Patent Publication Number: US-8990986-B2

Title: Baby changing pad with pocket for wipes

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation-in-part application which claims priority from application Ser. No. 12/835,566 filed Jul. 13, 2010 which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 12/460,992 filed Jul. 28, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,692 which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field of the present invention relates generally to equipment for baby care and, more specifically, to a changing pad or surface with a storage volume for wipes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Venturing out of the home with a baby can be a daunting challenge for a parent. Babies have many needs and require constant care. A large number of products are available on the open market for baby care. Selecting just which products to bring along, and figuring out how to transport them without misplacing any can be overwhelming. Frequent returns to an automobile packed with baby care items are a normal occurrence for any parent attempting to run errands with a baby. Struggling with bulky or overflowing bags of baby care items can make even a small trip out to a restaurant loom large with logistics, rendering it an infrequent event, to the detriment of parental bliss. 
     An object of the invention is to combine diverse baby care equipment into a single article. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above object has been met with a baby changing pad, or baby tending surface or support, with opposite ends, with one end having an internal waterproof pocket for free wipes that are dispensed or accessed through a top opening in the pad. The internal waterproof pocket has a sealable end opening for ingress of free baby wipes. The opening is sealed with a fastener. In one example, the fastener provides an airtight seal to the internal pocket. Fasteners that may be used include ZIPLOC bag type fasteners, plastic zippers, slider zippers or other fastening means. Baby wipes are defined to include commercial pre-moistened fiber tissues or dry toiletry paper, such as facial tissue, bathroom tissue, and paper towels. The pad may have a plurality of parallel, joined folding sections or may be flat. It may include external pockets for storing baby items such as diapers. 
     A pillow-forming section may optionally be at an opposing second end of the pad. The pillow-forming section can act as part of the pad. 
     A pocket forming fabric piece is optionally attached to the pillow-forming section of the flexible pad so as to form a pocket, making the pillow-forming section openable. The pillow-forming section may be the only visible section when the remaining sections of the pad are folded into the pocket. 
     A first surface of the pad may be liquid resistant, such as soft vinyl, plastic or canvas. An opposing second surface of the pad may be made of a first woven fabric. The pocket fabric piece is a portion of the pocket. The pocket fabric piece may be made of a second fabric, or the first fabric. The pocket fabric piece forms a portion of the outside of the pillow. A portion of the second surface of the pad may form a portion of the outside of the pillow. 
     At least a center region of a folding pad section is stitched to enclose padding material. The padding may thin where the folding sections join. At least one folding section may have a resilient material between the first surface of the pad and the second surface of the pad. At least one folding section may have a foam sheet between a first and second surface of the pad. The first and second surfaces of the pad may be attached between the folding sections, near the fold lines. Stitching may be between the folding sections. Stitching may be through the first and second surfaces of the pad. Stitching may define the fold lines. Stitching may at least partially secure a foam sheet that forms padding. 
     The pad may be notched at the edges where the folding sections join. The notches ease folding at the fold lines and contribute to a more rounded pillow. 
     The baby wipe storage volume, in the stowage section of the pad, may be sealable as with a hinged or screwed on lid. The storage volume may be configured to removably contain baby wipes with a container that snaps onto the lid, or alternatively, has a container lip that allows insertion of the container through the pad surface into the storage volume. Alternatively, the changing pad may have a side or bottom port where the container may be inserted. However, wipes are dispensed through an opening in the pad surface. There may be a second openable storage volume in the stowage section. The second storage volume may be securable, as with a fastener or lockable lid. 
     The second storage volume may be configured to removably contain a diaper, a baby garment, a nursing cover, or debris. 
     The pillow may have a handle or a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may be adjustable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of the pillow of  FIG. 1 , as formed by folding. 
         FIG. 3  depicts the pillow of  FIG. 2  showing folding pad sections pulled from the pocket of the pillow-forming section, ready to continue unfolding to form the pad. 
