Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats

From Midnight Accidents to Morning Relief: Why These Affordable Bed Mats Changed Our Family’s Sleep Routine

As a parent of three wildly different children with equally unique bedtime challenges, I’ve found myself on an unexpected journey through the world of nighttime accidents, potty training, and the constant search for products that actually deliver on their promises. Today, I’m diving deep into what has become our family’s unexpected hero: Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats. If you’re struggling with bedwetting issues or navigating the tricky waters of potty training, this comprehensive guide might just save your mattresses, your sanity, and yes, even your sleep.

Let me start by saying that I never imagined I’d be writing thousands of words about disposable bed mats, yet here we are. When my middle child entered the potty training phase while my youngest was still in diapers and my eldest occasionally had nighttime accidents, I found myself drowning in laundry and desperately searching for solutions. That’s when I discovered these unassuming bed mats that quickly became an essential part of our household routine.

What Exactly Are Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish what we’re talking about. Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are essentially large, rectangular pads designed to protect bedding from accidents, spills, and leaks. Think of them as oversized, extra-absorbent versions of the changing pads you might have used during diaper changes, but specifically designed for beds.

These mats feature a multi-layer design that includes a soft top layer that’s gentle against skin, a super-absorbent middle layer that locks away moisture, and a waterproof backing that prevents any liquid from seeping through to your mattress or bedding. The beauty of these mats lies in their simplicity – when an accident happens, you simply remove the mat, dispose of it, and replace it with a fresh one. No middle-of-the-night sheet changes, no mountains of laundry, and most importantly, no soaked mattresses requiring extensive cleaning.

Parents Choice is Walmart’s store brand for baby and children’s products, which means these bed mats are designed to be affordable while still meeting quality standards for families. I initially discovered them during a late-night emergency run to Walmart after my son had soaked through his third set of sheets in a week, and they’ve been a staple in our home ever since.

The Size Question: Do They Actually Fit?

One of my initial concerns was whether these mats would provide adequate coverage. After all, children seem to possess an uncanny ability to somehow miss the protective area you’ve carefully placed, no matter how strategically you position it.

Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats come in a standard size that measures approximately 2.5 feet by 3 feet (30 inches by 36 inches). This size provides a good amount of coverage for the central area of a child’s bed – the “danger zone,” as I’ve come to call it. They’re large enough to protect the critical areas without taking up the entire bed.

The rectangular shape works well for standard twin beds, where you can position the mat horizontally across the middle section of the bed. For toddler beds or cribs, the mat might cover a larger percentage of the sleeping surface, providing even more protection. I’ve found that for my children, placing the mat slightly more toward the foot of the bed than the head works best, as this aligns with where accidents typically occur.

For families with older children or adults who need bed protection, this standard size might seem a bit limited. However, I’ve discovered that you can overlap multiple mats for expanded coverage when necessary. When my elderly mother stayed with us during her recovery from surgery, we used two mats side by side to create a larger protected area on her full-sized bed.

Where Can You Find These Magical Mats?

Since Parents Choice is Walmart’s store brand, the most obvious place to purchase these bed mats is at Walmart. You can find them in physical Walmart stores, typically in the baby section near diapers and potty training supplies. They’re also readily available on Walmart’s website for online ordering and delivery.

I’ve occasionally spotted them on other online marketplaces like Amazon, though usually at a slight markup compared to Walmart’s pricing. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have access to a Walmart, this could be an alternative option.

During my family’s cross-country road trip last summer, I discovered that some larger grocery chains that carry baby supplies occasionally stock these mats as well. I’ve found them at select grocery stores, though the selection and pricing can vary significantly.

My personal recommendation is to stock up at Walmart when you find them on sale. I’ve learned the hard way that running out of bed mats during potty training is a situation you definitely want to avoid. I now keep at least one unopened package in our linen closet at all times, just in case.

The Cost Factor: Are They Budget-Friendly?

As a parent constantly juggling family expenses, cost effectiveness is always on my mind when evaluating any recurring purchase. Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to premium brands like Goodnites or Huggies, and this is definitely reflected in their pricing.

