10 Best Baby Changing Table Pads for 2024

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baby changing pad

10 Best Baby Changing Table Pads for [year]

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Whether you’re on your first go-around as a parent or your second or third, a baby changing table pad is a must. You want your baby to be as comfortable as possible when you’re in the middle of a diaper change. If they’re comfy there’s less chance of them wriggling all around!

If you’re shopping around for a baby changing table pad, we’ve got you covered. From what to look for to how to safely use one, we’ve got all the tips you need as well as a look at the best changing pads out there.

In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks:

	Title	Price	Prime	Buy
	LA Baby Waterproof 4 Sided Cocoon Style Changing Pad		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Summer Contoured Changing Pad		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
	Summer Contoured Changing Pad		PrimeEligible	Buy Now

What to Look for in a Baby Changing Pad

I remember when I was shopping for my first baby changing pad. I thought they were all made equal. Boy was I wrong! Just as with many other baby gear items, there are so many varieties to choose from that it will make your head spin.

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If you’ve never shopped for a baby changing pad, here are some of the things that you should look for:

Make Sure it’s Waterproof

We all know babies’ diapers are full of surprises! That’s why you want a baby changing pad that’s waterproof. This allows you to disinfect and clean much easier when you’re done.

Look for Safety Straps

Babies are big squirmers. Safety straps allow you to comfortably secure your baby when he’s on the changing table pad. This is a must because chances are your changing table is high off the ground. You don’t want your baby rolling over and onto the ground as you reach for a diaper or wipe.

First, look for straps that go across the baby’s waist and buckles. Second, look for anchoring straps that you can attach to the wall, changing table or back of the dresser. This will give you an added layer of security when you want to keep your baby in place.

Be sure the straps are secured and buckled. Babies can also be little Houdinis! They can make their way out of some situations that you never thought of! Of course, never leave your child unattended when he’s on a baby changing table pad. It only takes one look away for an accident to happen.

Look for Contoured Design

This is another safety feature you’re going to definitely want to look for when shopping for a baby changing table pad. Think about it. The surface of the changing table is flat. If the changing pad was completely flat, there’s a good chance your baby could roll-off, even if there were straps. A contoured design provides mini walls around the pad to prevent this from happening. When shopping for the best changing pad, this feature is a must.

Comfy Material Helps

While your baby isn’t going to spend extended periods of time on the changing pad in one sitting, you still want it to be as comfortable as possible. Look for material that’s firm, yet soft. Most changing table pads are made of a supportive foam that’s durable, yet comfy enough for baby’s soft skin. There are even some changing pads that are made from a soybean enhanced foam. This is an environmentally-friendly material that is made from natural, renewable soybean oils.

Affordability is Important

With so many baby gear items to buy, you want to keep the cost of your baby changing table pad in a reasonable range. Whether you’re putting it on your baby registry or buying it yourself, you don’t want to shell out a lot of money. A baby changing table pad is a simple piece of baby gear that shouldn’t require a hefty price tag.

How to Safely Use a Changing Table Pad

According to Consumer Reports, more than 3,000 babies are injured in a changing table accident every year. When a baby falls from a changing table, it can be as serious as an adult falling several stories.

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To prevent your baby from becoming a statistic, there are simple things you can do to make your changing table pad safer. Follow these tips:

• As was mentioned above, always look for a changing table pad that has safety straps and a buckle.
• Have all your diaper changing supplies within arms reach.
• Keep one hand on your baby at all times.
• Never leave your baby unattended, not even for one minute!
• Keep your changing table away from anything that your baby can grab and pull down. (Babies are small, but they sure are mighty!)
• Keep the changing table and pad away from any radiators or heat sources.

Using common sense when changing your baby can help to avoid dangerous situations. If you’ve followed all the safety tips and you still feel like the changing table is posing a danger, you can also take the pad and put it on the floor. This way your baby won’t get hurt if he happens to roll over in the middle of a diaper change.

How to Clean a Changing Table Pad

One of the good things about a changing table pad is that you can usually buy covers to fit it. These covers are removable and can be washed. It’s always a good idea to have a couple on hand. You never know when your baby is going to take you on a diaper changing marathon! This happened more than I would have liked. Those extra changing table pad covers certainly came in handy.

