6 Best Changing Pads, Tested by a New Mom
In a nutshell:
Based on in-depth product testing and expert interviews, we chose the Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad with Cover as the overall best changing pad as it’s easy to use, has a contoured design and boasts a machine-washable cover.
Babies go through a lot of diapers. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an average baby will need six diaper changes per day and “most U.S. parents will go through nearly 3,000 diapers during their baby’s first year alone.” Sheesh! And while it’s not technically a necessity, the AAP notes that a changing pad “can be helpful in protecting your changing table, crib, bed, floor or wherever else you may choose to set up shop.” Loretta Cody, MD, a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut agrees and says that “changing pads are very helpful in the constant diaper changing life of a new parent.”
As a first time mom to a 3-month-old baby, I learned quickly that baby changing pads help keep my little one comfortable, safe and secure during daily diaper duty. (Trust me, 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 be overwhelming. Fortunately, I’ve done the dirty work and tested the best changing pad options on the market, so you don’t have to. Keep reading to discover my top picks as well as expert-backed advice for safe diaper changes.
To make diaper duty a bit less messy, we browsed changing pad options from an array of leading baby brands and retailers. From there we took the following steps:
- I personally tested nine changing pads, including stationary, disposable and portable diaper changing pads. I used each pad for every one of my daughter’s diaper changes over the course of a full day and evaluated them based on the following criteria: ease of use; size; ease of cleaning; portability; design; and value for the money.
- We interviewed a board-certified pediatrician to better understand the features to look for in the best changing pads for babies, including vital safety features.
- We consulted safety recommendations from the AAP and looked for certifications from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and ASTM International (ASTM).
- To see how these changing pads worked for a variety of families (not just my own!), we conducted exhaustive market research, including reading forums and message boards and browsing user reviews to find out what really matters in a changing pad.
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Overall best changing pad
- A contoured design to cradle your baby
- Machine-washable cover
- Built-in safety straps
- More expensive than comparable products
- Runs a little on the larger side so it may not be suitable for every changing table
When it comes to changing pads, safety is paramount, which is why this contoured changing pad was selected as the overall best option. “A contoured design is comfortable and safer,” explains Cody. Why? Contoured mats, like the Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad, have curved side walls that reduce the risk of baby rolling off the edge. I’m happy to say that the sloped design cradled my daughter perfectly and it came with straps that were easy to secure around our little one for extra peace of mind.
Aside from the safety aspect, this pad earned a 10 out of 10 score for ease of use and cleanliness. The pad came more or less ready to use, with the cover in place. There were rubber non-slip grips on all four corners of the bottom to keep the pad in place, but they didn’t work well on the surface we were using. Despite that, the pad fit snugly within the wooden borders of my changing table. There were no extra steps to secure it in place and it stayed put while we changed our daughter, so our hands were free to focus on her and not a wiggling changing pad. I also appreciated that the pad was super-easy to clean. The pad has a removable cover and when my daughter had a leak, it was simple to rinse it off and toss it in the washing machine. Any messes that got on the waterproof surface itself were easy to wipe down with wet wipes and a little laundry detergent.
Dimensions: 31.5" (L) x 16" (W) x 4.25" (H) | Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Material: Polyurethane foam and cotton
Our product tester says:
“This changing pad was super easy to use! The extra features like the sloped design, no-slip grips and cover are worth a little extra money in my opinion.”
Best portable changing pad
- Foldable design
- Wipe-clean surface
- Pockets and zip-up compartments for storage
- Runs on the small side; may not work for older babies
When it comes to portable changing pads, there’s tons to love about the Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station. And this is reflected in high scores across the board, including a 10 out of 10 rating for portability, ease of use, design and value for money. As the full name would suggest, this is basically a portable changing station, complete with zip-up side compartments to store the essentials. The mesh pocket holds up to four large diapers, while a smaller compartment has plenty of space for other items. It even has a see-through case designed to hold baby wipes, so you don’t have to cart around the entire pack! Having experienced a few public blowouts during my three months of parenthood, I know the horrors of rooting through my diaper bag in a rush to locate clean diapers, wipes, diaper cream and more. So I very much appreciate a changing pad that keeps these essentials conveniently on-hand, so I can tend to my daughter’s needs as quickly as possible.
