Babies always seem to have the worst timing so parents don’t always have the luxury of patience. They have to change their baby right then and there, but there’s not always a surface. It can be a really awful situation. That’s why finding the best changing pads can be a life-changing decision for new parents!
The problem is that a lot of new parents overlook the importance of having a dedicated space for changing diapers. This guide will list the best portable changing pads and where to find them. Let’s get started.
I chose a few stationary (at-home) and portable changing pads (for adventures outside of the home) for you.
Speaking of, before you even think of changing diapers do yourself a favor and get a Diaper Genie or Dekor Classic. We didn’t think we needed it until we quickly realized it’s a life-changing thing. Especially in the hot summer!
How to Choose the Best Changing Pads For Babies
There are several factors that you must consider when choosing a changing pad. Always keep the following in mind when choosing.
- The portability of the changing pad is important because you’ll be carrying it around. You don’t want a pad that’s difficult to carry. Even around the house to be honest.
- Changing pads must be secure so pay attention to the design of the straps when making this important decision.
- Some pads are designed to not have straps. If that’s the case, then make sure it’s designed with a non-skid surface so that the baby doesn’t slide off.
- If your baby likes to move around a lot while being changed, then you will need to invest in a changing pad with belts for added security.
- Changing pads need to be waterproof just in case of an accident while changing. This happens more than you might think!
Keeping that in mind, let’s look at some of the best portable changing pads.
Stationary Changing Pads
1. Summer Infant (Top overall)
Dimensions: 32 x 16 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 2.1 pounds
Material: PEVA Vinyl
This is one of the top changing pads. Parents will get their money’s worth out of it.
Its contoured sides and amazingly easy-to-release safety belt will make sure your baby doesn’t roll off.
The bottom of the pad comes equipped with a security strap that secures it to the changing table. But the best feature is its vinyl coating and foam pad, which makes this unit super easy to clean.
Note: This pad is super popular and often unavailable, but Munchkin is very similar.
Summer Infant Changing Pad – Top Overall
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2. Hatch Baby Changing Pad (Luxury pad with a scale)
Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 7.5 pounds
Material: ABS Plastic
An award-winning changing pad on the list, the Hatch Baby changing pad utilizes the latest technology and designs to create maximum comfort for your baby.
It features a wireless scale that’s “smart” and tracks your baby’s weight. This system syncs with a free app that provides you with a lot of details pertaining to your baby.
Of course, it’s also built with amazing foam that’s comfortable and easy to clean. Its sleek design is also highly secure.
Hatch Baby Changing Pad – Luxury pad with a scale
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3. LA Baby Changing Pad (Budget friendly)
Dimensions: 30 x 16 x 4 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Material: Waterproof, phthalate-free fabric
This waterproof pad uses a four-sided contoured design that is built with a safety-first approach and gives the baby comfort. A non-skid surface keeps even fussy babies safe.
Furthermore, the material used is easy to clean. The only downside is that its design it’s a tiny bit shorter than most pads.
LA Baby Changing Pad – Budget-friendly
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4. Skip Hop Changing Pad (most entertaining)
Dimensions: 31.51 x 18.25 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: 100% foam
In addition to its comfortable and secure design, the Skip Hop adds another amazing benefit – a toy bar that active bubs are sure to love!
The foam pad is very easy to clean and provides tremendous comfort. Finally, the Skip Hop is large enough to allow for quite a bit of growth.
Skip Hop Changing Pad (most entertaining)
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5. Colgate Contoured Pad (for bigger babies)
Dimensions: 33 x 16 x 4 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Material: Hypoallergenic, phthalate-free foam
This changing pad is a great choice for longer babies due to its 33-inch design. This adds three inches to most designs.
It also includes a highly secure strap that allows it to be attached to just about any surface. This changing pad is built with hypoallergenic material and easy to clean.
It’s also not treated with any toxic flame retardants.
Colgate Contoured Pad – For taller babies
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Portable Changing Pads
Why buy an on-the-go changing pad? Simply because lots of public changing tables are cold, dirty, or hard.