While you should make it a habit to take the cover off to wash regularly, which may mean a few times a week, you don’t want to forget about the pad itself. When you take the cover off, wipe off the pad with warm soapy water. If you notice there are parts of the pad that are soiled, you’ll want to give these areas some extra TLC. These parts should really be noticed immediately and cleaned right away. This will avoid staining and prevent any bacteria from spreading.

Some people like to clean the changing table pad off with a disinfectant. This can be a matter of personal preference when it comes to the products you use. Many parents like to use environmentally-friendly cleaners since the pad will come in contact with their baby’s skin. Plus, some disinfectants can have harsh odors that your baby may not like. Environmentally-friendly cleaning products tend to be light on the heavy smells. Use what makes you feel most comfortable. When you’re all done cleaning it, dry it off and put on a new cover.

Now that you know what to look for in a changing pad and how to take care of one, it’s time to go shopping for the best baby changing table pads for 2020!

Best Changing Pads of 2020

Whether you’re cruising the internet or walking down the baby aisle of your favorite store, you can immediately tell that there is a lot of changing pads to choose from. No need to feel overwhelmed. We’ve broken down the ten best changing pads of 2020 for you right here:

1. LA Baby Waterproof 4-sided Cocoon-style changing pad

2. Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad

3. Summer Infant 4-sided Changing Pad

4. Skip Hop Changing Pad

5. LA Baby Savannah Waterproof 4-sided changing pad

6. BeautyRest Baby Changing Pad

7. Delta Children Contoured Changing Pad

8. Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

9. Dream on Me Contoured Changing Pad

10. Bumbo Changing Pad

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these changing table pads tops.

Product Reviews

1. LA Baby Waterproof 4-sided Cocoon-style changing pad

The name of this product says it all. Cocoon-style is a big winner for many parents because that means that all 4-sides have those protective walls that we’ve been talking about. The word cocoon also gives you a nice, cozy feeling. Each side is four inches tall which provides a very good barrier for babies. This is great for the baby’s safety during diaper changes. This model is also waterproof, another must in the changing table pad department. Did we mention that it has both safety harnesses too and the price tag won’t break the bank? For all of these reasons, this is our number one pick!

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Non-skid bottom
• Safety buckle strap for baby
• Safety strap to attach to furniture
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• May not be as comfortable for larger babies

2. Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad

When it comes to a good baby product, you want something that’s easy to use and easy to clean. This changing pad from Summer Infant checks all of those boxes and more. It has contoured walls on either side for the baby’s safety, as well as the safety buckle. There’s also that security strap underneath to secure the pad to furniture. While you can certainly put a cover on it, the changing pad is made of 100% waterproof material, making it easy to clean. Parents, you should love that!

Pros:

• Safety buckle strap
• Furniture strap
• Waterproof
• Easy to clean
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Only contoured on 2 sides

3. Summer Infant 4-sided Changing Pad

This changing pad is similar to one right above. The only main difference is that it is contoured on all four sides. If you want this extra layer of safety, this could be an option for you. Just like the other Summer Infant brand changing pad, this one is also waterproof and includes both safety buckles. It’s also affordable and durable, both pluses when it comes to finding the best changing pad.

Pros:

• Safety strap to attach to furniture
• Safety strap and buckle for baby
• Inexpensive
• Made from soft, comfy material for baby

Cons:

• Baby could outgrow it quickly
• May not be roomy enough for larger babies

4. Skip Hop Changing Pad

Skip Hop is known for its super-cute baby gear items (check out their diaper bags, if you haven’t already) and this changing pad is no different. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the toys above to keep the baby busy. This will keep his hands off the diaper cream while you’re mid-change! It also has a safety strap across the waist and a buckle for safety. It is contoured all the way around, but the walls are not as high as with other brands. This changing pad is waterproof and advertises that it won’t absorb odors. This changing table pad supports babies up to 30 pounds.