At the time of writing this article, a standard package of Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats containing 7 mats typically costs around $4.97 at Walmart. This works out to approximately 71 cents per mat – significantly less expensive than most competitor brands which can cost upwards of $1 per mat.

For larger families or those going through intensive potty training phases, Walmart occasionally offers larger box counts (14 or 21 mats) that provide even better value. During sales, I’ve managed to stock up at prices as low as 60 cents per mat, which feels like a major win when you’re going through multiple mats per week.

When considering the cost, it’s important to factor in what you’re saving: less laundry means lower water and electricity bills, less detergent usage, and reduced wear and tear on your washing machine. Perhaps most importantly, you’re potentially saving the cost of replacing a mattress damaged by repeated accidents – a significant expense that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your mattress type.

From my experience with three kids, I estimate that we’ve saved at least two mattresses from premature replacement by using these mats consistently, not to mention countless hours of middle-of-the-night sheet changes and next-day laundry sessions. When viewed through this lens, Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are one of the most cost-effective investments you can make during the potty training years.

The Critical Question: Are They Actually Waterproof?

Let’s address the most crucial aspect of any bed mat – do they actually prevent moisture from reaching your mattress? After extensive “testing” courtesy of my children, I can confidently report that yes, Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are genuinely waterproof.

The plastic backing creates an effective barrier that prevents liquid from seeping through to the sheets and mattress beneath. I’ve witnessed these mats contain impressive volumes of liquid without any leakage – from nighttime accidents to spilled bedtime water cups and even an unfortunate incident involving a full sippy cup of apple juice.

The waterproof backing extends to the edges of the mat, which is an important design feature that some cheaper alternatives miss. This edge-to-edge protection means that even if liquid pools at the boundary of the mat, it still won’t seep through to your bedding.

One important caveat: the waterproofing works as long as the liquid stays on the mat. If an accident occurs partially off the mat, or if the volume is so large that it runs off the edges, then you’ll still have some cleanup to do. This is why proper placement is essential, and sometimes using two mats for expanded coverage makes sense for heavy wetters or older children.

Absorbency: How Much Can These Mats Really Handle?

Closely related to waterproofing is absorbency – how much liquid can these mats actually contain? Based on my family’s extensive “field testing,” I’ve been consistently impressed by the absorption capacity of Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats.

The core of these mats contains super-absorbent polymers similar to those used in diapers. These polymers can expand to many times their original size, trapping moisture and converting it into a gel-like substance that doesn’t easily release back out under pressure. This means that even when a child rolls over onto a wet spot during the night, the liquid doesn’t squeeze back out and create additional mess.

In practical terms, I’ve found that a single mat can easily handle a standard nighttime accident from a preschooler or young child. For context, these mats have successfully contained accidents that would have otherwise soaked through training pants, sheets, mattress protectors, and into the mattress itself – a cleanup nightmare I’ve experienced more times than I care to remember before discovering these mats.

For older children or adults with incontinence issues, the absorbency might be slightly less adequate for very large volumes. In these cases, using specialized adult incontinence products in combination with the bed mats provides the best protection.

One remarkable feature I’ve noticed is how quickly these mats wick moisture away from the surface. Within seconds of an accident, the top layer feels relatively dry to the touch while the moisture is locked in the inner core. This rapid absorption means less discomfort for the child if they have an accident during the night, allowing them to potentially stay asleep rather than waking up feeling wet and uncomfortable.

The Potty Training Game-Changer

As someone who has now guided three very different children through the potty training process, I can state without hesitation that Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are absolutely indispensable during potty training. They transform what can be a frustrating, laundry-intensive phase into something far more manageable.

During daytime potty training, we placed these mats on the couch, reading chair, and car seat to protect our furniture during those initial days when accidents were frequent. The peace of mind this provided was worth every penny, allowing us to maintain our normal routines rather than restricting activities due to fear of accidents.

