There are plenty of incredible aspects of parenting, like when your baby laughs for the first time or rests their head on your chest. Diapering doesn’t quite fall into that category. Yes, changing innumerable diapers is an unavoidable aspect of life with a baby, but it doesn’t have to stink (sorry, had to). Diaper changing pads, mats and tables have come a long way in the last handful of years. You’re no longer limited to the receiving blankets or flimsy foam pads of yesteryear. The best changing pads aren’t just compatible with messes and your nursery design, but they’re also full of smart features and easy to use, such as our top pick, the Keekaroo Peanut Changer.
The right changing pad or table keeps baby secure, easily cleans up and leaves room for diapering ... [+] supplies.
Those in the market for a changing station—whether it’s for the nursery or on the go—can expect beautiful design, quality and brilliant use of waterproof fabrics. Like sleep disruptions and thrown food, diapering is something we all have to deal with, so we’re selecting the best changing pads for the job. I personally own each changing pad on this list (don’t ask) and have scoured through reviews and asked parent friends about their experience with the others. With that in mind, we bring you the best changing pads and changing tables available. May your hands stay clean and your baby dry.
When you’re done perusing this list, check our roundup of the best diaper bags and the best diaper pails, you know, for a place to deposit all that mess.
There’s a reason this changing pad has nearly 3,000 5-star reviews on Amazon: It’s the best. Yes, it comes at a rather steep price, but its waterproof material and padded frame make it a comfortable place for your baby and a stress-free environment for you. Ultimately, blowouts happen but with the Keekaroo Peanut you can easily wipe or wash them off. There’s no need for a cloth cover or cloth changing pad, meaning less laundry for you. The Peanut keeps your baby in place and stays put on whatever surface you’re changing them on. I was recommended this by a handful of moms I trust and it’s become my favorite diaper station option.
What The Reviews Say: The reviews for the Keekaroo Peanut are overwhelmingly positive. As one reviewer said, “Why didn’t someone tell me sooner about this thing? I’m five kids in.” While some balked at the price (myself included), many say it’s their favorite item in the nursery because it’s so easy to clean. Some more negative reviews note that their pad eventually stained, but I personally haven't had this experience despite my very messy son’s best efforts.
Changing diapers on the go is extra challenging, whether you’re at the restaurant, in the car or at the park. This handy portable changing pad and diapering kit takes some of the stress out of diaper changes when you’re out and about. The Dagne Dover Joey changing kit is padded and made from resilient, waterproof fabric so your infant feels supported and your changing pad stays dry. It’s also has pockets for wipes, diapers and any ointments or other items you might need. It folds up compactly and can even be clipped to a stroller, used with a compatible Dagne Dover diaper bag or as a diaper bag clutch of sorts. Plus, it’s made from recycled water bottles.
What The Reviews Say: The parent reviewers agree that this is a versatile, well-made, easy to clean option that they’re happy to have purchased. “Easy clean up! Slim design is perfect and discrete.”
This Oeuf stands out from other similar options in part, because it utilizes organic Greenguard Gold Certified materials. It’s plush and includes a contour that prevents your baby from rolling off (although you should still use the safety strap and never leave them unattended). The pad is also covered in a waterproof material that makes it easy to clean off. You should, however, still consider using a waterproof cloth cover to avoid any stains. While a linen-free option ended up being best for our household, this was still a standout. Just be sure to note that it’s best suited for use with the Ouef changing tray, which keeps it even more securely fashioned to the changing table.
What The Reviews Say: Parents love the organic materials used in the Oeuf changing pad and found that it was fantastic quality. Some noted that while the pad is marketed as a waterproof option, it’s still a good idea to use reusable (optimally waterproof) linens to prevent any damage. In cases where no linens were involved, they said it was easy to simply wipe off messes: “This beats the $20 to $30 pads you buy online. It feels like it will hold its shape for much longer,” wrote one on the Oeuf site.
When it comes to compact diaper changing stations, this Babyletto option is a frontrunner for several reasons. It’s one of the smallest options on the market (just 34 inches wide), but it utilizes its size in an intelligent way thanks to the removable changing pad topper that allows the piece to grow with your family, as well as tucking three full drawers underneath it. The price, especially when compared to similar changing table/dresser combinations, is hard to beat. It’s also made from pine and is Greenguard Gold certified and low VOC, so you know the materials used to construct it are safe for your child. It’s even customizable so you can add or remove legs to shift the height or add a pop of color to compliment the nursery.