Pros:

• Non-skid base
• Includes toys to entertain
• Safety belt for security

Cons:

• While toys are entertaining, be careful baby doesn’t reach too hard for it and roll over
• More expensive than other models
• Low-contour walls
• Baby could grow out of it quickly

5. LA Baby Savannah Waterproof 4-sided changing pad

With contoured walls on all 4-sides, this is a good pick because it also checks the boxes of many other safety features. Equipped with a safety buckle across the waist and one to secure furniture, there are many bells and whistles to keep your baby in place. Waterproof and easy-to-clean, this changing pad is also made from non-toxic materials.

Pros:

• Made from environmentally safe materials
• Inexpensive
• Four-contoured walls
• Waterproof
• Safety straps for baby and to attach to furniture

Cons:

• Baby could grow out of it quickly if they’re long

6. BeautyRest Baby Changing Pad

Comfy and cozy, this BeautyRest baby changing pad gets the job done. It has a safety harness for babies when they’re lying down and is waterproof. While it comes with tabs to attach to hold the pad in place, there’s no mention of straps. Depending on your comfort level, this may or may not do it for you.

Pros:

• Non-skid bottom
• Inexpensive
• Safety harness
• Waterproof
• Easy-to-clean

Cons:

• Only contoured on 2-sides
• No safety strap for furniture is mentioned.

7. Delta Children Contoured Changing Pad

This changing pad is simple, inexpensive, but still gets the job done. It’s contoured on two sides and has a safety strap and buckle. There are also fabric straps that come with screws to attach to furniture to keep the changing pad in place. It’s easy to clean and is waterproof. Although you’re likely going to put a cover over it, the pad does have a cute teddy bear design!

Pros:

• Very inexpensive
• Safety strap for baby across the waist
• Furniture safety strap comes with screws
• Waterproof
• Easy to Clean

Cons:

• Only contoured on 2-sides

8. Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad

Munchkin makes many different types of baby gear items, so it should come as no surprise that it also makes changing table pads. While this one is slightly more expensive than the average changing pad, it comes with extra grip strips to keep the pad in place. For many people, this is a bonus if they’re afraid of the pad moving a lot during a diaper change, especially if your baby is a squirmer. It also comes with fabric straps and screws if you want to attach it to furniture too.

Pros:

• Easy to clean
• Extra safety grips to keep in place
• Waterproof
• Tall-contoured sides

Cons:

• Although contoured sides are tall, it’s only contoured on two sides

9. Dream on Me Contoured Changing Pad

The quilted cover makes this changing pad soft and plush for baby. The walls are also contoured, so squirmy babies, we’re watching you! The safety belt will also keep the baby in place as well as the non-skid bottom. This changing pad is easy to clean with soap and water. It’s also made out of non-toxic materials, so it’s safe for babies. There is no mention of furniture safety straps to keep the changing pad in place. If this is a big selling point for you, you’ll want to take a closer look.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Soft and comfy
• Cover is hypo-allergenic

Cons:

• No furniture straps mentioned
• Quilted cover may stain easily

10. Bumbo Changing Pad

If the Bumbo name sounds familiar, it’s because the company makes plenty of other baby products out there. The changing pad looks a little different than many others on the market. It’s ergonomically shaped and slightly contoured all the way around. There is a safety strap and buckle to keep the baby in place. Due to its size, your baby may outgrow it quickly. It’s advertised as being suitable for newborns and is three inches shorter (27”) than many average changing table pads (30”-32”). That’s something to keep in mind if you don’t want to have to be another changing table pad anytime soon.

Pros:

• Comfy for baby
• Easy to clean
• Ergonomically shaped

Cons:

• More expensive than average changing pads
• Baby may grow out of it quickly.

Baby Changing Table Pad Conclusion

For us, the LA Baby Waterproof 4-sided Cocoon-style changing pad was the stand-out winner.  It checked all of the boxes when it comes to safety; contouring on four sides, safety harness with a buckle for baby, safety harness for furniture. Not only does it have contouring on all four sides, but the walls are four inches high, which is a plus for active babies. This changing table pad is also easy to clean and it’s waterproof, not to mention that it’s reasonably priced.

Map out the most important features for you when you’re shopping for a baby changing table pad so that you find the best changing pad to suit your needs.