For nighttime training, these mats were even more valuable. Most children master daytime dryness well before they can reliably stay dry through the night. This transition period can last months or even years for some children. Using these mats allowed us to remove diapers or pull-ups at night while protecting the bed, giving our children the opportunity to recognize the sensation of needing to use the bathroom without creating a massive cleanup situation every time they didn’t make it.

The psychological aspect shouldn’t be underestimated either. When children have accidents on waterproof mattress protectors, they still experience wet sheets, wet pajamas, and often a middle-of-the-night disruption as parents change everything. With these mats, we could quickly remove just the mat while keeping the rest of the bedding dry, allowing everyone to get back to sleep with minimal disruption. This reduced the negative associations with nighttime accidents, making the entire process less stressful for the whole family.

Another benefit during potty training is the visual and tactile feedback these mats provide. We could show our children the wet mat in the morning, helping them connect their bodily sensations with the results. For children who are visual learners, this concrete evidence helped reinforce the potty training concepts we were teaching.

Beyond Children: Are They Suitable for Adult Use?

While marketed primarily for children, Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats can absolutely be used for adults in various situations. When my mother temporarily moved in with us during her recovery from hip surgery, these mats provided discreet protection that preserved her dignity while giving us peace of mind.

For elderly adults dealing with incontinence, these mats can be a cost-effective layer of protection in addition to specialized incontinence products. The standard size (30″ x 36″) covers the central area of an adult bed, which is typically sufficient when used alongside other incontinence solutions.

I’ve also found these mats useful during various adult scenarios: postpartum recovery after the birth of my youngest child, when my husband was confined to bed with the flu, and even during that infamous stomach bug that ripped through our entire household last winter. In each case, the mats protected our mattress from potential damage and simplified cleanup during already challenging times.

For adults with limited mobility, these mats are particularly valuable as they reduce the frequency of complete bedding changes, which can be physically demanding for caregivers and potentially uncomfortable or embarrassing for the person receiving care.

The main limitation for adult use is the size – a single mat doesn’t provide comprehensive coverage for an adult bed. However, placing multiple mats side by side or strategically positioning a single mat in the most vulnerable area can still provide effective protection. Some users cut small slits in the plastic backing where mats overlap to prevent shifting during the night, though this should be done carefully to maintain the waterproof integrity.

The Staying Power: Do They Actually Stay in Place?

One of my initial skepticisms about these bed mats concerned their ability to stay in position throughout the night. Children are notoriously active sleepers – tossing, turning, and somehow ending up completely rotated from their original sleeping position by morning.

After extensive use, I can report that Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats stay in place reasonably well under normal circumstances. The mats have some weight to them, especially once positioned on a fitted sheet, which helps them remain in place during average nighttime movement.

Do they have adhesive backing? No, Parents Choice mats do not feature adhesive strips like some premium brands. This is likely one cost-saving measure that keeps them affordable. Initially, I viewed this as a disadvantage, but I’ve come to appreciate the non-adhesive design for several reasons.

First, adhesive backings can potentially damage sheets or leave residue, particularly on higher-thread-count bedding. Second, the lack of adhesive makes these mats more versatile – we can easily move them from beds to furniture to car seats without worrying about sticky residue. Finally, non-adhesive mats can be subtly adjusted if they get slightly out of position, whereas repositioning adhesive mats typically reduces their sticking power.

For especially active sleepers, I’ve developed a few tricks to keep the mats in place:

• Position the mat under the fitted sheet for younger children who don’t typically have nighttime bathroom trips
• Place the mat on top of the bottom sheet but under a light blanket
• For twin beds, tuck the edges of the mat under the mattress slightly on both sides
• Use sheet grippers or suspenders to keep everything in place for extremely active sleepers

With these strategies, we’ve had very few instances of the mat shifting significantly out of position, even with my most tornado-like sleeper.

Packaging: How Many Come in a Package and Storage Considerations

Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats typically come in packages of 7 mats, which conveniently provides a week’s supply for regular users. Occasionally, Walmart offers larger count packages of 14 or 21 mats, which provide better value and require less frequent purchasing.

