Every parent has a list of essentials they will need once their little one arrives. Diapering products such as baby changing pads are near the top of this list and are especially important. If you have a baby on the way, you need to prepare for changing at least eight, if not twelve or more diapers throughout the day.
For this reason, you will need a designated diaper-changing area that’s easy to clean in order to protect your baby’s skin and comfortable to keep your baby happy and secure whilst you change a diaper. In addition to simply being comfortable, the best changing pad is also completely waterproof. In case of messes, an easy-to-clean pad is essential to make sure changing time is minimized and to make sure that your little one doesn’t develop a rash.
Read on for tips on how to choose the best changing pads for you and your baby, as well as our top choices for the best changing pads.
Top 4 Best Baby Changing Pad – Comparison
What Are The Features of the Best Changing Pad?
Your diaper changing pad should feature all the essentials to make the changing process smooth and carefree for both your baby and you. Below are the most important elements to look for when purchasing.
Waterproof protection
More than anything, your changing pad needs a waterproof surface that’s impermeable, easy to clean, and easily sanitized. We know how messy diaper changing can be and a waterproof cover enormously helps with this process. These covers keep the pad safe from liquids permeating the foam, which is unsanitary and can cause fungal growth. Your changing pad may also come with a changing pad cover that offers added comfort for your child and can be removed for washing.
Comfort
Without a doubt, the baby must be comfortable during diaper changes, for both your sake and theirs. This will ensure the changing process is both smooth and quick. A changing pad with supportive foam can help with providing comfort, soft and durable your baby should feel secure and comfortable. A soft plush cover, which can be washed when needed, also adds to your baby’s comfort. Some changing pads feature foam made from soybean oil, which offers a more natural option while still retaining optimal comfort.
Contoured design
Contoured changing pads offer an additional level of comfort for your child and can help keep baby feeling more secure while they are being changed. Some pads have two contoured sides and some have three or four to completely surround your baby, these can be quite useful, as an extra side can provide a soft cushioned space for your little one’s head. Contoured designs also keep the baby from rolling during changing time, an added advantage for safety-conscious parents. Most changing pad covers can also accommodate this contoured design.
Safety straps
There are two types of safety straps that might come with your changing pad, one set of anchoring straps to attach the pad onto diaper changing tables to keep it secure and another set that can fasten over your baby as an additional safety measure. You should always keep one hand on your baby whilst changing diapers, but the strap offers you a little extra security in case your baby rolls or makes a sudden movement when you are distracted while reaching for your supplies.
Best Baby Changing Pads: Contoured
Contoured changing pads provide a stable, curved surface to contain your baby during diaper changes. Sloped or straight sides keep your active child from rolling over or slipping off the changing pad or table. They also provide comfort and stability to allow for a quick and easy diaper change.
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
This contoured changing pad is an excellent addition to your home. It does not require a cover and is completely waterproof, making cleanup a breeze. The ergonomic design of the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is shaped like a peanut and comfortable for little ones while keeping them securely on the changing table. It is available in a range of colors to enhance any style of home.
Health-minded parents can rest at ease, this changing pad is free of latex, BPA, phthalates, and PVC. A solid choice for your changing pad purchase, this pad deservedly won an award from The Bump’s Best of Baby contest.
Munchkin Waterproof
This basic contoured changing pad is another solid choice for expecting parents. Featuring curved sides and safety straps to keep the baby securely on the pad and stop rolling, its Munchkin secure grip also easily attaches to your changing table ensuring it will not move about during changing. Lightweight yet durable, it has a unisex design and is compatible with most changing stations. It is also easy to wipe clean and sanitize.
PooPoose Wiggle Free Diaper Changing Pad
The PooPoose changing pad is a great option when your priority is security. The contoured sides and the addition of an adjustable strap designed like a swaddle, to provide physical and psychological comfort for your child from newborn to toddler by making them feel secure. The wiggle-free strap is also adjustable, removable, and machine washable.
