- November 20, 2019
15 Diaper Changing Pads Reviewed
Finding a place to change your baby’s diapers can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you’re out and about. It’s stressful enough when you need to change your baby at home sometimes, but doing it in a public place adds a whole list of uncomfortable thoughts. How clean is the changing table at this mall or restaurant? What if there isn’t one at all, or it’s not available?
Thankfully, other smart people have thought of these issues also, and have created portable changing pads, so your baby would have the most comfortable and sanitary experience every time you need to put them in a fresh diaper.
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Researched Sources
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Reviews Considered
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Hours Researching
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Products evaluated
Bumbo Changing Pad
With an ergonomic, contoured shape that is super easy to clean, the Bumbo Changing Pad starts our list off strong. The thing that parents love most about this pad is that you don’t have to buy any extra covers as the curvature and slope of the pad make for a quick, simple cleanup. Your baby will be kept safe by the secure belt, and the pads rubbery material will keep them in place while allowing plenty of comfort.
Your baby might want to stay in the pad even after you’ve made the diaper change. Other reviews from parents say that the Bumbo is durable and robust enough to be used with multiple kids. Consecutively, we mean.
Benefits:
- Slightly sloped
- Wipe clean
- Ergonomic design
BlueSnail Bamboo Pad
In today’s shifting world, there should be a changing pad that follows the modern trends in terms of materials focused on sustainability and green living. These changing pads from BlueSnail are just that, created from a bamboo blend, which allows the pads to be absorbent and soft, yet extremely easy to care for and durable.
The pads are constructed of four layers of material, which are all highly absorbent and very soft. They are connected by quilted design, allowing air to stay trapped in the squares, which gives the pads that comfortable soft touch. Each set contains three changing pads, so it’s going to be easy always having one on hand when it gets urgent.
Benefits:
- Set of three pads
- Super absorbent
- Machine wash and dry
Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Pad
For parents on a budget, this is as good as it gets. There are no fancy features or guarantees that the pricier pad models offer, but it does the job that you need it to do at a smaller cost. It has excellent customer ratings despite its low cost, and it has a compact design, fitting most typical changing tables and dressers. It is made of a material that is easy to clean and has an extra secure grip base.
Even though it cost less than most of the competition, we’ve heard many parents say that it actually had a stronger grip, making it easier to use with babies who like to wiggle a lot and that it is easier to clean than some of the more expensive options out there.
Benefits:
- Easy to clean
- Secure straps
- Great value
Munchkin Arm and Hammer Disposable Pad
When it comes to safety and cleanliness, probably the two most important factors when changing pads are concerned, things do not get much better than the Arm and Hammer Pads from Munchkin. They are made of paper, so they are disposable, but the layers are extra absorbent and leak-proof, so any liquid will remain in the pad to be easily disposed of. All of this makes the whole process a bit more sanitary and more comfortable for your little one as well as yourself.
Changing your baby in a public space is always going to be at least a bit gross, but these pads make things a little more manageable. All you need to do is use the pads, and toss them in the garbage when you’re done.
Benefits:
- Natural protection
- Leak-proof
- Safe and sanitary
LA Baby Waterproof Contour Pad
This cocoon-style pad comes with a quick-release safety harness, and it is easy to clean with just mild soap and water. There’s a security strap as well to make it easier to fasten the pad to a changing table or dresser top. The materials used include durable foam on the inside, while the outside is covered with a layer of antimicrobial, stain-resistant waterproof material with a quilted design. It is easily cleaned and wiped off with mild soap, so it’s super easy to take care of.
The pad features four-inch high side walls keeping your baby safely in place, and the bottom is non-skid, so there’s no worry about your baby sliding off while you’re trying to change them.
Benefits:
- Sidewalls
- One-year warranty
- Waterproof cover
LA Baby Waterproof 4 Sided Cocoon Style Pad
If you are still unconvinced by the security of the previous item on the list, the people at LA Baby have created an even safer option with walls on all four sides. This changing pad will put your mind at ease with everything the previous one had to offer, including a quick-release safety harness and a slip-resistant base, as well as two new walls, and a couple of screws to secure it to whatever surface you want to use.
The nontoxic waterproof material that it is covered with is phthalate-free, anti-microbial, and hypoallergenic. Your baby will be less fussy, feeling safe and cradled in the 4-sided cocoon, which will prevent them from toppling over.
