Is it safe to use a plastic baby changing pad cover?
Use caution with vinyl changing pad covers. A washable cotton or muslin layer is a better everyday surface.
What is in it
Some waterproof changing pad covers are PVC or vinyl. PVC can use phthalates to stay soft. Babies lie on this surface many times a day, and skin can be damp during diaper changes.
Not every plastic cover is the same. The label matters. If the cover says PVC, vinyl, or has a strong plastic smell, choose a washable fabric layer between the baby and the pad.
What the science says
A 2025 Nature Communications study linked prenatal phthalate exposure with changes in the newborn metabolome and differences in infant neurodevelopment measures. That study was not about changing pads, so it supports lowering phthalate exposure in general rather than making a changing-pad-specific claim.
A 2025 Science of the Total Environment study found that sweat increased transfer of PFAS and organophosphate esters from children's textiles. That supports using simpler, washable baby layers and avoiding stain-resistant or mystery-treated soft surfaces.
What to do
Use a washable cotton or muslin cover on top of any plastic pad. Replace covers that are cracked, sticky, or strongly scented. For diaper leaks, add a washable pad you can launder often instead of putting baby skin straight on vinyl.