         FIG. 4  shows a plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3 , as unfolded from the formed pillow, showing the pad with three baby care items rolled and ready to stow in a storage volume in the stowage section. 
         FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of a baby changing pad. 
         FIG. 6  is a profile view of an embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in a pillow, indicating fold directions for the pad at the start of a folding sequence. 
         FIG. 7  is a profile view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , continuing the folding sequence. 
         FIG. 8  is a profile view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , finishing the folding sequence. Folded sections are shown ready to be tucked into the pocket to form the pillow. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the pillow of  FIG. 2 , showing the sections of the pad as folded and tucked with the folding sequence of  FIGS. 6-8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of the pillow of  FIG. 2 , showing the sections of the pad as folded with a further folding sequence and tucked into the pocket to form the pillow. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the pillow of  FIG. 2 , showing the sections of the pad as folded with a still further folding sequence and tucked into the pocket to form the pillow. 
         FIG. 12  shows an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  as a pillow with a handle. 
         FIG. 13  shows an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  as a pillow with an adjustable shoulder strap. 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a changing pad with integral baby wipes in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of another embodiment of a changing pad with integral baby wipes in accordance with the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of another embodiment of a changing pad with an internal waterproof pocket. 
         FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of the changing pad of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a cross sectional view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an internal waterproof pocket of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a preferred baby changing apparatus in a pillow  100  includes a select few baby care items carried in a specialized, convertible container. The specialized, convertible container is itself useful, as it is a pillow suitable for resting a baby or parent&#39;s head. While this embodiment is preferred, other embodiments can have a flat baby changing surface. 
     The pillow  100  is formed in a pocket  110  that contains a folded baby changing pad  112  operating as the filler of the pillow. A first storage volume  130  of the pad and a second storage volume  120  may hold various contents. A baby garment  172 , a diaper  174  and a nursing cover  176  may be placed in the second storage volume  120 . An essential element is a baby tending surface with opposed ends. 
     A nursing mother may place the strap  178  of the nursing cover  176  over her head and around the back of her neck. The curved apron  182  of the nursing cover  176  may be discreetly arranged by the mother as she breast-feeds her baby. 
     Boning  180 , hemmed in or otherwise attached along the neckline of the nursing cover and forming a half circle below the mother&#39;s chin, may be discreetly lifted by the mother so that she may check on her infant. The boning  180  may be a flexible or elastic shape retaining material, which gives the mother better control over the lifting of the nursing cover when peeking. A rounded shape of the apron  182  of the nursing cover  176  provides fabric to the right and left sides of the mother, so she can tuck or move the fabric around for privacy. 
     In  FIG. 2  the baby changing apparatus is converted to a pillow  200  formed by folded, tucked pad sections. Folded sections of the pad may be pulled out of a pocket in the pillow  200 . The folded sections of the pad are pulled in a pillow unfolding direction  206  when unfolding the pillow  200  to form the pad. A pocket fabric piece  202 , attached to the body of the pillow, is a portion of the receiving pocket. 
     When forming the pillow  200 , the pad sections are folded and inserted or tucked into the pocket in a pillow forming direction  208 . A cross-section view of the pillow  200 , revealing the folded sections, is shown in  FIG. 9  and will be discussed in greater detail along with a folding sequence. 
     In  FIG. 3  folded sections  304  are pulled from the pocket  110 . The pocket piece  202  may be made of fabric or an elastic material or may be fabric with an elastic band  306 . Expandability of the elastic material or band may allow for ease of tucking the folded sections  304  into the pocket  110 , or flexibility in the total volume of items stowed in a storage volume. Expandability of the elastic material or band may further allow for ease of pulling the pocket piece  202  around the folded sections  304 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the folding pad sections  304  are partially deployed from the pillow  200 , and are ready to continue unfolding to form the pad  112 . The sections  304  are also depicted folded and ready to tuck into the pocket  110 , to form the pillow  200 . 