Benefits:
- Security harness and safety strap
- Non-skid bottom
SnoofyBee Portable Clean Hands Pad
This unique product is made in a particular way, so it works differently from other changing pads. It is adjustable in terms of shape, so it works as a barrier as well and packs neatly into a wallet-shaped form. We all know diaper changes are a challenge even without your baby fidgeting and trying to reach everything around them, including your face.
This highly portable changing station takes care of that problem by allowing you to fold up the sides, thus creating a barrier that you can hang toys onto, giving your little one something to do while you change their diaper. The foldable pad easily packs down afterward, and you can put it in your purse with ease.
Benefits:
- Large surface, small volume
- Highly portable
- Unique
Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer
One of the most popular changing pads available comes from Keekaroo, and it is called the Peanut Diaper Changer. It’s a bit expensive compared to most of the other products on this list, but we reckon it is well worth the investment since it is built to last and very convenient. There’s a wide selection of colors like vanilla, grey, raspberry, or aqua, so you can pick the one that suits you best.
One of the main reasons we’re not hesitant to recommend this changer despite its somewhat hefty price-tag is the fact that the manufacturer offers a five-year warranty, which is quite surprising because you would be using it for way shorter than that, at least with one kid.
Benefits:
- Made to last
- Liquid resistant
- Five-year warranty
Colgate 2-Sided Contour Pad
Here’s another simple and capable pad that will take any flat surface you have around you and turn it into a perfect changing station for your little one. The Colgate 2-Sided Waterproof pad will provide you with a secure and comfortable diaper changing area you can use in any occasion. It has ridges on both sides and consists of an inner board and a soft white cover, which is quite easy to clean using some mild soap and a simple damp cloth.
It also has a safety strap to keep your baby in place while you get the job done. Parents everywhere love this changing pad, primarily due to the non-toxic materials that were used to make it, and a safety rating well above government requirements.
Benefits:
- Easy to clean
- Waterproof
Naturepedic Organic Cotton 4-Sided Contoured Pad
Another eco-friendly changing pad comes from Naturepedic, in the form of their Organic Cotton Contoured Changing Pad, which admittedly has a higher price than most other pads in this class, but because you know that it was responsibly produced and that no harmful materials will come in contact with your baby, you can enjoy the peace of mind.
Made with all non-toxic materials, such as food-grade polyethylene and organic cotton, this pad is all-natural. The cloth is non-dyed and contains no bleach, and the padding is hypoallergenic. If you’re an eco-friendly parent, you will not be disappointed with this changing station.
Benefits:
- Organic
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
MAMAN Portable Changing Pad Station
Specially designed with traveling with children in mind, this product hopes to achieve the practicality of an entire changing station while maintaining the portability of a changing pad. You can fold it into a small pouch with zipper pockets you can use to put some items like keys, phones or wallets, so it acts like a purse as well. There’s also a mesh pocket inside that can hold diapers, up to four large ones in fact, and you can put creams and wipes into another zipper pocket inside.
When you unfold this cool purse, you’ll see that it turns into an easy-to-clean, padded and waterproof changing pad that even has a built-in pillow to support and cradle your little one’s head safely.
Benefits:
- Incredible practicality in a small package
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Great look
OBloved Disposable Changing Pads (20 pack)
These changing pads may look uninspired and straightforward in terms of design, but they are actually premium changing pads that can do an excellent job protecting your baby from any bacteria while keeping whatever surface you choose to use clean and dry. There might be some more advanced pads on the market in terms of looks, but these disposable pads have highly absorbent lining and will keep any unwanted liquids from reaching the surface below.
The back sheet is waterproof, so leaks and spills will be contained, and the top layer is entirely safe due to its hypoallergenic, skin-friendly, latex-free surface. The best thing about them is that they are disposable, so all you need to do is throw them out when you’re done, just don’t forget to pick up your baby first.
Benefits:
- Skin-friendly
- Deceptively simple
Skip Hop Changing Pad (Nursery Style)
This Nursery Style Changing Pad from Skip Hop is another simple yet surprisingly effective product on this list. It is one of our personal favorites due to its ergonomic and efficient design, as well as a smaller size that makes it usable in almost any situation.
The small size might be a problem for some parents, however, since there are plenty of people who prefer to have more room when changing their babies’ diapers. For us, though, the added portability and usability that the small size provides makes up for the lack of space. The baby safety harness on this pad reaches entirely around, so there are no holes on the top of the pad itself, preventing leaks.
