The Best Changing Pads

Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

Keep Your Little One Content

Made with a waterproof cover for easy clean-up, contoured sides for safety, and all the straps for extra stability, this is an excellent choice for a changing pad.

Best Overall

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One of the most important features of this changing pad? It’s in the name: waterproof. Seriously, it might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked features of a changing pad in terms of importance. With baby boys especially, it seems that as soon as you take a diaper off, they’re piddling on the pad. Munchkin’s easy-wipe waterproof surface takes care of the hassle with a material that’s incredibly easy to clean. Other must-have features include grip strips that offer added security. The materials also pass every single safety regulation out there, so you can feel safe putting your baby on this pad. Measuring 16 x 31 inches, it’s the most standard-sized changing pad.

Pros:

• White cotton cover.
• Polyurethane foam interior pad form.
• Contoured sides for Baby’s safety.
• Cleans easily.
• Fabric straps with screws for extra safety.

Cons:

• The grips on the bottom don’t grip all that well, so it’s best to secure the straps with the screws for added safety.

LA Baby Waterproof Contour Changing Pad

Sides That Hug Your Infant

This changing pad has safety straps, a comfy quilted waterproof cover, and 4"-high sides that perfectly cradle your darling newborn.

Best for Infants

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With 4″-high contoured sides, this changing pad cradles your new little one excellently. In fact, it’s the ideal changing pad for those very new little ones, as the sides keep them tucked safely in the center. With a quilted, vinyl cover that’s totally waterproof, you won’t need to worry about those accidents that can occur while you’re changing your baby. Additional safety features, such as a non-skid bottom, a safety harness, and security strap, as well as zero non-toxic materials, combine to round out the features of this high-quality changing pad.

Pros:

• Easy spot clean with soap and warm water.
• 30″ x 16″ x 4″, fits most changing tables and dressers, as well as changing pad covers.
• Non-slip material on the bottom helps to keep the pad in place.
• You can still use the safety straps even with a changing pad cover.

Cons:

• The contoured sides are a bit on the high side for older babies.

PooPoose Wiggle-Free Diaper Changing Pad

Give Them Some Wiggle Room

If your little one would rather stay in their diaper, fighting a change every step of the way, a changing pad strap is a definite must. This swaddle strap securely and comfortably holds your tot in place.

Best Large Size Pad

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Ideal for larger babies because of the sturdy, contoured foam that keeps your little wiggle worm in place, this changing pad even has a swaddle-like strap that instantly acts to squelch any antics your toddler may be planning. There are a few other key features that have us loving this changing pad, too. With quality in mind, this pad is made in the USA of completely safe, non-toxic materials. In fact, the cover is made from medical and food-grade materials. And because it’s ultra-soft on its own, an additional cover is optional.

Pros:

• Hook and loop swaddle strap keep your baby tucked on the changing pad.
• Polyethylene foam construction that’s 100% recyclable.
• Waterproof fabric wipes clean.
• Free of flame retardants.

Cons:

• If you want to use the swaddle straps and put on an additional cover, you’ll need to either custom make it, cut holes, or go without for the swaddle straps to work.

Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad

Splurge-Worthy Changing Pad for Zero Toxins

If you want something made from the best allergy-friendly materials, this is the ideal changing pad for you.

Best Allergen-Free

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A bit pricier than many changing pads on the market, this is definitely a splurge. But is it splurge-worthy? Absolutely. Hear me out. With four sides for extra safety, this changing pad is made of food-grade polyethylene and organic cotton. Containing absolutely no pesticides or toxins, this is a totally safe changing pad. In fact, not only is it certified organic, but it’s also certified non-toxic by the Global Organic Textile Standard. GOTS is the certification you want when aiming for non-toxic materials. Additionally, it is GREENGUARD Gold-certified for emissions, as well as meeting GOTS standards for the Formaldehyde-Free Standard. In short, it’s got all the safety and comfort features that you and your baby will love.

Pros:

• Contains food-grade polyethylene, organic cotton fill and fabric, and food-grade polyethylene waterproofing.
• Firm support for safety.
• Easy snap screws attach directly to the dresser or table for security.
• Contains no latex, soy, GMOs, PVC, phthalates, formaldehyde, flame retardants, or PFCs.

Cons:

• When your baby is taller than the 31.5″ of this pad, their feet or head will be restricted by the 4 contoured sides.

Skip Hop Portable Baby Changing Pad

A Changing Pad Station for the Road

For parents and babies on the go, this is the perfect portable changing pad station.

Best Portable Design

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I was gifted one of these at my own baby shower, and let me tell you: it has gotten some use. For parents that like to be on the go, a portable baby changing pad is an absolute must. Offering the ability to change your baby anywhere, this pad looks like a clutch but folds out into a mini changing station. Featuring a wipe-clean changing pad that zips off from the mesh upper, this has a built-in pillow, a wipe case, and a mesh pocket that holds up to four diapers and other changing essentials. When you’re done, this changing pad folds back up into the clutch and is small enough to toss in the diaper bag.

Pros:

• The clip allows for easy access storage – you can even clip it to your stroller.
• Front zipper pocket for your own essentials.
• Stylish clutch-like design when fully folded.
• Easy to clean.

Cons:

• The wipe container isn’t the most airproof, causing wipes to prematurely dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest practices for using a changing pad?

First, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve secured your changing pad in some way. Changing pads often come with a security strap or screws that keep the changing pad from sliding about on the changing table’s surface. Next, you’ll want to make sure that you never leave your baby unattended on a changing table. Keep all necessary items for changing close by (or grab them before laying your baby down), and always stay with your baby when you’re in the process of changing a diaper. Keep the area clean and free of any choking hazards, as well.

How many changing pads do I need?

Depending on your home and your lifestyle, as many as 1-3 changing pads are recommended. When I first had my daughter, I had one changing pad in the bathroom and one changing pad in her room on her dresser. I found that I consistently only used one, so I got rid of the other and have never looked back. That said, it is nice to have one on every level of your home so you’re not running up and down the stairs all the time.

What do I need for my changing station?

Some necessary items for a well-stocked changing station include wipes or a washcloth, clothes, diapers, a dirty diaper trash bin, and creams, powders, and lotions. It’s also nice to keep the thermometer in this area so that you know exactly where the thermometer is should you need it. It’s nice, although not necessary, to have a changing pad cover. This protects the pad, is softer on your baby’s skin, and can be washed and cleaned when any accidents or diaper spill-overs happen. Keeping a hanging mobile at a safe distance above them, or fun decorative artwork on the wall beside them is a nice way to distract your baby from having their diaper changed.