     In  FIG. 4  the pad  112  is seen to be unfolded from the formed pillow  200 . The pocket  110  and pocket piece  202  are visible at a first end  414  of the pad  112 . The pocket opens towards an opposed second end  416  of the pad  112 . Three baby care items  406 ,  408  and  410  are shown rolled and ready to stow, as pointed to by arrows  412 , in a second storage volume  120  in the stowage section  104  of the pad  112 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , various characteristics and operating actions of an embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in a pillow  100  are shown. A pocket  110  in a pillow-forming section  101  may be opened in a pocket opening direction  164 . The pillow-forming section  101  is at the first end  414  of the pad  112  and is openable towards the opposing second end  416  of the pad  112 . 
     Folding sections  101 ,  102 ,  103 , and  104  are joined and fold at fold lines  151 ,  152  and  153 , which can be stitched regions that divide the folding sections. The folding sections are rectangular and parallel to each other. The pillow-forming section  101  is one of the folding sections. The baby wipe stowage section  104  is a further one of the folding sections. Although the baby wipe stowage section  104  may be at the second end  416  of the pad  112 , the baby wipe stowage section  104  may also be located closer to the pillow-forming section  101 . 
     In the baby wipe stowage section  104 , a first storage volume  130  holds a container of baby wipes, which are often available premoistened. In order to retain the moisture, a sealable lid  140  such as a hinged lid, screwed on lid or hatch is preferred as part of the pad surface. The lid  140  may be openable in a lid opening direction  166 . Opening the lid  140  allows the baby wipes to be dispensed, withdrawn or removed. The first storage volume  130  and the lid  140  may be an integral part of the stowage section  104  and allow baby wipes to be inserted and removed from the first storage volume  130 , which may be moisture resistant. The first storage volume  130  may hold a removable container of baby wipes that joins with the lid  140 . Such a removable container may hold baby wipes and be replaceable. A lid is not essential for the changing pad in the situation where a container of baby wipes has its own lid. In this case, the container would have a lip that seats on a rim in the changing pad surface. The rim and the lip have the same shape as that the lip fits onto and over the rim. 
     In the baby wipe stowage section  104 , a second storage volume  120  may be openable and securable. The second storage volume  120  may be a type of storage pocket, for example, and be openable, in a second storage volume opening direction  165 , near a side edge of the pad  112 . A fastener such as hook and loop strips, a zipper, snap buttons, a clamp, a lockable lid and or a fold over fabric may serve to secure the second storage volume  120  and any contents thereof. 
     Except for disposable types, most baby changing pads are cleanable and reusable. In order to achieve this goal, a first surface  116  of the pad  112  in an embodiment may be liquid resistant. Soft vinyl, plastic, canvas or other flexible material may be used. The pad is usually placed with the liquid resistant first surface  116  facing up, and the baby is changed upon this surface. 
     An opposing second surface  114  of the pad  112 , which usually faces downward during baby changing, may be made of a fabric. A portion of the first surface  116 , at the pillow-forming section  101 , forms a pocket backing  118 . The pocket piece  202  is attached to the pillow-forming section  101 , so that the pocket piece  202  and the pocket backing  118  form the pocket  110 . The pocket piece  202  and a portion of the second surface  114  of the pad  112 , at the pillow-forming or first end  414  of the pad  112 , form part of the outside of the pillow  200 . The pocket piece  202  may also be made of a fabric, which may be the same type of fabric as, or similar to, or different from the fabric of the second surface  114  of the pad  112 . Since a portion of the second surface  114  of the pad  112  and the pocket piece  202  are on the outside of the pillow  200 , the fabric or fabrics may be chosen for a comfortable feel and a pleasant appearance of the pillow  200 , and may be matched or contrasted in color and pattern. The pad  112  may be used as a sleeping mat for the baby, by placing the pad with the second surface  114  facing upward. 