I would stay away from soft and cutesy material ones. They’re adorable, but not very practical.
I have one from Kate Quinn (one of the organic cotton ones – love the company, just not their pads) and while it looks cute one stain and it needs a wash. Poop-splosion and you’re done for the day.
I recommend those you can wipe down in case of an accident.
1. Blue Snail Changing Pad (Ultra-light)
Dimensions: 13 x 27″
Weight: 0.6 ounces
Material: Lightweight waterproof cushioned material
The next on our list of the best portable changing pads is the Blue Snail. Its design is super slick and incorporates absorbent materials, making it easy for accidents.
This pad also comes packed with 3 others so parents can swap while the other is in the wash.
Blue Snail Changing Pad – Ultra-light
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2. Skip Hop Changing Station (Very practical)
Dimensions: 11.74 x 8.25 x 4 inches
Weight: 12 ounces
Material: Phthalate-free polyster and PU foam
This changing pad delivers with an amazingly-attractive changing pad that comes loaded with a ton of amazing features.
These features include a built-in pillow, pocket that carries essential items, and materials that are easy to clean.
It’s one of the most affordable changing stations on the market and delivers on its promises!
Skip Hop Changing Station – Very practical
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3. SnoofyBee (For busy babies)
Dimensions: 26 x 27 x 0.25 inches
Weight: 10 ounces
Material: Foam & fabric
This is one of the best portable changing pads on the market. Its wiggle-proof design is matched with an adjustable strap that will secure babies that love to wiggle when being changed.
Plus, they have something to do and you won’t get their hands covered in poop.
SnoofyBee – For busy babies
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4. Baby Fefe Changing Pad (All in one)
Dimensions: 11.5 x 8″
Weight: 1 lbs
Material: 100% polyester
There was never a more complete portable changing pad than the Baby Fefe lightweight travel diaper station.
It can be changed into a diaper holder or even toy storage for changing.
There’s a large built-in pillow to make sure the little one’s head is cushioned at all times.
Plus the cushioned pad has a waterproof polyester liner that is machine washable. And the pad is lightweight enough to clip onto your hand or the stroller.
Baby Fefe Changing Pad – Budget-friendly
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5. Tactical Gear (Backpacks with Built-in Changing Pad)
Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 8 inches
Material: Nylon surface and foam padding
This is one the dads will love! Moms too! There have been requests for the bag to be made in pink, but no luck yet.
The military-grade diaper backpack features a built-in removable Tactical Changing Mat with an easy-clean nylon surface and foam padding.
The backpack is made using 600D tactical polyester and has heavy-duty zippers. Plus, there’s enough space for your child’s things as well as yours.
It’s especially good for long hours on the road or for flights.
Tactical Gear – Backpacks with Built-in Changing Pad
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Items Can I Store In the Changing Pad?
It depends on personal preference and the design of the changing pad. The more items you put into the changing pad, the bulkier it will become so there’s a point when it loses portability.
I recommend that you store small, flat items in your portable pad. These types of items aren’t bulky but they do add weight to it. Veteran parents limit it to pads and diapers.
What’s the Lifespan of a Baby Changing Pad?
It depends on the growth of your baby so here are some things to watch out for. If your baby becomes too long for the changing pad, then you will need to stop using it and upgrade.
Another sign is when your baby starts to roll. At this point, you need to use the changing pad on the ground so they don’t accidentally roll off it.
How Do I Clean a Portable Changing Pad?
Most designs are designed in a way so that they can be easily wiped clean with soap and water. In some cases, you might need to replace the pad or wash it to ensure that the surface remains sanitary.
Do All Covers Fit All Changing Pads?
No. Since changing pads come in a lot of different sizes, you’ll need to read through the pad’s instructions to determine what covers work best. You can also check the measurements to find the right fit.
A lot of new parents will look at portable changing pads as an unnecessary investment, but it’s a life-changer for most people. Of course, as with all things baby-related, your choice will depend on the individual needs of your baby.
Changing pads and babies both come in so many different sizes that you’ll probably have to put in some research to find the best portable changing pad.
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