What’s a mom’s least favorite job? Most of the time, it’s diaper duty. Choosing the right changing pad can make the process as easy and as sanitary as possible.
Considering that babies often need a dozen fresh diapers in a day, a good changing pad can be a mom’s best friend.
Changing pads have come a long way from the simple quilted pads that our grandmothers used. Today we have ones that are used on top of a changing table, usually structured to hold baby in place.
Then there are pads for on-the-go use that fold into stylish clutches. Simpler models are still around, however, and are useful in a variety of circumstances.
Here is a preview of some of the best changing pads.
Our Top Picks
- Free App. Owners of the Hatch Baby Grow can download the associated app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- Easily Share Information. The baby's data can be easily shared among parents and caregivers by using the app.
- Good for Multiples. Parents of twins and multiples can use the setup to track more than one baby.
- Accurate Weight. According to the manufacturer, the device is accurate to within a quarter of an ounce when measuring feedings.
- Standard Size. The Hatch Baby Grow fits standard changing tables.
- Easy to Clean. With no cover and a surface that can be wiped clean, the Hatch Baby Grow won't add to your laundry.
- Low Emissions. The device uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which uses a hundredth of the energy of regular Bluetooth, meaning that baby is not exposed to any significant level of radio emissions.
- Low Battery Indicator. A light lets you know when the batteries are running low, so you won't have any interruption of data collection.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you are not satisfied, you can return your product to Hatch for a full refund, minus shipping charges.
- Sanitary. The LA Baby 4-Sided Changing Table is anti-microbial, dust mite proof, hypoallergenic and meets all Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
- Certified Safe. L.A. Baby is a member of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association, and its products meet all industry standards.
- Easy to Clean. The vinyl cover can be wiped with soap and water.
- Can Use Other Covers. If you want a cover that can be laundered, many of the covers from other manufacturers will fit this pad.
- Safety Strap. The strap around the middle holds baby in place and has an easy-release buckle.
- Security Strap. The pad can be attached to the table with two straps.
- Choice of Sizes. This changing table is available in two different sizes to fit your space.
- Affordable. This is a moderately priced changing pad.
- Warranty. Products come with a one-year warranty.
- Portable. The JJ Cole Changing Clutch is designed for on-the-go diaper changes.
- Generously Sized. The changing pad will fit larger babies and works well with commercial changing stations.
- Great for Quick Trips. The changing clutch can substitute for a diaper bag for quick trips.
- Good-Looking. This changing clutch is available in a number of good looks.
- Easy to Clean. The pad can be cleaned with a baby wipe or with soap and water.
- Affordable. This item is moderately priced as diaper clutches go.
- Free App. Owners of the Hatch Baby Grow can download the associated app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- Easily Share Information. The baby's data can be easily shared among parents and caregivers by using the app.
- Good for Multiples. Parents of twins and multiples can use the setup to track more than one baby.
- Accurate Weight. According to the manufacturer, the device is accurate to within a quarter of an ounce when measuring feedings.
- Standard Size. The Hatch Baby Grow fits standard changing tables.
- Easy to Clean. With no cover and a surface that can be wiped clean, the Hatch Baby Grow won't add to your laundry.
- Low Emissions. The device uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which uses a hundredth of the energy of regular Bluetooth, meaning that baby is not exposed to any significant level of radio emissions.
- Low Battery Indicator. A light lets you know when the batteries are running low, so you won't have any interruption of data collection.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you are not satisfied, you can return your product to Hatch for a full refund, minus shipping charges.
- Sanitary. The LA Baby 4-Sided Changing Table is anti-microbial, dust mite proof, hypoallergenic and meets all Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
- Certified Safe. L.A. Baby is a member of the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association, and its products meet all industry standards.
- Easy to Clean. The vinyl cover can be wiped with soap and water.
- Can Use Other Covers. If you want a cover that can be laundered, many of the covers from other manufacturers will fit this pad.
- Safety Strap. The strap around the middle holds baby in place and has an easy-release buckle.
- Security Strap. The pad can be attached to the table with two straps.