What The Reviews Say: In addition to loving the look of this piece, parents appreciate how it has the ability to remain in their child’s room for years to come. Some didn’t love how long it took to put together (about 3 to 4 hours in some cases) and were puzzled that the drawers don’t come out entirely. As one reviewer put it, the Babyletto is a “great dresser for [a] baby room. Deep and wide, easy glide and quiet drawers. Good for holding everything we need for diaper changes and blankets, clothes, etc.”
At just $30, this changing pad is an affordable and portable alternative to the competition. The Summer Contoured Changing Pad features high sides, is wrapped in waterproof fabric and comes with a reusable changing pad to keep everything clean. I personally love that there’s an an additional security strap under the changing pad that keeps it fastened to the surface on which its resting. It’s also compatible with most changing tables, so you can just pop it onto whatever table or dresser you’ve already selected for the nursery.
What The Reviews Say: Reviewers clearly have a lot to say, as this changing pad has over 32,000 reviews on Amazon. Generally, people say its great quality and a great price, easy to clean and fits all sorts of changing tables. The downside is that although it’s waterproof, parents suggest using sheets and liners with this, which means more stuff to buy and wash. “I’ve had this changing pad for 3 years now. It is amazing! My three year old still fits on it for diaper changes. Even if you don't have a changing table you can store it under your crib and pull it out as needed. No rips or tears 3 yrs later,” wrote one reviewer.
As enticing as a $100 changing table can be, I learned the hard way that it’s a smarter move to invest in a nursery dresser that includes a topper that can be removed once your child is out of diapers. This Pottery Barn five-drawer dresser allows for plenty of space and includes small drawers that are well suited to baby’s tiny clothes. The addition of the changing pad topper means that the pad you opt to use is secure and won’t slide around. Then, when your toddler transitions out of diapers you can remove it and use the dresser for years to come whether in the nursery or elsewhere. Because the quality is impeccable, this can also be passed from one kid to another. Did I mention it comes in an array of soothing colors? It’s also Greenguard Gold Certified and Fair Trade Certified.
What The Reviews Say: Parents love that this dresser is part of a set, so you can buy a matching crib, bookcase and more to create a cohesive feel. They are quick to point out the quality and mention that the pieces have lived in their home for years. I’ve witnessed this item in action in three friends’ homes. Says one: “It's great. The smaller drawers especially are great for onesies when they're young and socks and underwear as they get older."
While I never expected to need a changing pad that acted as a scale and had its own app, I was certainly grateful when I learned about this one. It is, perhaps, a niche selection, but the Hatch Baby Grow was game changing in my family because it helped us track our son’s weight gain in between doctor’s appointments and measure how much he got each feed. This might be important to other families facing weight gain issues in the early weeks. It certainly provided me with peace of mind. It connects to the Hatch Grow app so you can see the progress of your child and also have that information on hand when visiting the pediatrician or lactation consultant.
What The Reviews Say: Like me, parents facing any growth or feeding issues with baby seem to appreciate the Hatch Baby Grow. “Highly recommend to any new parents out there. The first month can be so overwhelming and having this really gave me the confidence that my baby was eating and gaining enough! One less thing to worry about,” raved one.
When looking for a changing pad, there are a few factors to keep in mind.
While many of us immediately think of soft cloth and foam options when it comes to changing pads, these aren’t ultimately the easiest to clean. Many require a sheet and changing liner, whereas newer options don’t require anything that needs laundering and can simply be wiped or washed off.
This is a key factor in finding the right changing table. Whatever you choose needs to have a safety strap that fits comfortably around your baby’s stomach to keep them from rolling off the changing space even when you have a hand on them. You’ll also want to look for an option that secures to the surface with an additional strap or with a topper or tray. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment, when changing their diaper on an elevated surface.
If you’re looking for something to use on top of a changing table or dresser, it’s important to make sure the pad you use will fit and won’t slide around. Also think about whether the option you select fits your needs as a family and the amount of free time you have. If you’re pressed for time and don’t like laundry, an option that doesn’t require linens will be best. You might have a small nursery and thus need baby furniture and gear that does double duty, such as a dresser with a changing station.