The 6 Best Changing Pads of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Summer Contoured Changing Pad at Amazon

There’s a security strap underneath to keep the pad steady on a sturdy changing table as well as a strap for your wiggly baby.

Best for Dresser:

Keekaroo Peanut Changer at Amazon

Stays put so well that it can be used on a dresser or regular table without having to purchase an extra changing table.

Best Organic:

Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad at Amazon

Free of phthalates, formaldehyde, GMOS, latex, soy, vinyl, polyurethane foam, and flame retardants.

Easy to Clean:

Bumbo Changing Pad at Amazon

The Bumbo has a secure belt to keep baby safe and is soft enough to prevent too much wiggling.

Best for Safety:

LA Baby Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad at Amazon

Has a slip-resistant base, four high contoured sides, and a safety harness.

Best for Changing Tables:

Munchkin Secure Grip Diaper Changing Pad at Amazon

High customer ratings for its compact design that fits most dressers.

The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad 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 change.

Parents love that the material of the Summer Infant changing pad is lightweight but sturdy and that the pad didn’t have the familiar chemical smell of many other models on the market. Universal disposable covers fit the Summer Infant pad well, and it stays put on nearly any typical changing table.

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.

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.

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”, and your purchase includes a one-year warranty. Parents say it’s long-lasting and durable, and that its design minimizes rolling and wiggling.

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.

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.

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.

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

Final Verdict

If you’re in the market for a changing pad, the Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad (view at Walmart) has everything you want: safety, comfortability, and budget-friendly. The quilted, double-layered vinyl is ultra-simple to wipe down quickly, and the high contoured sides and plush
padding keeps the baby comfortable and secure.

The Bumbo Changing Pad (view at Amazon) is 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.

What to Look for in a Changing Pad

Design

When it comes to buying a changing pad, many parents and caregivers want a pad that will provide comfort and safety to their little ones. Look for changing pads with features like a three-sided or contoured design with additional cushioning to keep babies comfortable and protect their heads.

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 changing pad itself can be easily wiped off. You just want to make sure you’re preventing liquid from leaking into the pad to avoid mildew or mold from setting in.

Safety Straps

As you’re shopping for a changing pad, look for one with safety straps as they’re a vital piece in 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.

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 topics ranging from local and national news as well as writing and researching for parenting content. Katrina is a parent herself and has a passion for helping parents and caregivers through writing.

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