“Choose a changing pad that has a concave top part to place your baby. This not only offers some more comfort and cushioning but might provide some added security,” Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MBBS, a board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of Buybuy Baby’s Parenting Pros, tells Verywell Family. It’s also important to note that a baby should never be left unattended on a changing pad, even when the safety straps are buckled. Before you make your purchase, there are several factors to take into consideration to ensure your changing pad meets both your and your baby’s needs. Whether safety is your main concern, or you’re looking for a product made from organic material, rest assured that the right changing mat is out there. We carefully reviewed the material and several other factors, including value, design, ease of cleaning, and safety guidance when reviewing products. The material of the Summer Infant changing pad is lightweight but sturdy. Universal disposable covers fit the changing pad well, and it stays put on nearly any typical changing table. Price at time of publication: $28 Key Specs:Dimensions: 32.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches | Materials: Quilted, double-layered PEVA vinyl | Safety straps: Yes Plus, thanks to its slip-resistant base, the Keekaroo can be used on a dresser or regular table without having to purchase an extra changing table specifically for diapering your little one. The only major complaint about the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is the price, as it’s heftier than most other changing pads. Still, we think it’s worth it for some families, as it saves time and energy while providing easy cleanup and long-lasting durability. Price at time of publication: $140 Key Specs:Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 4 inches | Materials: Polyurethane foam | Safety straps: Yes
The pad is free of phthalates, formaldehyde, GMOs, latex, soy, vinyl, polyurethane foam, and flame retardants, meaning it doesn’t have any potentially dangerous, toxic, or irritating substances. Plus, it meets eco-friendly and organic standards set by GREENGUARD and the Global Organic Textile Standard. The Naturepedic changing pad is especially plush and comfy, with thick padding and high contoured sides that keep little ones safe, secure, and cozy. The Naturepedic pad is about 16.5 x 31.5 x 4 inches, and your purchase includes a one-year warranty. Parents say it’s long-lasting and durable, and that its design minimizes rolling and wiggling. Price at time of publication: $129 Key Specs:Dimensions: ‎16.5 x 31.5 x 4 inches | Materials: 100% organic cotton | Safety straps: Yes
Many parents also choose this changing pad because, at around 30 inches, it’s compact enough to fit some changing tables that other changing pads don’t. But while it’s affordable, some parents say it eventually started cracking or that the material wasn’t as durable as they might have liked, so it might need replacing. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs:Dimensions: ‎30 x 16 x 4 inches | Materials: Vinyl cover, polyester fill | Safety straps: Yes
Price at time of publication: $80 Key Specs:Dimensions: 18.25 x 2.6 x 31.5 inches | Materials: Foam | Safety straps: No
Especially when it’s new, the Munchkin pad may have a bit of a chemical smell, so consider letting it air out for a few days after unboxing it. Price at time of publication: $35 Key Specs:Dimensions: 31.5 x 16.2 x 4.3 inches | Materials: Polyurethane foam, non-phthalate polyvinyl chloride, cardboard, thermoplastic elastomer, polypropylene, polyacetel | Safety straps: Yes
Price at time of publication: $150 Key Specs:Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 3.5 inches | Materials: ABS plastic | Safety straps: Yes
Price at time of publication: $80 Key Specs:Dimensions: 32 x 16 x 3.5 inches | Materials: Recycled Foam | Safety straps: Yes
Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Dimensions: 11.75 x 4 x 8.25 (closed); 23.5 x 21.75 inches (open) | Materials: Polyester | Safety straps: No Price at time of publication: $7 Key Specs:Dimensions: 18 x 26.75 inches | Materials: Paper | Safety straps: No

What to Look for in a Changing Pad

Design 

A diaper-changing pad should provide comfort and safety for the little one who will spend a lot of time on it. Look for changing pads with features like a three-sided or contoured design with additional cushioning to keep babies comfortable and protect their heads.  “Choose a changing pad that has a concave top part to place your baby. This not only offers some more comfort and cushioning but might provide some added security,” Dr. Orajiaka says.

Waterproof Protection

It’s essential to make sure the changing pad has waterproof protection because, with babies, anything (messy) can happen. Some changing pads come with a waterproof cover, or the pad itself can be easily wiped off. You just want to make sure liquid can’t leak into the pad, which could cause mildew or mold.  Whether the changing pad is waterproof or the cover is, double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how to clean it all. “Changing areas are huge breeding areas for both viruses and bacteria. Urine and feces are considered dirty, and if not cleaned off a surface, [they] can serve as a focus for most of these bugs to continue to grow,” explains Dr. Orajiaka. “When you place a baby on an unclean surface continuously, they may not only put their skin at risk of rash or irritation, but babies also touch all surfaces they are placed on and put their hands in the mouth. This can put them at risk of also getting sick from these bugs.”

Safety Straps

As you’re shopping for a changing pad, look for one with safety straps, as they’re vital for keeping your baby safe during a diaper change. Many changing pads come with adjustable straps and a buckle so you can adjust to the proper size.  Some changing pads also feature anchoring straps, so you can attach them to a table or dresser to ensure additional safety while changing your baby. “Safety straps are recommended. If possible, choose ones with two straps; one that adjusts to tighten around the baby and the other to secure to the table,” Dr. Orajiaka says.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey has been a digital content producer and news and feature writer for more than six years. She has covered local and national news as well as writing and researching parenting topics. Katrina is a parent herself and bought the Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad for her kiddo’s diaper changes. She loved the changing pad’s easy-to-clean material and restraint belt for extra security. “Fragrance-free, gentle cleaning solutions are always best for all baby items. However, every baby is different, so discussing your options with your child’s provider is best. Also, you may need to try out some before you find what works,” says Dr. Orajiaka. For families with a wiggly baby during diaper changes, a changing pad with anti-roll contours and a safety strap might be the best option. If you still have concerns about your baby rolling off, simply move the changing pad lower, Dr. Orajiaka recommends. “If possible, place the changing pad on a much lower surface such as the floor instead of a high table,” she adds. However, there are plenty of safe, comfortable and easy to clean changing pads that are also affordable, so don’t feel any pressure to spend more than you want to.  “Changing tables make it easier for parents to change their babies (dress or diaper), but they have a higher risk of babies falling off. To prevent falls, be sure to gather all your changing supplies before you place your baby on the table, that way you will not be tempted to leave them to grab another item,” suggests Dr. Orajiaka, adding that a safety strap should always be buckled, but don’t only depend on the buckle. “Always buckle the straps while changing a baby, but don’t depend on this alone to keep your baby safe. Stay with your baby at all the time while changing and avoid distractions. When you are done changing, remove your baby from the table first and to a safer location before removing your dirty diapers or clothing.” Also take into consideration how easy it is to clean, since it may see some major messes. “With cleaning, remember to wipe off the changing pad after every use. Urine and possibly stool can seep out while changing and you may not notice. You should wipe down with [a] paper towel or baby wipes first, then with disinfectant wipes. You can also wash with soap and water if you prefer to avoid chemicals. Then air dry before next use,” explains Dr. Orajiaka. For example, if you live in a two-story house, having one changing pad upstairs and one downstairs will be more convenient than having to navigate the stairs every time you need to change the baby. Having a separate, portable changing pad that you keep in your diaper bag is also a worthwhile investment for on-the-go diaper changes.