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When building your baby registry, the changing pad is one item that’s easy to overlook. Many parents simply pick one that looks good online or choose a well-known brand without thinking twice. But what actually matters when choosing the best changing pad for baby? And how do you know which features are worth it?
What really matters in a changing pad?
When choosing the best changing pad for your baby, a few key features can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and ease of use:
Materials Look for safe, non-toxic materials that are gentle on your baby’s skin and easy to clean.
Cover vs. No Cover? Some changing pads require fabric covers, while others are designed to be used as-is—each has its pros and cons.
Ease of Cleaning A wipe-clean surface can save you time and laundry, especially during frequent diaper changes.
Waterproof Design Helps prevent leaks from soaking into the pad and keeps things hygienic.
Location of Use & Dimensions Think about where you’ll use the changing pad—on a dresser, changing table, bed, or even the floor. This can influence the size, shape, and features you’ll need.
Non-Slip Base A grippy, non-slip bottom helps keep the changing pad securely in place, especially if you’re using it on smooth surfaces like dressers.
Safety Features Options like a safety strap or contoured sides can help keep your baby secure during changes.
We rounded up the best changing pads for babies, comparing top brands and their key features. Here’s what we found:
Price: $119.99 Materials: Non-toxic PU foam, melamine base Dimensions: 31.1 x 17 x 4.5 inches
Lalo’s new changing pad is our favorite. I love that it’s made with foam that’s free from BPA, PVC, PFAS, and phthalates to keep your baby safer during diaper changes.
The thoughtful design includes a gentle incline that elevates the baby’s head during a change. This comes in clutch especially with babies who struggle with reflux.
And when it comes to messes (because they will happen), this changing pad makes cleanup simple. Its waterproof, wipeable surface prevents liquids from soaking in or causing lingering odors. To clean, just use warm water and a mild soap, and you’re good to go!
What we love:
Waterproof changing pad
Made with safe materials
Gentle incline helps with comfort and reflux
Non-slip base
Considerations:
This changing pad comes at a higher price point than most others
Price: $149.95 Materials: PU foam Dimensions: 31 x 17 x 4 inches
The Keekraooo changing pad, also referred to as the “peanut” changing pad, is a popular choice among parents. It’s a wipeable changing pad that’s free from latex, BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
Its signature peanut-shaped design and non-slip base work well when your changing station is on top of a dresser. It’s known for its soft, supportive feel.
In addition to being functional, the Keekaroo looks great in any nursery. And, it’s durable enough to last through multiple children, making it a long-term investment for many families.
What we love:
Soft, cushioned base for baby
Crack and puncture resistant
Completely wipeable changing pad
Made in the USA
Considerations:
The Keekaroo changing pad is marketed as a more “luxury” changing pad and is offered at a higher price than most
Some reviews say the material becomes very cold when in an air-conditioned room
Lalo Changing Pad vs. Keekaroo Changing Pad
Both the Lalo and Keekaroo changing pads are great options for babies. However, a few key differences may help you decide which one is the better fit for your needs.
The Lalo Changing Pad features a subtle incline that gently elevates your baby’s head during diaper changes. This can be especially helpful for babies with reflux, and it adds a bit of extra comfort during everyday use. It offers many of the same benefits as the Keekaroo like a wipeable, waterproof surface and safety straps. But, it comes in at $30 less.
On the other hand, The Keekaroo Changing Pad stands out for its thicker, supportive base. It also offers a wider range of color options for parents to choose from. In addition to classic neutral tones, it’s also available in soft pink and light blue.
Price: $139 Materials: Organic cotton, waterproofing made from sugarcane Dimensions: 31.5 x 16.5 x 4 inches
If you’re looking for a changing pad made with organic materials, this one’s for you! This changing pad is made with GOTS certified cotton meaning it’s unbleached, undyed, and grown without synthetic pesticides.
The contoured edges keep babies feeling secure during diaper changes and help deter rolling. It’s soft and cushioned for comfort, and super lightweight.
Keep in mind, it’s recommended you use Naturepedic’s changing pad covers in case your little one has an accident. They just come off and you can pop them in the wash!
What we love:
Made Safe and Greenguard Certified
Organic cotton
Contoured design
Safety straps
Considerations:
Higher price point
This changing pad does not have a non-slip base, so it’s recommended you attach it to your changing table
Price: $89.97 Materials: SAR foam, polyamide Dimensions: 31.5 x 18.25 x 2.5 inches
The standout feature of the Skip Hop Changing Pad is its tuck-away toy bar, which acts like a mini mobile. The toys and mirror keep your baby entertained during diaper changes which can make the changing process so much easier.
It’s also the widest changing pad on this list, offering extra coverage for blowouts and everyday messes, which many parents will appreciate.
