Babies Gear and Products These Are the Best Changing Pads to Keep Babies Safe and Clean The Summer Infant contoured changing pad ticks all the boxes By Laura Dorwart Laura Dorwart Laura Dorwart is an Ohio-based writer and content creator. Her work has been published by The New York Times, Forbes, BuzzFeed, Self.com, SheKnows, and more. Learn about our editorial process and Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey Katrina Cossey is a freelance writer covering topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 29, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. With newborns requiring a diaper change as many as 10 to 12 times a day, a changing pad is an essential part of your nursery set-up. A changing pad is a piece of equipment that should ensure those many (many) changes are as safe and comfortable as possible for your little one. And it needs to be easy to use (and to clean) for you. Reviewed & Approved The Summer Contoured Changing Pad features a quilted, double-layered vinyl that's easy to clean while the plush padding keeps your baby comfortable and secure. If you want to splurge, we recommend the Keekaroo Peanut Changer. “Choose a changing pad that has a concave top part to place your baby. This not only offers some more comfort and cushioning but might provide some added security,” Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MBBS, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of Buybuy Baby's Parenting Pros, tells Verywell Family. Before you make your purchase, there are several factors to take into consideration to ensure your changing pad meets both your and your baby's needs. Whether safety is your main concern, or you are looking for a product made from organic material, rest assured that the right changing mat is out there. We carefully looked over material and several other factors, including value, design, ease of cleaning, and safety guidance when reviewing products. Here are the best changing pads on the market to make diaper-changing just a little more comfortable for everyone. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Summer Contoured Changing Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dresser: Keekaroo Peanut Changer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organic: Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Easiest to Clean: Bumbo Changing Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Safety: LA Baby Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad at Walmart Jump to Review Best for Changing Tables: Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Hatch Baby Grow Changing Pad Scale at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall: Summer Contoured Changing Pad 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Babylist.com Pros High, curved sides Safety belt Durable, quilted layer Cons Not machine washable Slides easily on some surfaces Doesn’t fit all changing tables Who else recommends it? Forbes and The Bump both picked the Summer Contoured Changing Pad. What do buyers say? 87% of 32,400+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars. The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad is our top pick because it has everything you want in a changing pad: It’s safe, comfortable, easy to clean, and affordable. The quilted, double-layered vinyl is ultra-simple to wipe down quickly, and the high contoured sides and plush padding keep baby comfortable and secure. There’s also a security strap underneath to keep the pad steady on a sturdy changing table, and a strap on the top can keep a fussy or wiggly infant safe during a diaper change. The material of the Summer Infant changing pad is lightweight but sturdy. Universal disposable covers fit the changing pad well, and it stays put on nearly any typical changing table. Dimensions: 32.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches | Materials: Quilted, double-layered PEVA vinyl | Safety straps: Yes Best for Dresser: Keekaroo Peanut Changer Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Easy to clean Durable and cushy Safety belt Cons Material can feel cold against skin Costly Stains easily Many parents rave about the Keekaroo, which has an ergonomic design that is comfortable for little ones and resistant to damage like cracks, discoloration, or stains over time. It has a soft but solid surface that makes it virtually impermeable to liquids and mess during diaper changes. Parents also say that the Keekaroo stays put so well that it can be used on a dresser or regular table without having to purchase an extra changing table specifically for diapering your little one. Its slip-resistant base makes it secure and sturdy. The only major complaint about the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is the price, as it’s heftier than most other changing pads. Still, many customers say it’s worth it, as it saves so much time and energy with easy cleanup and long-lasting durability that can last towards a second or third child. Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 4 inches | Materials: Polyurethane foam | Safety straps: Yes Best Organic: Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad for Changing Table Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Potterybarnkids.com View On Naturepedic.com Pros Raised sides Can be drilled into furniture Waterproof coating Cons Easily slides if not secured Material bunches in middle Does your baby have sensitive skin? Prefer all your products to be all-natural? The Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad fits the bill to a T. Designed to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating, the Naturepedic changing pad has an organic cotton fill and is made of organic cotton fabric with food-grade polyethylene waterproofing. It doesn’t have any potentially dangerous, toxic, or irritating substances: The pad is free of phthalates, formaldehyde, GMOS, latex, soy, vinyl, polyurethane foam, and flame retardants. It meets eco-friendly and organic standards set by GREENGUARD and the Global Organic Textile Standard. The Naturepedic changing pad is also especially plush and comfy, with thick padding and high contoured sides that keep little ones safe, secure, and cozy. The Naturepedic pad is about 16.5 x 31.5 x 4 inches, and your purchase includes a one-year warranty. Parents say it’s long-lasting and durable, and that its design minimizes rolling and wiggling. Dimensions: 16.5 x 31.5 x 4 inches | Materials: 100% organic cotton | Safety straps: Yes These Are the Amazon Prime Deals You Can Still Shop Under $50 Polyurethane foam Easiest to Clean: Bumbo Changing Pad Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Contoured/Ergonomic design No changing pad cover required Restraint belt Cons Can feel cold against baby’s skin May be outgrown quickly The Bumbo Changing Pad has a contoured and ergonomic design that makes it incredibly easy to wipe down. Parents love that they don’t even need to buy covers and that the slope and curvature of the pad make for simple, no-fuss cleanup. The Bumbo has a secure belt to keep baby safe and is soft enough to prevent too much wiggling. Parents say that their babies are so comfortable in the changing pad, though, that they feel cozy enough to hang out in it even after a change. They also say the Bumbo is attractive and durable enough to last even for multiple children. However, some do say that the pad tends to slip around a bit, so purchasing an additional nonstick pad to place underneath the Bumbo might be a good idea. Dimensions: 17.13 x 27.17 x 3.74 inches | Materials: Polyurethane | Safety straps: Yes The Best Changing Tables That Are Versatile and Functional Best for Safety: LA Baby 4 Sided Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad Courtesy of Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com Pros Four raised sides Non-skid bottom Outer cover is stain resistant/waterproof Cons Large footprint Hand-wash only If security is your main concern, the LA Baby Waterproof 4 Sided Cocoon Style Changing Pad will put your mind at ease. It has a slip-resistant base, four high contoured sides, and a safety harness with a quick release buckle, and comes with two screws to mount it even more securely. It’s also made of nontoxic, hypoallergenic material and is anti-microbial, phthalate-free, and waterproof. As with all changing pads, you should never leave your child unattended even if the pad has extra security features. Many parents also choose this changing pad because, at around 30 inches, it’s compact enough to fit some changing tables that other changing pads don’t. But while it’s affordable, some parents say it eventually started cracking or that the material wasn’t as durable as they might have liked, so it might need replacing. Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 4 inches | Materials: Vinyl cover, polyester fill | Safety straps: Yes The Best Diaper Bags to Tote Your Little One's Gear Best for Changing Tables: Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Munchkin.com Pros Safety straps Lightweight Budget-friendly Cons Pad may slide around Too small for some changing tables The Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad is one of the most affordable options on the market. It’s also received high customer ratings for its compact design that fits most dressers and typical changing tables, easily cleanable material, and ultra-secure grip base. Many parents said that this pad was easier to clean and had a better grip for wiggly babies than other pads they’d tried. One common complaint is the smell: Some say that, especially when it’s new, the Munchkin pad has that distinct changing pad chemical smell. Dimensions: 31.5 x 16.2 x 4.3 inches | Materials: Polyurethane foam, non-phthalate polyvinyl chloride, cardboard, thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polyacetel | Safety straps: Yes What Our Editors Say "The best thing about this changing pad is the gripped feet on the bottom of it that help it stay in place—a huge plus as our son got older (and squirmier!) during changes. And while most standard changing pad covers will fit the dimensions of this pad, I love how easy the material is to wipe clean after changes." —Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director Best Splurge: Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale 4.8 Buy Buy Baby View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On Potterybarnkids.com Pros Can be used as changing pad or scale Easy to clean Safety belt Cons Heavy Must be connected to app for scale use Changing pad is hard/cold We love the many different features of this durable baby changing pad, including its user-friendly app and easy upkeep. This changing pad doubles as a scale, so you can check your baby’s weight during a diaper change. While the app is required to use the scale, you don’t need the app to use the changing pad itself.We appreciate the changing pad’s easy-to-clean material, which you can wipe off with a soft, damp cloth. Plus, it has a safety belt to keep your little one secure. Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 3.5 inches | Materials: ABS plastic | Safety straps: Yes Best Portable: Skip Hop Pronto Changing Pad Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY Pros Travel-friendly Pockets for any necessities Different patterns/colors available Cons Not machine washable Doesn't fit in every diaper bag Could use more cushion Pockets for your baby’s necessities and a compact design are only a couple of reasons why we think this changing pad is ideal for traveling purposes. Whether we're stashing it in the diaper bag for a trip to the store or packing for a family vacation, we love this changing pad’s foldable design and included carrying strap.Measuring 23.5 x 21.75 inches, it’s big enough for little ones to lie on during a diaper change. While the changing pad isn’t machine washable, you can spot-clean it with mild detergent. Dimensions: 11.75 x 4 x 8.25 (closed); 23.5 x 21.75 inches (open) | Materials: Polyester | Safety straps: No Final Verdict The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad has everything you want: safety, comfort, and afforrdability. The quilted, double-layered vinyl is ultra-simple to wipe down quickly, and the high contoured sides and plush padding keep the baby comfortable and secure. The Bumbo Changing Pad is another top choice. It's perfect for parents and caregivers looking for a changing pad that’s easy to clean and doesn’t sacrifice safety. The Bumbo has a secure belt to keep the baby safe and is soft enough to prevent too much wiggling. It’s also durable enough to last for multiple children. How We Selected the Best Changing Pads We chose the best changing pads by researching reviews from customers and competitors, and by examining the features of dozens of changing pads on the market. We considered design, features, price, ease of cleaning, material, and safety when deciding our picks. We also consulted with Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MBBS, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of Buybuy Baby's Parenting Pros, and reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics to determine the safety and health criteria for this purchase. What to Look for in a Changing Pad Design A diaper-changing pad should provide comfort and safety for the little one who will spend a lot of time on it. Look for changing pads with features like a three-sided or contoured design with additional cushioning to keep babies comfortable and protect their heads. “Choose a changing pad that has a concave top part to place your baby. This not only offers some more comfort and cushioning but might provide some added security,” Dr. Orajiaka says. Waterproof Protection It’s essential to make sure the changing pad has waterproof protection because, with babies, anything (messy) can happen. Some changing pads come with a waterproof cover, or the pad itself can be easily wiped off. You just want to make sure liquid can't leak into the pad, which could cause mildew or mold. Whether the changing pad is waterproof or the cover is, double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to clean it all. “Changing areas are huge breeding areas for both viruses and bacteria. Urine and feces are considered dirty, and if not cleaned off a surface, [they] can serve as a focus for most of these bugs to continue to grow,” explains Dr. Orajiaka. “When you place a baby on an unclean surface continuously, they may not only put their skin at risk of rash or irritation, but babies also touch all surfaces they are placed on and put their hands in the mouth. This can put them at risk of also getting sick from these bugs.” Safety Straps As you’re shopping for a changing pad, look for one with safety straps, as they’re vital for keeping your baby safe during a diaper change. Many changing pads come with adjustable straps and a buckle so you can adjust to the proper size. Some changing pads also feature anchoring straps, so you can attach them to a table or dresser to ensure additional safety while changing your baby. “Safety straps are recommended. If possible, choose ones with two straps; one that adjusts to tighten around the baby and the other to secure to the table,” Dr. Orajiaka says. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best type of changing pad? The best type of changing pad is safe, comfortable, and waterproof to make diaper-changing a pleasant experience for both your baby and you. If your baby has sensitive skin, a changing pad made from hypoallergenic and nontoxic materials might be the right choice.