The packaging is fairly compact – about the size of a large pack of paper towels – making these easy to store in linen closets, under bathroom sinks, or in bedroom storage spaces. The mats themselves are folded inside the package, and once removed, they easily flatten out with minimal effort.

I’ve found it helpful to store opened packages in accessible locations near children’s bedrooms for quick middle-of-the-night changes. For travel, I typically remove the exact number of mats needed from the package rather than bringing the entire box, which saves valuable space in already-crowded suitcases.

One storage tip I’ve discovered: keeping a single mat in each of my children’s backpacks has saved us during long car rides, unexpected naps at grandparents’ houses, and various other situations where accidents might occur away from home. The mats fold down to about the size of a paperback book, making them unobtrusive additions to day bags.

For Sensitive Skin: Are They Hypoallergenic?

With one extremely sensitive-skinned child in our family, the hypoallergenic properties of any product that comes into contact with bedding is a significant concern. While Parents Choice doesn’t explicitly market these mats as hypoallergenic on all packaging, my experience has shown them to be well-tolerated even by my most sensitive child.

The top layer is a non-woven fabric similar to what you’d find in high-quality disposable diapers. It’s soft to the touch and designed to be gentle on skin while quickly wicking moisture away. We’ve never experienced rashes or skin irritation related to these mats, even with direct skin contact during warmer months when children might sleep with fewer clothes.

For those with known sensitivities to specific materials, it may be worth placing these mats under a cotton sheet during initial use to monitor for any reactions. In our family’s extensive use across three children with varying skin sensitivity levels, we’ve never encountered any issues.

The fragrance-free design is another plus for sensitive individuals. Unlike some competing products that incorporate unnecessarily strong “clean” scents, these mats have no discernible odor, making them suitable for those with fragrance sensitivities or preferences for unscented products.

Environmental Considerations: The Disposable Dilemma

As someone who tries to make environmentally conscious choices, the disposable nature of these products initially gave me pause. I had briefly considered reusable, washable bed pads, but after calculating the water, electricity, and detergent required to keep those clean – plus the time investment – I concluded that disposable options made more sense for our family during the intensive potty training years.

Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are not marketed as biodegradable or especially eco-friendly. They contain plastic components in the waterproof backing and synthetic absorbent materials similar to those found in disposable diapers. This means they will take a considerable time to break down in landfills.

To mitigate the environmental impact, I’ve adopted a few practices:

• We only use mats when truly necessary rather than as a “just in case” measure once basic nighttime dryness is established
• We sometimes let slightly used mats (those with very minor accidents or small spills) air dry and reuse them for protecting surfaces during messy craft projects
• For children who have predictable accident patterns (like only occasionally wetting the bed), we use the mats strategically rather than every night

For families seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives, there are washable, reusable bed pads available on the market. However, these generally come with higher upfront costs, laundry requirements, and potential issues with leakage after multiple washes. Each family needs to weigh these factors based on their specific situation and values.

The Effectiveness Question: Do They Actually Prevent Leaks?

After extensive use across multiple children and various situations, I can confidently state that Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are remarkably effective at preventing leaks from reaching mattresses when properly positioned and used appropriately for the volume of liquid involved.

The combination of the absorbent core and waterproof backing creates a reliable barrier that has protected our mattresses through countless accidents. Even when dealing with larger volumes, the mats have typically contained the moisture without leaking through to the sheets beneath.

There are some limitations to be aware of:

• If an accident occurs partially off the mat, liquid can obviously still reach the bedding
• Very large volumes that exceed the mat’s absorption capacity can potentially run off the edges
• If the mat becomes bunched up during sleep, its effectiveness is reduced
• Multiple accidents in a single night will require mat changes for continued protection

In our experience, approximately 90% of nighttime accidents have been completely contained by these mats, with the remaining 10% being partial successes where some minimal cleanup was still required. Considering the alternative – complete sheet and possibly mattress cleaning – this represents a significant improvement in our quality of life during the potty training years.

Comfort Considerations: Can You Actually Sleep on Them?