What we love:
Toy bar gives your baby something to look at
Wipeable, waterproof changing pad
Neutral color options
Contoured sides
Considerations:
SAR foam isn’t a tightly regulated term, and there’s no clear mention of the pad being BPA-free
The wipeable surface has a slightly grippy texture—if you slide your baby down, it may tug on their hair
Some reviewers note that the pad feels firm rather than soft or cushioned
Price: $34.99 Materials: PU foam, cotton Dimensions: 31 x 16 x 4 inches
The Munchkin Changing Pad is a popular, budget-friendly option with over 17,000 five-star reviews from parents. It features a contoured design to help keep your baby in place, along with a water-resistant liner for added protection during diaper changes.
Because of its affordable price point, this changing pad is a great choice for a secondary setup, like at grandparents’ houses or for other caregivers who help out.
While it’s functional on its own, many parents choose to pair it with a changing pad cover. This adds a layer of comfort and allows you to customize the look to match your nursery. We recommend choosing an organic cotton changing pad cover, since it’s the material that will be in contact with your baby’s delicate skin most often.
What we love:
Great value
Cushioned and lightweight
Grippy bottom
Contoured design and safety straps
Considerations:
Changing pad covers recommended but sold separately
Price: $23.99 Material: Polyurethane Laminate Dimensions: 26.5 x 14 inches
When traveling with babies, it’s always a good idea to have a portable changing pad. It makes things so much easier when you have a clean space to change your little one, no matter where you are.
This travel changing pad folds compactly and can easily be thrown into your diaper bag. You can also carry it around as a clutch! It also includes built-in storage compartments for wipes and diapers, helping you keep everything organized and in one place.
What we love:
Larger surface area compared to most travel changing pads
Compact and stylish to carry
Space for diapers and wipes
Comes in lots of cute prints
Considerations:
Some reviewers note it doesn’t fit a full-sized wipes package—only thinner or partially used packs
Don’t Forget a Changing Pad Cover!
If you need one, we recommend choosing an organic cotton changing pad cover, since it’s the material that will be in contact with your baby’s delicate skin most often.
Price: $13.96-15.96 for 2-pack Material: Organic cotton
These changing pad covers are budget-friendly and made with 100% organic cotton. They fit most standard changing pads and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. There’s a set to match every baby nursery!
Our Favorite Diaper Caddy
A diaper caddy is a simple way to keep all your diaper-changing essentials organized and within reach. One of the biggest benefits is its portability—you can easily carry diapers, wipes, and creams from room to room. Bring it downstairs for daytime changes, then take it back upstairs in the evening without having to restock multiple stations.
Price: $22.95 (regular size); $27.95 (large size) Material: Felt Dimensions: R: 13 x 9 x 7 inches; L: 16 x 10 x 7 inches
I love this diaper caddy and how it keeps everything together. Everything has its place. The best part is once you’re out of the diapering stage, you can use this caddy for other organization throughout your home!
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Most parenting resources come from a single expert's perspective, but development doesn't really work that way.
You can't fully understand feeding without input from both a dietitian and a feeding specialist. You can't properly address milestones without OT, PT, and SLP perspectives working together. That's why every Eat Play Say resource is created collaboratively by our entire team — giving you the most comprehensive guidance possible, all in one place.
MS, SLP
Founder of Eat Play Say, Speech-Language Pathologist, Feeding Specialist, Play Expert, Mom of 3
Jordyn Koveleski Gorman
SPECIALIZES IN: Infant and toddler speech-language, play, and feeding development, and curating a team that provides expert help that feels like a reassuring text from that one mom friend
EDUCATION: Jordyn received her BS in Speech-Language Pathology from Bloomsburg University and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University
FAVE PARENTING FIRST: “The first true smile, it’s the sweetest!”
SPECIALIZES IN: Breast and bottle feeding, tongue ties, oral motor dysfunction, starting solids, infant and toddler speech, treating oral motor disorders
EDUCATION: Jessica received her BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Pennsylvania State University in 2015 and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in 2017
FAVE PARENTING FIRST: “Baby’s first wave! What a fun first communication gesture!”
SPECIALIZES IN: Breast and bottle feeding, tongue ties, starting solids, infant and toddler speech development
EDUCATION: She received her BS in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State in 2014 and a MA in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State in 2016.
FAVE PARENTING FIRST: “My favorite baby’s first is their first true smile that just warms your soul knowing they are smiling at you. My other favorite is their first word. I love watching their language explode!”
SPECIALIZES IN: Bilingual development (Spanish-English), supporting multilingual families, infant and toddler speech
EDUCATION: She received her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders and in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014 and her MS in Speech-Language Pathology with an English-Spanish Specialization from Marquette University in 2016.
FAVE PARENTING FIRST: “It’s the first slobbery kisses for me!”
SPECIALIZES IN: Infant and pediatric nutrition including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and starting solids. She also specializes in prenatal and postpartum nutrition.
EDUCATION: She received her BSc in Biology in 2014 from Life University, and her BSc in Dietetics from Life University in 2019.
FAVE PARENTING FIRST: ”The first time they say ‘mama!’”
This checklist was created with input from a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist and has been downloaded over 20,000 times by parents worldwide. Learn the important milestones to pay attention to, and keep it in your digital back pocket during the baby + toddler years!
Comprehensive Milestone Checklist for gross motor, fine motor, and speech-language milestones for 0-36 months,