Reporting for Duty: 13 Best Diaper Changing Pads
Babies go through a lot of diapers, and while a changing pad may seem unnecessary to the uninitiated, seasoned parents will tell you that having a dedicated space for changing diapers makes life infinitely easier. Baby changing pads help keep your little one comfortable, safe and secured for those (countless) daily diaper changes. Trust us, you really don’t want to get baby poop on your expensive duvet cover—it doesn’t come out! But with all the diaper changing pad options out there, finding the right one can prove overwhelming. Cut to the chase with our list of favorites, from top changing table pads to portable and disposable options that’ll make diaper duty just a little less sh*tty.
In this article:
Best contoured changing pads
Best portable changing pads
Best disposable changing pads
Whether it’s topping your baby changing table or a converted dresser, a changing table pad is a nursery essential to keep baby safe and comfy—and a contoured changing pad does the job best, thanks to the curved, raised walls designed to keep baby from rolling and falling.
Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad is by far the best bang for your buck. The contoured sides and quick-release safety belt keep your baby from easily rolling off, plus the bottom security strap can be attached to a changing table to keep the pad from moving. The vinyl coating easily wipes clean in case an epic blowout seeps through the cover, and the foam pad is comfortable and durable.
Buy it: $18, Amazon.com
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer—a past winner of The Bump Best of Baby awards—is an ergonomically designed changing table pad that’s comfortable for babies but also keeps them secured. The outer shell of the Keekaroo makes it impermeable to any fluid, so it’s easy to wipe clean with soap and water. The solid shell also limits bacteria growth as well as discoloration, and it’s latex-, PVC-, BPA- and phthalate-free. The best part? There’s no need for a changing pad cover, which saves both money and time (no extra laundry!).
Buy it: $105, Amazon.com
LA Baby Waterproof Cocoon Style Changing Pad
The LA Baby Waterproof Changing Pad is a four-sided contoured, or “cocoon style,” diaper changing pad that keeps baby safe and comfortable during diaper changes. It features a non-skid bottom that prevents the pad from sliding, and the outer cover is waterproof, anti-microbial, phthalate-free and easy to clean with soap and water. One caveat: The sides are 4 inches high, so it’s not designed to be used for babies younger than one month old.
Buy it: $27, Amazon.com
Colgate Contour Changing Pad
If you have an extra-long baby, the Colgate Contour Changing Pad is a great choice. Measuring at 33 inches, it’s three inches longer than most standard changing table pads. It has a safety strap that can be secured to any piece of furniture, and it’s hypoallergenic as well as phthalate-free.
Buy it: $36, Amazon.com
PooPoose Wiggle Free Diaper Changing Pad
Babies who hate the standard plastic safety clip will do far better in the PooPoose Wiggle Free Diaper Changing Pad. The contoured changing pad features an adjustable, swaddle-like strap that wiggly little ones find soothing. The PooPoose cushioning is made from polyethylene foam that’s free of flame retardants and 100 percent recyclable, so when you’re done with diaper duty for good, simply toss it in the recycling bin.
Buy it: $60, Amazon.com
Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad
If you’re looking for a contoured option that’s also an organic changing pad, look no further than Naturepedic’s Organic Cotton 4-Sided Changing Pad. The organic cotton filling is unbleached, undyed and grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers, making it a safe option for sensitive little ones. The Naturepedic pad is luxuriously soft and comfortable, and the four-sided design keeps babies safe during diaper changes.
Buy it: $99, Amazon.com
Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad
What if your changing table pad could do more than just cradle baby as you clean up the mess? The Hatch Baby Grow—another Best of Baby award winner—is a next-gen diaper changing pad: Not only is it a sleek-looking option that’s made of soft, wipeable foam, it also features a built-in wireless smart scale that tracks baby’s weight in between pediatrician visits. It’s so precise, it can even tell you how much baby ate after a feeding. The scale syncs with the free compatible app, where you can see charts, share results and compare growth percentiles with recent data from the World Health Organization.
Buy it:$130, Amazon.com
A parent’s (diaper) duty is never done. For those on-the-go diaper changes outside the house, a trusty portable changing pad is a lifesafer. You never know where you’ll have to plunk baby down, but at least you’ll have a clean, soft surface ready when you need it.
Maman Portable Changing Pad Station
Not only is the Maman Portable Changing Pad Station super-chic, it’s totally practical as well. The cushioned diaper changing pad is waterproof and easy to wipe clean, and the inside pockets hold everything a parent needs for quick changes on the go. When it’s not being used as a changing pad, it folds up neatly and compactly to the size of a clutch. Plus, this changing pad station has an adjustable strap so it can be worn around the wrist or clipped onto a stroller.
Buy it: $35, Amazon.com
Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station
Skip Hop consistently delivers with their baby products, as proven (once again) by the Pronto Signature Changing Station. The attractive clutch-style bag features a baby changing pad that can be zipped off and wiped clean, plus a built-in pillow to keep baby comfortable. The front zippered pocket conveniently stores keys and other personal items while the inside pockets hold all your diaper changing necessities. The best feature is the translucent wipes case that makes it easy to see when it’s time to restock.
Buy it: $28, Amazon.com
Gathre Baby Changing Mat
If you’re looking for a truly unique portable changing pad, opt for one of Gathre’s gorgeous leather changing mats. Made from premium bonded leather with a suede back, the mats are stain resistant, ethically made and free of toxins. They’re also waterproof and can be wiped clean. The only drawback is that the mats don’t have any attached pockets for all of your diaper changing gear, so you’ll still need to carry wipes and diapers separately.
Buy it: $20, Gathre.com
SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad
It can be tough to keep curious kids from touching their dirty diapers during changes, but the SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad keeps little hands clean. The innovative mat folds around baby’s upper body to keep them engaged with attached toys while you clean up the mess. The baby changing pad is water-resistant and has a built-in foam pillow to keep your little one comfortable, plus it folds up into a small on-the-go diaper clutch.
Buy it: $30, Amazon.com
When it comes to diaper changes, things can get messy fast. Instead of hunting around for a fresh changing pad cover at 2 a.m., many parents appreciate the convenience of disposable changing pads. No more wiping pads down or tossing covers in the laundry—with these top disposable changing pads, you’ll always have a clean changing pad at the ready.
Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Changing Pads
Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Changing Pads are thick, soft paper pads that can be used once and tossed out. The generously sized pads are infused with baking soda for safe and natural odor elimination, and the leak proof liner and absorbent paper prevents major messes. They come in packs of 10 to 100, so you’re assured of having enough on hand no matter how often you use them.
Buy it: $6, Amazon.com
North Shore Quilted Changing Pads
For a disposable changing pad that more closely mimics the feel of a cloth one, opt for North Shore Premium Quilted Changing Pads. The absorbent lining and waterproof backing keep leaks to a minimum, and the sealed sides of the pads prevent spills. North Shore’s quilted pads are latex free and safe for babies who may have allergies to natural rubber proteins.
Buy it: $13 for pack of 25, Amazon.com
Published November 2018
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