A critical question for any bedding product is comfort – after all, the goal is protecting the mattress while still ensuring a good night’s sleep. Having occasionally napped alongside my children on beds with these mats in place, I can offer firsthand perspective on their comfort level.

Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are surprisingly comfortable considering their purpose. The top layer has a soft, cloth-like texture that doesn’t feel plasticky or crinkly against the skin. When placed under a sheet, they’re virtually undetectable to most sleepers.

When placed on top of sheets (which we sometimes do for ease of middle-of-the-night changes), they’re still reasonably comfortable, though you can feel a slight difference in texture compared to regular bedding. My children have never complained about discomfort from the mats, even when they sleep directly on top of them during warmer months.

One comfort consideration is sound – some disposable bed products make a crinkling noise with movement, which can be disruptive to light sleepers. Parents Choice mats produce minimal noise, even with direct contact, making them suitable for sensitive sleepers.

The mats are thin enough to not create an uneven sleeping surface, yet substantial enough to provide effective protection. This balance between thinness and absorbency is one of their most impressive design features.

Bed Size Compatibility: From Cribs to King Beds

Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats are marketed primarily for children’s beds, but their versatility extends to various bed sizes with some strategic placement. Here’s how they work across different bed dimensions:

For cribs and toddler beds, a single mat provides substantial coverage across the sleeping surface. We typically place it slightly lower than center, as most accidents occur in the middle-to-lower portion of the bed.

For twin beds – the most common size for children transitioning from toddler beds – a single mat covers approximately one-third of the sleep surface. Positioned correctly (typically in the center or slightly lower), this is usually sufficient for most nighttime accidents.

For full, queen, or king beds, multiple mats are necessary for comprehensive coverage. We’ve used two side-by-side for a full bed and three for a queen when my mother was staying with us. This obviously increases the cost per night but still remains more economical than specialized adult-sized disposable bed protectors.

One creative approach I’ve seen from other parents is cutting larger garbage bags along the seams and placing them under the mats to extend the waterproof area beyond the mat’s dimensions. While not as absorbent as the mat itself, this provides additional protection against run-off for very active sleepers.

Travel and Portability: On-the-Go Protection

One aspect of Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats that I particularly appreciate is their portability. They fold down to a compact size, making them ideal companions for family travel, sleepovers, and other away-from-home scenarios.

During our family’s cross-country road trip last summer, these mats were essential for protecting hotel beds. Not only did they save us from potential embarrassment and possible charges for damaged bedding, but they also provided peace of mind that allowed everyone to sleep better in unfamiliar environments.

For airplane travel, I typically pack 2-3 mats per child in zip-top bags, compressed as flat as possible to minimize luggage space. They’re lightweight additions that provide significant protection and confidence when sleeping away from home.

Beyond beds, these mats have proven useful for protecting car seats during long drives, creating clean surfaces for children to sit on during outdoor events, and even as emergency changing pads when we’ve found ourselves without proper facilities.

The disposable nature makes them perfect for travel – once used, you can simply discard them rather than carrying soiled items back home. For extended trips, I’ve occasionally had to restock at Walmart locations along our journey, which has never been a problem given the chain’s widespread presence.

How Do They Compare to Other Brands?

Having tried numerous brands of disposable bed mats over the years – some out of necessity when our preferred option wasn’t available and others out of curiosity – I can offer some comparative insights.

In terms of price, Parents Choice mats are consistently among the most affordable options. Major brand competitors like Goodnites and Huggies typically cost 30-50% more per mat while offering similar performance. This price difference becomes significant when using multiple mats per week over months or years of potty training.

For absorbency, I’ve found Parents Choice mats to perform comparably to more expensive brands for typical childhood accidents. The premium brands may have a slight edge for larger volumes or for adult use, but for standard childhood bedwetting, the difference is negligible.

Some premium brands offer adhesive tabs to secure the mats to the bed. While this does help keep them in place, I’ve found the adhesive can sometimes damage sheets or leave residue. The non-adhesive design of Parents Choice mats offers more flexibility in positioning and repositioning.

Size-wise, Parents Choice mats are standard for the category. Some specialty brands offer larger dimensions, which can be beneficial for older children or adults, but these come at a premium price point.