In terms of design, the changing pad is made from a stain-resistant material that’s thick enough to support your baby but thin enough to fold down into a compact package. It unfolded easily with simple velcro flaps to keep everything in place, and I think it would be super-easy to slip into our diaper bag. One downside of the compact design is that the pad itself is relatively small in size. Our daughter fits fine now, but it's definitely a bit on the small side and she's only 3-months-old, so she might outgrow it soon. As it's a portable pad we'd only be using while out and about, so that might be an issue as I get worried about her touching public changing tables. I haven't had a chance to clean this one yet (no major leaks on it yet for our daughter!) but it has a wipe-clean surface, so I don't foresee any major cleaning issues with this pad, which is another point in its favor. All in all, this is my number one recommendation for a portable changing pad, especially as it offers excellent value for money.
Dimensions: 23.5" (L) x 21.75" (W) | Weight: 0.75 lbs. | Material: Polyester
Our product tester says:
“For a portable pad, I think the design is great. It's very easy to store and comes with a ton of pockets and storage space. I'm definitely going to make this one my new go-to when we're out with the baby.”
Best wipeable changing pad
- Stain-resistant and wipeable shell
- Firm yet supportive material
- Peanut shape design with raised edges
- High price point
- Too small for older babies
- Some parents say the pad develops yellowish stains over time
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer has a highly stain-resistant outer shell that Keekaroo claims is impermeable to any fluid. Is this waterproof changing pad too good to be true? After having used the Peanut Changer on a day when my daughter had two blow-outs, I can confirm this statement is accurate. We were able to swiftly remove fluids with a quick wipe of a paper towel with no residue left behind. The pad’s solid shell also limits bacterial growth for a more sanitary environment overall. Is it any surprise that this changing pad received a 10 out of 10 score for ease of cleaning?
In addition to being among the easiest pads to clean, the Keekaroo has a unique, ergonomic design. Thanks to the peanut shape, which gently slopes downward, pee and other bodily fluids flow to the base and don’t pool around baby’s upper body. I loved the material, which is firm enough to support my baby without being so hard as to cause discomfort. Plus, the contoured design cradles your baby safely in place during diaper changes. My daughter threw a temper tantrum the morning we used this pad—full on kicking and flailing for no reason—so I greatly appreciated the raised edges that day. My one major complaint about this pad is that it's a little small and I worry that my daughter won't fit comfortably within a few months if we keep using it long term. With that said, I appreciate the design and ease of cleaning and feel it may be a worthwhile investment for families with multiple kids in diapers.
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 14" (W) x 4" (H) | Weight: 7 lbs. | Material: Polypropylene
Our product tester says:
“Our daughter pooped THREE times the day we used this changer and any residue wiped off the pad super super easily. While we’ve only tested it for one day so far, it seems incredibly resistant to stains, messes, etc. I'm impressed!”
Best affordable changing pad
- Affordable price point
- Great safety features
- Cotton liner included with purchase
- The pad stains easily even with prompt cleanup
- Some reviewers say the plastic layer is thin and prone to punctures
With raised sides, quick release safety straps and a non-slip base, the Summer by Ingenuity Contoured Changing Pad sports many impressive features. But the best part? At under $20, this pick is significantly cheaper than competitors. Aside from the fact that this changing pad offers excellent value for money, it scored top marks for size. My 3-month-old fits on it comfortably with plenty of room for messes, so you’ll get a lot of use out of it as your baby grows. It also fit perfectly within the borders on top of my changing table and stayed in place even while my daughter was squirming.
While setting up this pad was a bit of a challenge (the zippers on the protective plastic layer do snag easily), once I got it up and running it was excellent. The surface was like an extra firm mattress, both supportive and comfortable. I also like the raised edges and optional safety strap, especially now that our daughter is getting more mobile. However, one area where this product fell short was cleanliness. Despite the waterproof pad, a couple of stains set-in almost right away and were a little hard to wipe off, even after busting out the detergent. While the material is somewhat flimsier and harder to clean than comparable products, I would still definitely recommend it to parents on a budget.
Dimensions: 32" (L) x 16" (W) x 3.5" (H) | Weight: 2.1 lbs. | Material: PEVA vinyl
Our product tester says:
“This pad has a lot of the same features as the more expensive products without sacrificing too much in terms of quality. I'd say it's a really good budget-friendly option.”
Best disposable changing pads
- Absorbent material
- Infused with baking soda to neutralize smells
- Foldable for easy storage
- Pads are small and may not work as well for older babies
- Not an eco-friendly option
Disposable changing pads are another portable option for parents. According to the AAP, this type is “especially good when you're away from home because they can be used first as a changing pad and then to wrap the dirty diaper for a quick and easy disposal.” And now that our daughter is old enough to be taken on short outings, I know the value of a good disposable pad. Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pads are slim, easy to store and highly absorbent. And thanks to the thin, foldable design the pads are easy to slip into the diaper bag for a day out. While on the go, you simply take out a disposable pad, set it out on the changing table and toss it when you’re done.