Easy and quick to wipe down and keep clean, this pad is completely non-toxic and a good choice for health-conscious parents. Its polyethylene foam is environmentally friendly and recyclable, providing an easy method of disposal when your little one has outgrown the diaper phase.
Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
If you need an affordable but high-quality contoured changing pad, the Summer Infant Contoured pad is the way to go. As its name suggests, its sides are contoured to safely prevent your baby from rolling towards the edge.
It also features multiple straps, one bottom strap can be attached to the changing table for security, the other is a quick release safety belt that wraps around the child. The quilted double layered PEVA vinyl is attractive yet comfortable for babies and makes the cleanup of this no-mess pad a breeze. The foam filling is soft and very durable.
LA Baby Countoured Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad
This white contoured changing pad has an attractive quilted top as well as an integrated harness with a quick-release buckle for safety. The non-skid bottom prevents the pad from moving during changing and also features a safety strap to fasten the pad to your dresser or changing table.
The cover is PVC and phthalate-free, non-toxic, stain-resistant, and waterproof, it also has a dust mite barrier and can be easily cleaned using mild soap and water. It comes in a two-sided and a four-sided design to suit your space and needs.
Best Baby Changing Pads: Portable
These portable changing pads are perfect for on the go or when traveling out of town. They make packing a breeze and guarantee you always have a clean place to change your baby.
Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station
Why purchase just a diaper changing pad, when you could opt for an entire changing station? The Skip Hop Pronto Signature includes a clutch that zips open to reveal a baby changing pad. This pad features a built-in soft pillow to gently cradle your baby’s head. The bag itself offers both a front pocket for accessories and interior pockets for additional diapers. What’s more, the Skip Hop Pronto Signature also comes with a transparent wipes case, making it easy for parents to note when you’re running low on wipes.
Googa Baby Changing Pad
A leopard print changing pad that folds to the size of a clutch, easy to hang from your wrist or stroller, and small enough to store in even the smallest diaper bag. There is plenty of storage and all pockets are secured by Velcro fastenings, making it easy for one-handed access whilst you change your baby. The wipes pocket is easily accessible whether the pad is open for use or folded for storing.
Suitable for babies and toddlers, a built-in cushion provides extra comfort for your child and the waterproof fabric is soft, durable, and easy to wipe clean.
Maman Portable Changing Pad Station
This elegant changing station features interior pockets and easily zips up to a clutch for changes on the go. The soft cushioned portable pad is waterproof and easy to clean, making it ideal for diaper changes away from home. When folded, it features an adjustable strap for attachment to a diaper bag or car seat.
Its quilted design is stylish, comfortable, and unisex, small enough to be slipped into a diaper bag, yet large enough to hold up to four large diapers as well as additional wipes and creams.
Gathre Baby Changing Mat
This organic changing pad is the ultimate statement piece for chic and health-conscious parents. Its leather design and suede back provide a beautiful aesthetic, as well as a waterproof and stain-resistant surface. In addition, the mat is ethically constructed and toxin-free.
Keep in mind that this mat doesn’t include any pockets or storage, so you will have to bring a diaper bag with all the necessities.
Munchkin Arm&Hammer Disposable Changing Mat
The ultimate in portable changing pads is one that is single-use and disposable. Although maybe not the most environmentally conscious choice, it is very convenient for people on the go and for traveling. The pad is infused with Arm&Hammer baking soda for odor protection and the layers absorb any moisture away from the baby’s sensitive skin, the product is leakproof and can be disposed of immediately after use.
Final Thoughts
Whatever diaper changing pad you choose, make sure it’s a healthy and safe option for your child, whilst also suitable for your lifestyle and budget. In addition, be conscious of your diaper-changing procedure; even with the best changing pad on the market, you’ll still need excellent organizational skills and sanitary habits for an ideal changing experience.
The best way to accomplish this is to ensure your baby has a changing pad that is both comfortable for the baby and easy to clean for the parents. Whether you choose a contoured or a portable changing pad, you will undoubtedly find the best changing pad for your family. Hopefully, the above options have given you some good ideas for your changing pad purchase.
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