In terms of availability and convenience, the Walmart store brand has the advantage of being readily available at thousands of locations nationwide and through Walmart’s delivery service. This accessibility has been a significant factor in our continued use of this specific brand.

Real Experiences: What Do the Reviews Say?

Beyond my personal experience, I’ve researched and consulted numerous online reviews to provide a balanced perspective on these products. Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats generally receive positive reviews, typically averaging around 4.3-4.5 out of 5 stars across various platforms.

Common praise points in reviews include:

• Affordable price compared to competitors
• Good absorption for typical childhood accidents
• Effective waterproofing that protects mattresses
• Convenience factor that reduces midnight bedding changes
• Versatility for use beyond beds (furniture protection, car seats, etc.)

Frequent criticisms include:

• Lack of adhesive backing, leading to occasional shifting
• Size limitations for older children or adults
• Occasional quality inconsistencies between packages
• Limited availability outside of Walmart

A particularly interesting trend in reviews comes from caregivers of elderly adults or individuals with disabilities, who often note that these children’s products work just as effectively as specialized adult products while costing significantly less. This alternative use case appears to be growing in popularity based on recent review trends.

Parents of multiple children frequently mention the economic benefits, with several noting calculations of how much they’ve saved on laundry costs and potential mattress replacements by using these products consistently throughout potty training phases.

Practical Tips From Years of Experience

After using these mats across three children with different needs and sleeping habits, I’ve developed some practical strategies that might help other families maximize their effectiveness:

1. Strategic placement is key: Observe your child’s sleeping patterns and accident locations to position the mat where it’s most needed. Most children have consistent patterns of where accidents occur.
2. Consider double-layering: For children who regularly have accidents, place two mats stacked on top of each other. If a nighttime accident occurs, you can quickly remove the top mat to reveal a fresh, dry one beneath without having to completely remake the bed.
3. Trim for custom fits: Though not officially recommended by the manufacturer, many parents (myself included) have carefully trimmed these mats to fit specific spaces like car booster seats or unusual furniture shapes. Just be careful not to compromise the sealed edges of the absorbent core.
4. Create a simple nighttime system: Keep a small basket near the bed with fresh mats, disposable bags for used ones, and a small flashlight. This makes middle-of-the-night changes much easier and less disruptive.
5. Extend protection with waterproof mattress covers: Use these mats in combination with a waterproof mattress protector for maximum protection. The mat catches most accidents, but the mattress protector serves as backup for any misalignments or overflow.
6. Consider temperature factors: In very warm weather, the plastic backing can potentially cause sweating if a child sleeps directly on the mat. Placing a thin cotton sheet over the mat can improve comfort while maintaining protection.
7. Make disposal discrete: For older children who may feel embarrassed about accidents, establish a private disposal system that allows them to handle the situation independently without drawing attention to it.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Investment for Family Sanity

After several years and countless nights of using Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats across different children and various situations, my verdict is clear: these unassuming products offer exceptional value and practical benefits that significantly reduce the stress associated with bedwetting and potty training.

While not perfect – no product truly is – they strike an impressive balance between affordability, effectiveness, and convenience that has earned them a permanent place in our family’s routine during these transitional years.

For parents currently in the throes of potty training or managing nighttime accidents, I can confidently recommend giving these mats a try. The initial investment is minimal (a week’s supply costs less than a single take-out meal), and the potential benefits in terms of reduced laundry, protected mattresses, and decreased stress are substantial.

Parenting is filled with unexpected challenges, and bedwetting is one that can feel particularly frustrating and endless when you’re in the midst of it. Products like Parents Choice Disposable Bed Mats won’t solve everything, but they can make the journey significantly more manageable while everyone gets the sleep they need to tackle whatever tomorrow brings.

Whether you’re just starting the potty training journey, dealing with occasional accidents in older children, or seeking affordable solutions for adult incontinence care, these humble bed mats deserve consideration as part of your overall strategy. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective, and in my experience, these mats certainly fall into that category.