     For the comfort of the baby, the pad  112  may be at least partially padded. One or more of the folding sections may be padded in at least a center region. In an embodiment, the pillow-forming section  101  and middle sections  102  and  103  are padded, and the stowage section makes use of the softness of the contents for padding or goes without padding if empty. In an embodiment, foam sheets, cut to size, are used for padding. A washable foam may be used for padding. Batting may be used for padding. Another resilient material may be used for padding. 
     While a non-folding surface may be used, a portable folding changing pad is illustrated. For ease of folding, the pad  112  may thin where the folding sections join, at the fold lines  151 ,  152 , and  153 . To achieve this thinning, the first  116  and second  114  surfaces of the pad  112  may be attached to each other at or near the fold lines, between the folding sections. In an embodiment, stitching between the folding sections defines the fold lines  151 ,  152 , and  153 . The stitching goes through the first  116  and second  114  surfaces of the pad. Foam sheets in sections  101 ,  102 , and  103  are secured by the stitching along the fold lines  151 ,  152 , and  153  and by stitching attaching the first surface  116  to the second surface  114  around the edges of the pad  112 . Other means of thinning, attaching or securing the surfaces or defining the fold lines may be employed. Other means of securing a foam sheet, a resilient material or padding may be employed. 
       FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in a pillow  500 . Folding sections  501 ,  502 ,  503 , and  504  are joined and fold at fold lines  551 ,  552  and  553 . Notches  510 ,  512 ,  514 ,  516 ,  518 , and  520  along opposing edges of the pad  532 , at the fold lines  551 ,  552 , and  553  where the folding sections  501 ,  502 ,  503 , and  504  join, make folding the pad  532  easier. The notches, which may be V-shaped cuts in an edge, further contribute to a rounding of the pillow. A first storage volume in the stowage section  504  has a replaceable wipe container with a snapping lid  528 . A second storage volume  524  is in the stowage section  504 . Pocket piece  522  forms a portion of the pocket  526 . Pocket piece  522  is a fabric that is folded over a vinyl side  534  of the pad  532  and used to tuck the sections  502 ,  503 , and  504  in. 
       FIG. 6  is a profile view of an embodiment  600 . Fold directions for the pad, at the start of a folding sequence, are indicated. Three of the sections start out as an alternating or zigzag fold. Directions are herein given with regard to a pad with the pocket piece  620  and the lid  630  facing upwards. Stowage section  604 , shown with a lid  630 , is folded downward or under a second middle section  603 , in a downward or under direction  610 . 
       FIG. 7  continues the folding sequence. Stowage section  604  and second middle section  603  are folded upward or on top of first middle section  602 , in an upward or on top direction  710 . Alternatively, an accordion fold pattern may be used. 
       FIG. 8  finishes the folding sequence.  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment in a state similar to one shown in  FIG. 2 . The pillow-forming section  601  is folded over the three folded sections  604 ,  603 , and  602  in a folding over direction  810 , and the pocket piece  620  is pulled around the folded sections. The pillow is thereby formed. 
     In a variation of the finish of this folding sequence, the three folded sections  604 ,  603 , and  602  are folded and tucked into the pillow-forming section, under the pocket piece  620 , in a folding and tucking direction  812 . A combination of pushing the folded sections into the pocket and pulling the pocket piece  620  around the folded sections may also be used. 
     An end result of a folding sequence or a variation is that the overlapping folded sections are tucked or otherwise inserted into the pocket to form the pillow. The pillow-forming section may be the only section still visible when the remaining sections of the pad are folded into the pocket. 
     Unfolding the pillow to form a baby changing pad may be performed in an unfolding sequence, which is a reversal of a folding sequence. An end result of an unfolding sequence is that the folding sections are unpacked from the pillow and the sections are unfolded to form the pad. 