- Choice of Sizes. This changing table is available in two different sizes to fit your space.
- Affordable. This is a moderately priced changing pad.
- Warranty. Products come with a one-year warranty.
- Portable. The JJ Cole Changing Clutch is designed for on-the-go diaper changes.
- Generously Sized. The changing pad will fit larger babies and works well with commercial changing stations.
- Great for Quick Trips. The changing clutch can substitute for a diaper bag for quick trips.
- Good-Looking. This changing clutch is available in a number of good looks.
- Easy to Clean. The pad can be cleaned with a baby wipe or with soap and water.
- Affordable. This item is moderately priced as diaper clutches go.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
What to Look for in a Changing Pad
Moms should look for three qualities in a changing pad: safety, comfort and ease of cleaning.
Safety is an important consideration with changing pads that are meant for use on a changing table. These changing pads should have a belt to restrain baby.
They should also have skid-proof bottoms or straps to hold the pad in place. Some also have high sides that help keep baby contained.
Comfort is also important, since baby is less likely to cry or fight the diaper change if placed on a changing pad that is soft and warm.
Ease of cleaning is important for all changing pads. Some are made of vinyl and can easily be cleaned with a baby wipe. Others are made of fabric and can be tossed in the washing machine.
Changing Diapers at Home
Unless you are a true globetrotter, you’ll be changing most of your baby’s diapers at home. There are two basic schools of thought about where to change diapers at home.
Some people like to have a changing table, usually located in the nursery. Some moms spring for a commercial model; others re-purpose a desk, table or low chest.
Typically changing tables are equipped with a foam changing pad, usually a structured one that helps to keep baby both corralled and comfy during diaper changes.
The advantage of this method is that everything is kept in one location. Moms who like to have everything nicely organized may opt for this method.
Changing supplies are usually stashed in the changing table, and the diaper pail is usually placed adjacent. Baby’s clothes can be stored nearby, for ease when a clean outfit is called for.
Another advantage of a changing table is that you don’t have to stoop or bend to do the job. This is a great advantage for moms who have back issues or who are recovering from C-sections. Grandmothers who come to help out are likely to appreciate the convenient height of a regular changing table.
Some moms are not fans of changing tables. They prefer to change their baby where ever they happen to be when the need arises.
These moms usually opt for a flat changing pad rather than a structured one and use a bed, couch or the floor for the job. They may have changing pads and diapering supplies in several places around the house.
The advantage of this method is that you don’t have to go to the room where the changing table is located for every change.
That may sound like a small matter, but when you are a new mom, saving a few steps can really make a difference. This is especially true if you live in a two-story house.
Skipping the changing table also means that you don’t have the expense of buying a special piece of furniture or the problem of making room for yet another piece of baby equipment.
Changing Table Safety
Every year several thousand babies are injured in falls from changing tables. Because of the height of the typical changing table, such falls can be serious.
Diaper changes can be risky for babies because their caregivers are juggling so many items – dirty diaper, clean diaper, wipes, diaper cream and baby’s clothing. In addition, they may be trying to contain a poopy mess.
If you choose to use a changing table, you should never leave your baby unattended. You should always use the safety belt. Also, it’s best to keep one hand on your baby at all times. Learn more about guidelines for changing table safety.
Changing Diapers on the Move
Poo and pee happen on the road, too, so you’ll be changing baby’s diaper in a variety of places. Public places often have a changing station, but often they look grimy and germy. Most moms want to use their own pad under baby when using public changing stations.
For friends’ homes, parks and the many other places that don’t have changing stations, you will definitely need a portable changing pad.
Many diaper bags come with changing pads, but the pads are often small. In addition, when they become stained, moms must remember to take them out, launder them and replace them.
For this reason, some moms opt for disposable pads. Others like to carry a separate changing pad. Today there are changing pads that fold up into a fashionable clutch. Most can be carried on their own, snapped onto a stroller or slipped into a diaper bag.
Keep It Clean
Besides protecting underlying surfaces from pee and poop, one of the purposes of a changing pad is to protect baby from nasty surfaces.
