What is the best type of changing pad?

The best type of changing pad is safe, comfortable, and has a waterproof cover to make diaper-changing a pleasant experience for both your baby you. If your baby has sensitive skin, a changing pad made from hypoallergenic and nontoxic materials might be the right choice. Or, if your baby is prone to wriggling around during diaper changes, a changing pad with anti-roll contours and a safety strap might be the best option.

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. Having their diaper changed should also be comfortable experience for your baby, so think about how padded the changing mat is. Also take into consideration how easy it is to clean, since it may see some major messes.

How many changing pads do I need to buy?

One changing pad is enough. But if space and budget allow, having an extra or two might make life easier. 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.

The 6 Best Changing Pads of 2022

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

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.

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 security 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.

Here, 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

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.

Easiest 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 diaper 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.

LA Baby 4 Sided Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

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

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 keep the baby comfortable and secure.

The Bumbo Changing Pad (view at Amazon) 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.

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.

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, so you avoid mildew or mold.

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 baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of changing pad?

The best type of changing pad is safe, comfortable, and has a waterproof cover to make diaper-changing a pleasant experience for both your baby you.
If your baby has sensitive skin, a changing pad made from hypoallergenic and nontoxic materials might be the right choice. Or, if your baby is prone to wriggling around during diaper changes, a changing pad with anti-roll contours and a safety strap might be the best option.
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.
Having their diaper changed should also be comfortable experience for your baby, so think about how padded the changing mat is. Also take into consideration how easy it is to clean, since it may see some major messes.
How many changing pads do I need to buy?

One changing pad is enough. But if space and budget allow, having an extra or two might make life easier. 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 has a passion for helping parents and caregivers through writing.

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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.

Thaman LA, Eichenfield LF. Diapering habits: A global perspective. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31 Suppl 1:15-8. doi:10.1111/pde.12468

The 6 Best Changing Pads of 2022

Change your baby's diaper with ease

Best Overall: Summer Contoured Changing Pad

Best for Dresser: Keekaroo Peanut Changer

Best Organic: Naturepedic Organic Contoured Changing Pad for Changing Table

Easiest to Clean: Bumbo Changing Pad

Best for Safety: LA Baby 4 Sided Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

Best for Changing Tables: Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

What Our Editors Say