       FIG. 9  shows a cross-section view of a pillow  900  similar to that of  FIG. 2 . Pocket piece  920 , part of the pillow-forming section  901 , is seen securing the remaining or residual folding sections. Stowage section  904 , shown with lid  930 , and middle sections  903  and  902  are shown folded in a zigzag or alternating manner, then roll folded and tucked into the pocket. Equivalently, the pocket is shown pulled around the folding sections. Following the folding sequence of  FIGS. 6-8  results in a pillow  900  with the cross-section view of  FIG. 9 . In this folding sequence, the sections are folded in a zigzag followed by a roll fold. 
     A further folding sequence, using a double fold technique, achieves the same end result as shown in  FIG. 9 . With reference back to  FIG. 1 , the second end  416  of the pad  112  is folded to meet the first end  414  of the pad  112 , thus folding the pad in half along fold line  152 . The pad  112  is folded in half again, along fold lines  153  and  151 , bringing fold line  152  over to meet the first end  414  and the second end  416  of the pad  112 . Pocket fabric piece  202  is then lifted around the folded sections  102 ,  103 , and  104 , securing them within the pocket  110  and forming the pillow  900  shown in the cross-section view of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a cross-section view of a pillow  1000  similar to that of  FIG. 9  as related to  FIG. 2 , with the pad folded in a further folding sequence. Pocket piece  1020 , part of the pillow-forming section  1001 , is seen securing the remaining folding sections. Stowage section  1004 , shown with lid  1030 , and middle sections  1003  and  1002  are shown folded in a zigzag or alternating manner, then roll folded and tucked into the pocket. Equivalently, the pocket piece  1020  is shown pulled around the folding sections. In this further folding sequence, all of the sections are folded in a zigzag manner. Folding the initial segments of the pad in opposite directions from the folding sequence of  FIGS. 6-7  results in a pillow  1000  with the cross-section view of  FIG. 10 . This folding sequence leaves a visible gap between pairs of folded sections (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). The visible gap is shown in  FIG. 10  as between folding sections  1002  and  1003 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a cross-section view of a pillow  1100  similar to that of  FIG. 9  as related to  FIG. 2 , with the pad folded in a still further folding sequence. Pocket piece  1120 , part of the pillow-forming section  1101 , is seen securing the remaining folding sections. Stowage section  1104 , shown with lid  1130 , middle sections  1103  and  1102  and pillow-forming section  1101  are shown folded in a spiral manner, then roll folded and tucked into the pocket. Equivalently, the pocket piece  1120  is shown pulled around the folding sections. In this further folding sequence the sections are not folded in a zigzag manner, rather they are folded upward one after the other in a spiral rolling manner. Similarly to the results of the folding sequence applied to produce the pillow  900  of  FIG. 9 , and unlike the folding sequence applied to produce the pillow  1000  of  FIG. 10 , the folding sequence applied to produce the pillow  1100  of  FIG. 11  leaves no visible gap between pairs of folded sections, and produces a pillow similar in external appearance to that seen in  FIG. 2 . 
     With reference back to  FIG. 1 , the folding and tucking sequence of  FIGS. 6-8  resulting in a pillow having the cross-section view of  FIG. 9  may be visualized. Stowage section  104  is folded in a downward direction  161 , underneath second middle section  103 . Second middle section  103  and stowage section  104  are folded in an upward direction  162 , on top of first middle section  102 . The three folded sections  104 ,  103 , and  102  are folded upwards and tucked, in an upwards and tucking direction  163 , into the pocket  110  in the pillow-forming section  101  while the pillow-forming section  101  is opened in a pocket opening direction  164 . The pocket piece  202  may be pulled around the folded sections  104 ,  103  and  102 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in a pillow  1200 . The pillow  1202  has a handle  1204 . The handle may be attached near where the pocket piece attaches to the pillow-forming section, near the fold line between the pillow-forming section and an adjacent section, to the pocket piece, to the pillow-forming section or at a location devised by a person skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a baby changing apparatus in a pillow  1300 . The pillow  1302  has a strap  1304 . The strap may be adjustable. The strap may be a shoulder strap. The strap may be attached near where the pocket piece attaches to the pillow-forming section, near the fold line between the pillow-forming section and an adjacent section, to the pocket piece, to the pillow-forming section or at a location devised by a person skilled in the art. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , a generally flat baby changing pad  1400  has a stowage opening  1402  in a side of the pad, below the baby tending surface, allowing ingress of a container  1404  that dispenses baby wipes  1406  in a manner similar to the way that facial tissue is dispensed from a box of Kleenex (a trademark of Kimberly-Clark). A generally flat baby changing pad may have some curvature to accommodate the shape of a baby and for safety but such curvature is mostly near lateral edges. The pad or baby tending surface has a thickness dimension. The container  1404  has dimensions that fit through the opening  1402  into the thickness dimension and then resides in a first stowage volume below a slit  1408  in the surface of pad  1400  through which the baby wipes are dispensed or accessed. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , a baby wipe container  1504  has a lip  1512 . The container  1504  passes through the surface of changing pad  1500  into a stowage volume below the surface. The surface has a hard plastic rim  1514  that is sufficiently large to allow container  1504  to pass therethrough except for the lip  1512  which is stopped by lip  1512 . The circumferential dimensions of container  1504  are slightly less than the circumferential dimensions of rim  1514 . The rim  1514  is retained against the lip  1512  with rim  1514  pressing against the container and holding it in place when wipes are dispensed through a slit  1516  in the top of the container. The container  1504  may have a sealable lid. When closed, the lid appears to be a sealable lid in the baby changing surface that opens for access to baby wipes. 
     Further embodiments may have additional storage volumes, fewer or additional sections, some sections with or without foam or padding, and various sizes and dimensions. An embodiment may have one or more pockets added and accessible when formed as the pillow. An embodiment may include a cover for the pillow, which protects the material and is stored in a storage volume when not covering the pillow. 
     A further embodiment with six folding sections and a suitably sized pocket forms an extra large pillow. Two of the sections contain storage volumes for holding a pacifier, baby clothes, nursing cover, wipe case, diapers, nursing pads, diaper rash cream or other articles. Four of the sections have foam as padding. 
     A further embodiment may feature a non-folding changing pad, like a small mattress. Within an end of the mattress a storage volume is defined holding a container of baby wipes. The container may be inserted through the top surface of the pad or through the side. 
     In order to produce a foldable embodiment, the following method may be used. Cut fabric for the pocket piece and a long piece of cloth for the cloth surface. Cut vinyl for the liquid resistant surface. Install the lid in the vinyl, or make an arrangement in the vinyl for a removable container with a lid. Hem the overhang of the pocket piece. Attach the pocket piece to the long piece of cloth. Turn the material on the so-called wrong side, and sew the vinyl and cloth together as well as the top of the pocket piece that attaches to the pillow-forming section. Leave one long side open. Turn the work right side out. Insert each foam piece, one at a time, from the open long side. Sew adjacent to the foam piece to create a section. Repeat, for each foam piece. Sew the long sides together, excluding the last section. The last section is the stowage section, with one portion remaining openable to the side. Attach a hook and loop fastener or other fastener for securing the second storage volume of the stowage section. Additional construction details for elastics, fasteners, liners, fabric handling, variations, sewing or other attaching techniques and finishing touches are omitted but may be devised by a person skilled in the art. Techniques other than sewing and stitching may be used, for example thermal bonding. Materials other than fabric, woven fabric and vinyl may be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a further embodiment of a changing pad  1600  is seen having an internal water-resistant pocket  1602  and a sealable end opening  1708  ( FIG. 17 ) to the internal pocket along a portion  1604  of the length or the width of the pad for ingress of free wipes. The pocket further comprises a top opening  1606  in the pad  1600  and pocket  1602  to internal pocket compartment  1706  for dispensing wipes  1704  ( FIG. 17 ). The top opening  1606  has a lid  1608  associated with it. In one example, the lid may  1608  be a flip lid secured with a pair of magnets (not shown). One magnet may be disposed in the lid and the other in the top of the pad to secure the lid when covering the opening  1606 . In another example, the lid is a plastic lid that is heat sealed at portions to the top of the pad and is configured to cover and reveal the opening  1606 . It is preferred that the lid is configured such that the top opening  1606  is impermeable to air or is airtight, or is substantially or somewhat impermeable to air to prevent the wipes from drying out. It is also preferred that the end opening  1708  is sealed such that it is airtight or substantially or somewhat impermeable to air to prevent the wipes from drying out. Using such lids or seals creates a pocket that is substantially or somewhat airtight. The baby changing pad  1600  is generally flat and, in this example, is curved at one end but may be of any desired shape. External pockets  1610  on the curved end may be used for storing baby items such as diapers. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17-18 , it is seen that the baby changing pad  1600  has a top layer  1700  and a bottom layer  1702  forming a storage volume  1808  ( FIG. 18 ) within which the internal water-resistant pocket  1602  is disposed. The internal water-resistant pocket  1602  is sandwiched between top layer  1700  and bottom layer  1702  and is fastened to internal surfaces  1800  and  1802  of the top and bottom layers in the storage volume  1808 . A top layer  1804  of the pocket is in contact with internal surface  1800  of the top layer  1700  of the pad and a bottom layer  1806  of the pocket is in contact with internal surface  1802  of the bottom layer  1702  of the pocket. In one example, top ends of the layers  1804  and  1806  of the pocket  1600  are fastened to top ends of the internal surfaces  1800  and  1802  of the top and bottom layers  1700  and  1702 , respectively. Adhesive may be used to fasten the internal water-resistant pocket to the internal surfaces. Opening  1606  is formed in top layer  1700  of the pad and top layer  1804  of the internal pocket  1602 . The top layer  1804  and bottom layer  1806  of the internal pocket  1602  are preferably water-resistant and form the water-resistant internal pocket  1600 . The top and bottom layers  1700  and  1702  of the baby changing pad may comprise canvas, thermoplastic polyurethane, a laminated fabric and/or other desired materials and may be connected together by sewing or other method at, for example, the ends of the pad. 
     With reference to  FIG. 19 , the internal pocket  1602  is seen separate from the baby changing pad  1600 . The internal pocket, in one example, may comprise a plastic material such as a plastic laminate. In one example, the internal pocket comprises a plastic bag having a ZIPLOC bag type seal or fastener  1900  at a top end of the bag  1602 . The bag is sealed at portions of layers  1804  and  1806 , for example top portions of the fastener end, to internal surfaces  1800  and  1802  of the top of layers  1700  and  1702  and is disposed within the storage volume  1808  between the top and bottom layers. The sealable end opening  1708  is sealable with a fastener or fastening means. Preferably the fastener provides an airtight or substantially or somewhat airtight seal to the opening. The fastener may comprise a ZIPLOC bag type seal, plastic resealable zippers, slider zippers or other mechanisms for sealing the pocket opening  1708 . In the example shown in  FIG. 19 , a slider  1902  is used to slide the ZIPLOCK type seal closed. The internal pocket  1602  comprises dimensions that are sufficient to store baby wipes  1704 . For example, the length and width dimensions of the pocket are substantially the same as or slightly larger than the dimensions of a wipe. 
     A user is easily able to open the fastener or seal  1900  to place a stack of wipes  1704  into a storage space  1706  of the internal water-resistant pocket  1602  and seal the opening  1708  to prevent the drying out of wipes. When the user needs to access a wipe, the lid  1608  on the top opening  1606  is moved to reveal the opening through which a user may pull or otherwise access one or more wipes. As the internal pocket is water-resistant, the moisture of the wipes will not soak through the pad. As the sealed sides and closed top opening provide a substantially or somewhat airtight storage space for the wipes, the wipes are prevented from drying out.