This function is most needed, of course, when baby is away from home. When using baby changing stations in public places, you’ll want a pad that is large enough to keep baby from touching the surface of the changing station.
Many of the best designed portable diaper pads are flawed, however, in the way they must be folded. Almost always they are folded so that the bottom side, which touched the possibly germy surface, comes in contact with the side that touches baby.
The next time the pad is used, baby’s side is no longer sanitary. And even if the pad is not used again, the outer, possibly germy surface will touch a lot of other things that will come into contact with baby.
Moms who aren’t too concerned about germs may not let this issue trouble them. Moms who are concerned may opt for disposable pads.
There are also pads with two waterproof sides that can be easily wiped down on both sides. Some moms opt for pads that can be put in a plastic bag and then thrown in the washer when you get home.
With all of these factors in mind, let’s take a look at a dozen top changing pads and see how they measure up!
Best Changing Pads
Hatch Baby Grow Changing Pad and Scale
You track your baby’s progress through an app that works on Apple products (IOS 9 or higher) and Android products (KitKat or higher). The scale wirelessly syncs with your device to log baby’s progress.
In order to calculate milk intake, you will need to put your baby on the pad both before and after feeding. The device also registers each diaper change that is done on the pad. Moms can manually enter other information, such as length and sleep times.
Made of a polyurethane foam with a plastic base and a safety strap, the Hatch Baby Grow works well as a basic changing pad, too.
It is gently scooped out to keep baby secure and has a sleek, attractive appearance. It can be cleaned with a baby wipe or damp cloth. Babies up to 44 pounds can use the Hatch Grow. This product was dreamed up by a husband-wife team.
Cons: The name comes from its shape, which is a bit wider at the top and bottom, to accommodate baby’s waving arms and wiggly legs. Keekaroo was founded by Tim Bergeron, a dad whose mission was to create therapeutic products for children with special needs. Bergeron realized that many children could benefit from the technology he used to create comfortable products. Keekaroo products are made in the United States. The Peanut comes in a choice of several colors. Cons: The L.A. Baby brand was founded in 1995. All products are assembled in the United States from domestic and imported materials. Cons: This type of pad isn’t such a tight fit for growing babies. With a smooth, waterproof surface, the Munchkin pad does not require a cover, but most standard-sized covers will fit. Munchkin is a company founded in 1991 and based in Los Angeles. It prides itself on innovative designs that make life easier and better for parents. The Secure Grip pad is made of polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride (non-phthalate), paper cardboard, thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene and polyacetal. It is made in China. Cons: And instead of being attached at the sides of the pad, a method which gives babies wiggle room, the belt comes from the middle of the pad and attaches snugly around baby’s waist. The PooPoose is the brainchild of a Dana Fort, a dentist and mother, and her husband Brian, an emergency room physician. The two were facing the challenge of diapering their wiggly daughter when Dana thought of the papoose board that is used to immobilize children during medical and dental procedures. That was her inspiration for the PooPoose. The PooPoose is assembled in the United States. Cons: Two interior pockets hold diapers and wipes, and an exterior pocket can hold personal items such as keys and phone. The Skip Hop Pronto comes with its own translucent wipe container. Once the Skip Hop Pronto is opened up, you can leave the clutch and the diaper changing pad attached, or you can zip them apart. There’s a wrist strap for easier carrying, or the Pronto can be attached to a stroller or dropped into a larger bag. The changing pad itself is about 22 X 24 inches. It’s a neat and attractive solution to diaper changes on the road. Skip Hop started with a diaper bag designed by a young couple and has grown into a global brand. Based in NewYork, the company strives to combine “modern design and true functionality,” according to its website. Cons: The pockets are on the interior, right next to where baby would lie, and they are elasticized rather than being closed with zippers or other fasteners. This feature makes it easier for moms to get out supplies while using one hand to secure baby. The size of the opened mat is a g
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
L.A. Baby 4-Sided Changing Pad
Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad
Summer Contoured Changing Pad
Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station
JJ Cole Changing Clutch
