DIY Bassinet and Playard Waterproof Mattress Protectors

Sharing is caring!

Learn how to easily make DIY bassinet and playard waterproof protectors, along with five ways to use a crib sized mattress protector!

After having a playard with our first baby that was impossible to clean and covered in spit up stains, I was determined to find a better solution with our second baby.

Not only was the playard difficult to clean, but it also made such a loud crinkly sound which inevitably woke us up every time our firstborn moved around throughout the night.

One new playard, a bassinet, and these non-annoying-crinkly-sound waterproof mattress protectors makes for one very happy mama!

Safe and natural products are important to me, which is why I am very selective on what I purchase and bring into our home.

Therefore, I knew when beginning my search for playard and bassinet waterproof protectors that I would more than likely not be able to find them in the right size or with non-toxic standards in mind.

Cue this super simple tutorial that is so incredibly easy it is really more about sharing the idea rather than the tutorial itself.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no cost to you when a purchase is made through my links. For more information, see my disclosure here.

DIY Bassinet and Playard Waterproof Mattress Protectors

When we spend a third of our lives sleeping, with babies and kids being up to one half, it is important to consider what we are sleeping on and breathing in for all of those hours.

My source for safe and organic bedding items is Naturepedic. They are a family owned company whose products are made in the USA with Amish craftsmanship.

Although Naturepedic does not have waterproof protector pads in playard and bassinet sizes, they do have a flat crib mattress protector.

Psst, we love the fitted waterproof pad for our crib mattress!

The measurements on their flat crib protector were just the right size to make both the bassinet and playard sizes I needed. Therefore, all that had to be done was one simple cut and sewing the edges.

Will a crib sized mattress protector fit a playard mattress?

No, the crib size is too large for a playard – hence this super easy tutorial!

What if I do not have a bassinet or baby has outgrown it?

Use the bassinet size as a changing pad! See the five different ways to use a crib mattress protector pad listed below.

How many mattress protector pads are recommended for infants and toddlers?

It is best to have at least one and ideally two, if not more. Babies and accidents of liquid nature during the night tend to go hand in hand.

If the mattress itself is waterproof or washable, then I recommend at least one waterproof cover to help protect the mattress. This way if the protector gets soiled during the night, then you have the mattress waterproofing as your backup.

If the mattress is not waterproof or washable, then I recommend at least two waterproof covers. This way if one protector gets soiled or is in the wash, you still have another to protect the mattress.

FAQ:

Why use a waterproof mattress protector in a crib, playard, or bassinet?

Bacteria and mold can grow when liquids penetrate and soil a mattress. Consequently, the mattress is then not recommended to use with subsequent children.

Waterproof mattress protectors help protect your baby’s health, the longevity of your mattress, and your investment into a high quality, organic mattress.

What does a waterproof pad protect a mattress against?

They protect against all of the baby things that could cause harm or damage to the mattress i.e. spit up, diaper leaks, sickness, sweat, you name it.

All of which can linger and harbor bacteria, mold, and other unmentionables in the mattress that are ultimately not healthy for your little one to be breathing in.

What kind of mattress protector is best to use for a bassinet and playard?

An organic waterproof pad that is the proper size and fit is the best to use for any mattress protector.

What are the benefits of choosing an organic mattress protector?

By choosing an organic mattress protector, you can sleep easy knowing your baby is not breathing in harmful off-gassing being emitted from the waterproof lining.

What materials are used for the waterproofing of mattress protectors?

Other mattress protectors are made of vinyl/PVC, phthalates, PEVA, and other nasty off-gassing plastic chemicals. All of which are toxic to our health, known carcinogens, damaging to reproductive systems, and so much more.

Naturepedic organic waterproof mattress protectors use a proprietary non-toxic polyurethane barrier. This barrier has been proven to not leach or off-gas harmful chemicals and meets GOTS standards.

5 Ways to Use a Crib Waterproof Mattress Protector

The first – and quite frankly most obvious – way to use a crib sized protector is in a full size crib to protect the mattress from all of the things babies like to do such as diaper leaks, spit up, etc.

Secondly and thirdly, you can divide it into two pieces to create waterproof protector pads for both a playard and a bassinet. Night time accidents just got a whole lot easier. *You can find the tutorial below!

What do you do with the bassinet sized protector when baby outgrows the bassinet? Use it as a changing pad. It makes a generously sized changing pad that is a God-send for the messiest of blowout diapers!

Lastly, use the playard sized protector as a tummy time mat. Say goodbye to mopping the spit up off of the floor after it inevitably seeps through the thin blanket you chose for the task of tummy time.

Variations for this Tutorial:

• Don’t need the playard size? Cut the crib sized mattress protector into three equal pieces to create changing pads for the house, car, and diaper bag!
• If you do not have a serger, use an overlock stitch or zigzag plus a straight stitch on a sewing machine instead.

Sewing Supplies:

• Organic waterproof crib mattress protector pad (flat, not fitted)
• Thread
• Soft measuring tape, yard stick, or acrylic ruler
• Water soluble marking pen (optional)
• Fabric scissors
• Yarn or tapestry needle
• Serger or sewing machine

How to Make Waterproof Protector Pads for a Bassinet and Playard

The dimensions of the crib protector are 28″ x 52″ and the finished dimensions for our bassinet and playard protectors are as follows:

• 28″ x 16″ for the bassinet
• 28″ x 36″ for the playard

Check the measurements of your particular items and adjust dimensions as needed.

Wash and dry the mattress protector. This allows for any shrinking, if any, to occur before measuring and cutting.

Measure, mark, and cut the fabric to get the desired dimensions for the two pads.

Fold both pieces in half to line up the curved corners with the new corners. Trim the new corners to match the curve of the original corners.

If using a sewing machine, you can opt to use an overlock stitch or zigzag plus a straight stitch.

Test the stitch settings on a scrap piece of fabric to match the original serged edges.

Since there is no extra fabric on this project, I used two pieces of drop cloth to roughly mimic the thickness of the mattress protector while testing the stitches.

Disable the knife of the serger and leave about two inch chains before and after serging.

Serge the new edges. Include a 1-2 inch overlap on each end to secure the cut stitches of the original serged edges.

Weave the thread chain through the stitches on the backside with the tapestry needle to finish.

For the perfectionists like myself who are irked by the top loops of the finishing stitches running off the fabric at an angle, include weaving the needle through the top of the loops while securing the chain. This helps to create a clean line along the edge of the fabric.

P.S. If you know of a better way to finish and secure the stitches, please let me know in the comments below!

Always remember to place the waterproof protector pad under a tight fitting sheet in the bassinet, playard, and crib.

Printable tutorial available below!

More Nursery and Sewing Tutorials:

• Woodland Nursery Curtains
• DIY Ultrasound Picture Frame
• Woodland Nursery Signs
• Flour Sack Towel Waist Apron

Find more handmade home projects here.

Have any more creative ways to utilize a crib waterproof mattress protector pad? Share your ideas in the comments below!

Pin it for Later: