A soft cover that fits exactly around the changing mat is the most practical basic in the layette. The fabric is thick, soft and stretchy. The elastic in the edges ensures that the cover stays in place around the pillow. The changing mat is quite cold without a cover and plastic is not very comfortable. A loose towel will slide off and will not cover the edges. A standard hydrophilic cloth is too small and too thin to properly cover the changing pad. This changing pad cover stays firmly in place like a fitted sheet, you wash it out in no time and it makes your baby (and you) feel comfortable.