The Best Travel Changing Pads

The Best Travel Changing Pads

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge. You need to remember diapers, clothes, food, bottles, blankets, and so much more. Changing pads are often overlooked, but we think they're too important to leave behind. Using a changing pad can protect your baby from germs while adding comfort to hard surfaces. They come in lots of colors and styles, so you can easily match yours to your diaper bag and other gear. So, if you'll be out and about or traveling soon, check out this list of the best travel changing pads and see the benefits for yourself.

Kopi Baby Portable Diaper Changing Pad

Landing Pad

This fantastic travel pad covers all of your diaper-changing needs while on the go.
Best Overall

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If you’re looking for an all-around high-quality option, the Kopi Baby Portable Changing Pad is an excellent choice. It’s got pockets to hold diapers, cream, toys, and more. The handy wipe-dispensing section faces out when the pad is folded, making it easy to grab one for quick clean-ups. The little pillow adds a bit of extra comfort for your baby while you’re changing them, which helps keep them calm. Overall, it has all the little features we could want in a changing pad.

Pros:

  • The velcro handle can be converted into straps that connect it to seats, strollers, and more
  • It’s affordable
  • There’s a clip that holds it securely closed to keep everything inside

Cons:

  • There aren’t any additional style options
  • The pockets make the pad bulky when full

Lil Fox Portable Changing Pad

Room to Stretch

If you have a wiggly kiddo, this is the changing pad for you.
Widest

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It’s no secret that babies wiggle, move, and groove around while you try to change their diaper. It’s also no secret that some babies are bigger than others. Either way, the large-sized Lil Fox Portable Changing Pad makes traveling more convenient. Besides being wider than the average changing pad, this option also holds up to five diapers and 100 wipes, which is enough for a whole day out. Once folded, you can easily take advantage of the zippered front pocket to hold your keys, wallet, or phone.

Pros:

  • The waterproof surface is very easy to keep clean and sanitized
  • There is both a handle and a shoulder strap
  • It’s gender-neutral and adorable

Cons:

  • There aren’t enough pockets on the inside to replace your actual diaper bag
  • Although it’s wider than most, it isn’t very long

Comfy Cubs Travel Mat Station

Stylish and Affordable

Get this adorable changing pad for a great price.
Best Value

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If you’re looking for a simple changing pad for a great price, the Comfy Cubs Travel Mat Station may be the right choice for you. It’s lightweight and compact, so you aren’t adding a ton of weight to your diaper bag. It’s also both soft and easy to use. The foam pillow helps your baby stay comfortable while they are being changed, and when you’re all done, you just fold it up and put it back into your diaper bag. If it gets dirty, you can either wipe it down or throw it into the washing machine.

Pros:

  • There are several prints and colors available, so you can find one to suit your style
  • It’s very affordable
  • This pad folds up and easily fits into most diaper bags, large purses, or car pockets

Cons:

  • There aren’t any built-in pockets
  • It’s not entirely waterproof

Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad

Lightweight and Compact

This versatile changing pad gives you plenty of options.
Most Convenient

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There aren’t many changing pads that can rival the convenience of the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad. It folds up compactly and has both a carrying handle and a hanging strap. When you unfold it, you’ll find a good-sized changing pad and a large mesh pocket that holds the included wipes container, diapers, diaper cream, and more. The outer pocket has space for your phone, keys, and other essentials. You can hang it off your wrist, stroller, or diaper bag, as well, making traveling with your little one a bit more streamlined.

Pros:

  • There are fun prints and colors available
  • The changing pad portion can be zipped off of the clutch if you don’t need both
  • It is the perfect choice for quick trips and errands when you don’t want to haul your whole diaper bag

Cons:

  • This pad is on the pricier side, but the convenience may be worth it for many families
  • The pillow portion could be softer

Gimars XL Six-Pocket Changing Pad

Got It in the Bag

Get an entire changing station in one cute clutch.
Most Versatile

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Although most changing pads aren’t intended to replace your actual diaper bag, we think the Gimars XL Six-Pocket Changing Pad is a serious contender. It has plenty of space for diapers, extra clothes, diaper creams, and more. There’s even a wipe dispenser that allows you to grab one wipe at a time with one hand. We think it’s the best choice for parents with more than one child in diapers because it’s big enough for both babies and toddlers and has enough space for diapers and training pants.

Pros:

  • It is both wide and long enough to cover most surfaces to keep your baby safe
  • The price is very affordable, especially when you consider how versatile it is
  • Keeping it clean is quick and easy

Cons:

  • It’s bulky
  • Folding it gets tough when it is completely packed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a travel changing pad?

Changing your baby in public or at other people’s homes can be very inconvenient. You want to keep your child off of surfaces that could have bacteria or viruses on them, and you also want to protect those same surfaces from your baby’s messes. Changing pads are the answer. You lay it down and put the baby on it, and then you can change them without any danger.

Are pockets important?

When it comes to changing pads, pockets can add a ton of convenience and ease of use. They hold the diapers, wipes, and creams so that you don’t have to dig through the rest of your diaper bag. Some pads don’t have any pockets, and although those are fine for some, they aren’t as convenient.