My daughter had her first public blowout the day I tested these pads. I had to rush to a changing station in a very busy area. Fortunately, the pads provided an excellent barrier between my daughter and a germy public changing table. While I wish they were slightly bigger in size, they successfully absorbed the mess and smell, leaving me with nothing to wipe off the changing table when I was done. And they are very easy to crinkle up and toss in the garbage. Talk about a convenient option!
Dimensions: 26.75" (L) x 18" (W) | Weight: 8.5 oz. | Material: Paper
Our product tester says:
“These were lightweight and simple to tuck into my diaper bag for a day at Santa Monica Pier with the family. Would definitely recommend for traveling!”
Best changing pad for fussy babies
- Tuck-away toy bar
- Built-in safety belt
- Non-absorbent material helps prevent stains
- Awkward shape
- Changing pad can only face one direction
- Only supports infants up to 30 pounds
My daughter’s growing more active and engaged. As exciting as it is to watch her develop, she now needs constant entertainment when awake—especially during diaper changes. Luckily, this changing pad from Skip Hop comes with an adorable tuck-away toy bar featuring a smiling sun and a cloud toy with a baby-safe mirror on one side. Watching the mobile was a welcome distraction during diaper changes when she was being fussy.
In addition to the cute mobile, this changing pad has a number of practical design features. It’s made from a cushioned foam material that was firm enough to support my baby’s head and neck without feeling so hard as to make her uncomfortable. It also has a non-skid base, raised edges to prevent baby rolling and a safety belt for added security. The one major downside to this changing pad is definitely the size. We have a pretty large changing table and it was too wide to fit on top of it, and at the same time the length was a little too short to accommodate a growing baby. One area in which this changing pad earned a high score was cleanliness. During testing my daughter had a blowout and I had to rush her to the changing table ASAP. This pad got a bit dirty in the process but it was super-easy to clean off the mess in the moment with a few swipes of a baby wipe. Later, when I used detergent just to make sure everything was sanitary, the pad dried incredibly fast.
Dimensions: 31.5" (L) x 18.25" (W) x 2.5" (H) | Weight: 5 lbs. | Material: Foam
Our product tester says:
“I loved the built-in mobile. Our daughter is just at the age now where she's getting curious about moving objects, and this definitely kept her calm during changes where she was being particularly fussy.”
As with any type of baby gear, there are safety tips to consider when using a diaper changing pad. Cody reminds caregivers to never let children sleep in baby changing mats; likewise, they should never be left unattended. Moreover, she recommends “keeping one hand on baby at all times when changing them.” To make your job easier, ensure that your diaper essentials—like creams and wipes are within reach of the pad. Lastly, always read the product’s instructions before use to ensure your child doesn’t exceed the weight and age limit.
Not sure where to start when it comes to picking out a diaper changing pad? We’ve got you covered. Below, check out our guide to three types of changing pads to consider as you shop:
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Contoured changing pads. Thanks to the curved, raised walls of these mats, there’s less chance of baby rolling and falling. Some designs even have three or four sides for added protection.
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Portable changing pads. 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 lifesaver. 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.
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Disposable changing pads. 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 disposable changing pads, you’ll always have a clean changing pad at the ready.
On the hunt for a diaper changing pad? Keep the following aspects in mind to streamline your shopping experience:
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Waterproof surfaces. Put simply, “diaper changing is a messy business,” says Cody. To ensure baby is always on a clean surface, opt for a changing pad that’s waterproof and wipes off easily. Cody also advises parents to steer clear of mats that can absorb urine or bowel movements, as this will make them unsanitary.
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Safety features. Cody suggests that parents choose changing pads with safety straps. These should attach to the changing table and buckle baby in to keep them secure. While not all models are equipped with this feature, the JPMA recommends parents use changing pad restraints every time if possible.
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Non-toxic materials. Last but not least, Cody recommends picking a diaper changing pad made from non-toxic materials. After all, the surface will regularly come into contact with baby’s sensitive skin on a daily basis.
About the writer:
Erin Hart Wisti is a writer and journalist living in Los Angeles. She is a regular contributor to the hyperlocal newsroom Knock.LA and her essays have appeared in publications including Fourth Genre, Electric Literature, Vice, Slate, NPR and more. She’s written on everything from baby clothes and pediatric safe sleep practices to cloud computing, and became well-versed in pregnancy products when she became pregnant and had her first child in 2024.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Loretta Cody, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician based out of Connecticut. She received her medical degree from New York Medical College and completed her residency at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Healthy Children (AAP), Changing Diapers, May 2021
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