Benefits:
- Non-skid
- BPA-free
PooPoose Wiggle Free Diaper Pad
This great changing pad has raised sides so you don’t ever have to worry about your baby rolling off to the side, no matter how much they may want to. The pad will keep them in the central position gently but securely, so you can get your kid clean in a matter of seconds. Your baby will be held on the pad gently by a broad and soft strap, so you can safely turn around and reach for whatever you need during the process with your little one held firmly in place.
The PooPoose Wiggle Free was designed by doctors and medical-grade, as well as recyclable food-grade materials, were used to make it. All of the materials are completely non-toxic, and the pad fits most standard-size changing tables.
Benefits:
- Recyclable materials
- Designed by doctors
- Velcro harness
Sealy Baby Soybean Contoured Pad
With this changing pad, you can have a comfy yet secure diaper changing station for your baby. This pad features premium soybean enhanced foam that contains natural soy oils instead of crude oils for a greener changing surface. The soybeans used are grown in the USA, and the foam is comfortable, durable, and firm.
The PVC-free cover and lock-stitched binding offer waterproof protection and help prevent liquids from seeping inside for easy cleaning and a fresher changing pad. The contoured edges and three-sided design will protect your baby from rolling over and keep them secure and snug, while the built-in cushion will protect their head. Extra safety is provided by the restraint belt that can accommodate your baby’s growth as it is easily adjustable.
Benefits:
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Eco-friendly
How to Choose the Right Changing Pad?
There are so many options when it comes to baby changing pads, both in terms of quality and in terms of the price range. It’s essential to consider your budget first, as you may be able to find a changing pad that offers excellent value for a fraction of the price of a high-end model.
We suggest splitting your budget roughly down the middle and considering two changing pads since that is going to make your life that much easier. If you have a pad that was designed strictly for travel, and one that is going to stay at home at all times, things are going to be a lot simpler for you in the diaper changing department.
A washable and portable changing pad that either acts as or stores into a diaper bag would be our recommendation for those on-the-go occasions. The benefits and features of each product need to be considered before making any purchases, as with any product, so after you’ve determined your budget, look at safety features, materials, portability, style, and other factors to make your selection.
There is not a right or wrong answer here since the one you pick is going to depend on your personal situation and lifestyle.
Criteria We Used
Safety
You knew this was coming if you’ve read our lists and blog posts before. We value safety much here at Funtastic Toy, and of course, diaper changing pads are no exception. They come in contact with your little one’s delicate skin directly, so we’ve made extra sure that there aren’t any toxic or harmful chemicals in the pads we suggested here.
Size
It might have been tempting to keep things simple and list a bunch of pads that fall within the standard size, but that would leave you, our readers, at a disadvantage. Not everybody’s changing station or surface is the same, and that’s why we’ve given you a wide selection of sizes to choose from.
If you’re going for a portable pad, we choose picking one that’s a bit on the small side, since there’s a higher chance of it fitting wherever you need it to, even if the lack of space might prove a bit inconvenient. For your home, measure your changing station and select a pad that matches those measurements.
FAQ
Do I need a changing table at my house?
Not necessarily. Although it could make things a lot more convenient in the long run, some people are working with tighter budgets and not a lot of space in their homes, so we maintain that a dedicated changing table is not necessary.
A dresser can be easily repurposed into a changing table – all you need to do is put a changing pad on top and voila! Some portable playmats have a changer option so you could use that as well, or just put the changing pad on the couch, bed or floor.
How important is comfort?
Even though it may not seem like the essential factor in your decision of which pad to buy, because you don’t think your baby will be spending that much time lying on one, we believe comfort should be taken into consideration.
Babies are still developing, making them fragile and vulnerable, so you want a pad that is going to provide the best support while keeping your baby comfortable and safe.
Conclusion
We are well aware that finding the right diaper changing pad for your little one can be an arduous task. That’s why we made this list in the first place, and we’re hoping it will make the quest easier for you. Any good parent will look long and hard to find products that will keep their baby warm and safe, protecting their health and well-being. Hopefully, thanks to this list, you don’t have to look as long and as hard anymore, since the fifteen best changing pads on the market are here in front of you. All you need to do is make your choice.
Catherine is a writer from Canada who simply loves toys, collectibles and superhero figurines. Writing is her passion, but she also loves reading, enjoying her “me time” and finding new ways to improve her work and ways to entertain the readers.
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