Plus, they're cute!

[MyFullHouse]

What are your feelings on PUL? That could be an easy and relatively cheap home sewing project!

Now I'm tempted to put my diaper projects aside and make up some bed pads, lol.

[HeatherB]

Thalia, I've never seen those! Thanks!

MFH, I am not opposed to PUL as long as there's enough absorbent material as to not get HOT. I'm worried about fleece/sherpa/PUL pads just making me super sweaty. If only I had a sewing machine and a bit of skill, I could definitely make something! Unfortunately, I currently have neither.

[Lady Lilya]

In my first pregnancy, I got a waterproof mattress pad and put that on the bed. Then I taped together some chux to make like a large blanket. I put one of those under my fitted sheet, and another one over the couch, with a thin blanket over it. I also ended up using a large beach towel as a blanket near the end, because I was too hot for a real blanket.

My water started a slow leak in bed, so I was glad for the preparations. And I spent most of the labor, and all of the delivery, on the couch, so I was happy I had all those taped-together chux there, under the blanket. Everything washed out of the blanket and sheets and towels. And I was glad the mattress and couch were untouched.

[MyFullHouse]

Originally Posted by HeatherB

Thalia, I've never seen those! Thanks!

MFH, I am not opposed to PUL as long as there's enough absorbent material as to not get HOT. I'm worried about fleece/sherpa/PUL pads just making me super sweaty. If only I had a sewing machine and a bit of skill, I could definitely make something! Unfortunately, I currently have neither.

Lol. My sewing skills leave much to be desired. I manage to hold things together. That's about the extent of it!

I'm thinking you could probably put just about any absorbent fabric over the PUL, then top that with a tight woven cotton, for both style and comfort.