How To Make a Waterproof Bed Pad? [Procedure & Precautions]
One of the most grueling aspects of parenting can be potty training your kids. You have to go through several nights of wet bedsheets, and cleaning them can be a very tedious process.
There are waterproof bed pads available online, but they become dull and ineffective after washing them a few times.
Fortunately, you can make a waterproof bed pad at home effortlessly. A waterproof bed pad made at home will be much more cost-effective and durable.
Plus, you don’t have to settle for the lifeless-looking ready-made waterproof bed pads, but you have a plethora of printed or colorful sheets for bed pads to choose from.
These DIY waterproof bed pads are also suitable for elderly people and even your pets. Here are the two best ways you can make a waterproof bed pad at home easily:
1. How To Make a Waterproof Bed Pad Using Cotton and PUL Fabric?
PUL is a special kind of woven fabric that is thin, waterproof, and easy to wash. It is widely used in nappies and is readily available online.
Pairing it with a comfortable 100 percent cotton sheet and any other inner absorbent of your choice will make a perfect waterproof bed pad. This DIY bed pad will be extremely durable and will not wither after washing.
Required Material
- 100% cotton for top fabric
- Inner absorbent such as a flannel
- PUL fabric
- Pins
- Fabric for side flaps
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Procedure [Step-By-Step]
1. Cut the fabrics to the required size
Start by cutting all the layers of fabric that are cotton, PUL, and inner absorbent to the bed’s size you want to use this bed pad on. Make sure you leave 2 cm extra on the sides of all the fabrics for seam allowance.
All the layers should have the same width. However, the PUL has to be five to six cm deeper than the inner absorbent and the cotton sheet for it to roll up and over the edge.
2. Layer the fabric in order
You need to put together the fabrics in the following order: PUL fabric with the shiny side facing downwards, cotton sheet right side down, and finally, the inner absorbent fabric.
All the layers should be aligned from one edge such that extra PUL fabric sticks out on the opposite end.
Then align the fabric on all the edges leaving the PUL fabric loose in the middle. PUL fabric tends to be slippery; hence, use pins within the seam to hold it in place while sewing. You can buy high-quality pins online.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Dritz 68-9 Pearlized Pins, Long, White, 1-1/2-Inch (100-Count) | Check Price On Amazon |
3. Sew the two edges
Now, sew both the edges of the layered fabrics, and you should be around 1 cm inside the edge to form a tube as you sew on the edges.
4. Turn the fabric right side out
Once stitched, turn the fabric right side out in a way such that the PUL’s fabric side is down and the cotton layer is up.
5. Seal the edges
Use a sewing machine to stitch the edges keeping the seam allowance on the PUL fabric side.
6. Hem the side flaps
Lay the stitched piece on a flat table and square off the edges. Stitch the side flaps, ensuring they align with the depth of the side tubes. Pin the flaps on any end of the tube and stitch 1 cm from the edge.
7. Use the sewing machine to secure it
Use a sewing machine to edge stitch, keeping the seam allowance towards the side flaps. And it’s ready to use.
Precautions
- When putting pins, make sure you do not insert them in the seam allowances, as too many holes in the seam allowance will result in leakage.
- Please do not iron the PUL fabric as it may melt.
- Wash and dry this bed pad in low-temperature settings.
2. How To Make a Waterproof Bed Pad Using Flannel and Vinyl Fabric?
Vinyl fabric is a kind of plastic and has versatile applications. However, due to its waterproof properties, it is widely used in waterproof bed covers.
Also, it is available in a rainbow of colors and different sizes online. Using it, you can create a waterproof bed pad that will prevent any leakage and save your bed from spoiling.
This method is more suitable for people who are beginners at sewing. Depending on the quality of vinyl you choose, it can last for two years or more.
Required Material
- Flannel sheets
- Vinyl sheets
- Sewing Machine
- Fleece
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape
Procedure [Step-By-Step]
1. Cut the fabric in the required size
Use measuring tape and scissors to cut all the fabrics in the required size.
2. Arrange the fabrics in order
Keep the fabric in the following order: top fleece fabric facing down, the vinyl sheet, and the inner absorbent material such as flannel sheets. Use pins to hold all the fabrics in place.
3. Stitch the three sides
Stitch three sides leaving at least 3 cm from the edge in order to turn the fabric inside out after sewing. A sewing machine is recommended for this. However, if you lack one, you can stitch by hand.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine, 185 Built-in Stitches, LCD Display, 8 Included Feet | Check Price On Amazon |
4. Turn it inside out
After stitching, turn the whole thing inside out. Now secure the remaining side with a sewing machine. And the waterproof bed pad is ready.
Precautions
- Since the bed pad uses a vinyl sheet, always wash it at a low temp setting and line dry.
- Do not place pins in the seam allowances, as too many holes in the seam allowance may lead to leakage.
A ready-made waterproof bed pad may be flimsy and tear down after being washed a few times. Hence, you will need to buy them again and again. Also usually, bed pads do not come in a variety of colors and designs.
However, if you choose to make one at home, you can save money by using some fabrics already present at home and some store-bought fabrics. This also gives you more freedom to choose from different colored and patterned sheets to add a little aesthetic.
We hope that this post provided an easy and effective alternative to buying a bed pad and helped you make a waterproof bed pad at home easily.