“Fragrance-free, gentle cleaning solutions are always best for all baby items. However, every baby is different, so discussing your options with your child’s provider is best. Also, you may need to try out some before you find what works,” says Dr. Orajiaka.For families with a wiggly baby during diaper changes, a changing pad with anti-roll contours and a safety strap might be the best option. If you still have concerns about your baby rolling off, simply move the changing pad lower, Dr. Orajiaka recommends. “If possible, place the changing pad on a much lower surface such as the floor instead of a high table,” she adds. Is it worth it to buy an expensive changing pad? Until your little one becomes potty trained, they will need their diaper changed upwards of 3,500 times. So investing in a changing pad that saves you time (a pad that is easy to clean) and money (one secure enough to lay on top of any surface, meaning you can forgo buying a dedicated changing table), could be a good idea. What’s more, investing in a changing pad that stands the test of time means that you have the option of using it for more than one child.However, there are plenty of safe, comfortable and easy to clean changing pads that are also affordable, so don't feel any pressure to spend more than you want to. What do I need to look for when buying a changing pad? Before looking for a changing pad, think about where and how you are likely to use it. Does it need to be compact enough to fit on top of a changing table? Does it need to be portable? Hypoallergenic? If you are planning on using it in an elevated position—such as a changing table or dresser—a security strap is vital. If changing on the floor, anti-roll contours will be invaluable once your baby starts to become more mobile. A textured base will also prevent your changing pad from slipping around if you need to place it on a hard surface, such as a tabletop. “Changing tables make it easier for parents to change their babies (dress or diaper), but they have a higher risk of babies falling off. To prevent falls, be sure to gather all your changing supplies before you place your baby on the table, that way you will not be tempted to leave them to grab another item,” suggests Dr. Orajiaka, adding that a safety strap should always be buckled, but don’t only depend on the buckle. “Always buckle the straps while changing a baby, but don’t depend on this alone to keep your baby safe. Stay with your baby at all the time while changing and avoid distractions. When you are done changing, remove your baby from the table first and to a safer location before removing your dirty diapers or clothing.”Also take into consideration how easy it is to clean, since it may see some major messes. “With cleaning, remember to wipe off the changing pad after every use. Urine and possibly stool can seep out while changing and you may not notice. You should wipe down with [a] paper towel or baby wipes first, then with disinfectant wipes. You can also wash with soap and water if you prefer to avoid chemicals. Then air dry before next use,” explains Dr. Orajiaka. How many changing pads do I need to buy? If space and budget allow, having an extra or two might make life easier, but one changing pad is all you really need. “This depends on so many factors: Are there multiple changing stations in the home? Are there plans for travel, etc?” asks Dr. Orajiaka, explaining that “one pad can certainly work as long as it is kept clean and checked frequently for breakdown or broken pieces. For convenience, families may also decide to buy more to avoid moving changing pads from place to place.”For example, if you live in a two-story house, having one changing pad upstairs and one downstairs will be more convenient than having to navigate the stairs every time you need to change the baby. Having a separate, portable changing pad that you keep in your diaper bag is also a worthwhile investment for on-the-go diaper changes. Do changing pads come in a standard size? Changing pads differ in dimensions, with the average size being approximately 17.5 x 27.5 inches. If you have a particular spot that you are planning to keep and use your changing pad, measure the space before you buy it to ensure that it fits. If you are using your changing pad on a changing table, dresser or another elevated position and is too big, it poses a safety risk. However, you may want to ensure that your changing pad is large enough to see you through to toddlerhood. Why Trust Verywell Family Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad for her kiddo's diaper changes. She loved the changing pad's easy-to-clean material and restraint belt for extra security. 6 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Best Changing Pads 2022. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/2022/08/17/best-changing-pads/?sh=58025dde6793 13 Best Baby Changing Pads for Diaper Duty. The Bump. https://www.thebump.com/a/best-baby-changing-pads UL greenguard certification program. UL.com Seitenwerkstatt D. The Standard - worldwide leading for organic textile production - GOTS. Global-Standard.org Make baby’s room safe: parent checklist. HealthyChildren.org. Thaman LA, Eichenfield LF. Diapering habits: A global perspective. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31 Suppl 1:15-8. doi:10.1111/pde.12468 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit