Photo by @eyesandhart

The Best Changing Pads for Safe and Comfortable Diaper Changes

Changing pads are a must-have when setting up a diapering station—here are our top picks.

By Briana Engelbrecht and Jen LaBracio, CPST

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Published Jan 3, 2025|Updated On Feb 21, 2025

Published Jan 3, 2025Updated On Feb 21, 2025

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Photo by @eyesandhart

In This Article

Babylist’s Top Changing Pad Picks

Wipes Clean

Affordable Basic

Built-In Scale

For On the Go Changes

Our Top Changing Table Picks

Babies go through a ton of diapers between birth and getting potty trained, meaning you’ll become a diaper-changing pro in no time. Every parent needs a safe space to change all of those diapers (bonus points for being easy to clean).

There are two options to consider when setting up your diaper changing station—a changing table or a dresser and changing pad combination. If you have the space or simply prefer to have a changing table, it’s totally up to you. But using a changing pad on a dresser is another great option that’s also cost-effective since your baby will be able to use the dresser as they grow. In fact, some dressers are designed to be used with a topper meant for diaper changes. Keep in mind: You can continue to use a changing table until your child reaches 32 inches in height—the standard length of a changing pad—which will likely be around one year to 18 months.

Whether you choose to invest in a changing table or use a dresser + changing pad, it makes little difference to your little one, as long as it’s a safe spot. If you're changing baby on a table or dresser, that means staying close, keeping one hand on baby and utilizing the strap that's attached to the changing pad. Speaking of which, the pad should also be secured to the dresser or table itself (usually by some kind of adhesive stickers that come with the pad). If you're going the dresser route, keep the measurements of both the top of the dresser and the changing pad in mind—the pad should be entirely on the top (not hanging off). You might also want to consider how tall the dresser is, which can help save your back from crouching over.

Choose what you think will work best for you and your family, and remember that making your baby clean and comfy is really what matters most. Some parents forgo both and make do with portable mat for quick changes on the floor. Since you will need a changing pad no matter which route you take (most changing tables don't actually come with them), we've focused on the best changing pads here. If you're interested in a changing table instead of using a dresser, we have a few picks for those below, too!

Babylist’s Top Changing Pad Picks

Wipes Clean

Skip Hop Wipe Clean Changing Pad - Oat

From $79.99

Pros

Easy to clean

Cons

A bit wide for some dressers
Some parents say the toy bar isn’t great
Material can get chilly in colder weather

No table or cover needed here; this cushy pad offers your baby a snug spot for diaper changes and can be used atop a dresser, changing table or even on the floor. And since it’s made from a waterproof material, you can simply wipe it down for easy cleaning. The pad itself is about 18 inches at the widest point, so be sure to measure that against your dresser to make sure it’ll fit.

The changing pad may get a little chilly during cooler months due to the material—a few parents mentioned laying down a cloth to remedy this. And some parents say the slope causes any pee leaks to flow toward their baby, not away. A few people also noted some light staining after a few months of use. The toy bar looks cute but it’s not oriented in a way that’s ideal for baby to check out. It also tends to get in the way while changing but you can remove it.

Real Parent Reviews of the Skip Hop Wipe Clean Changing Pad

A
Ashlyn T.
This is a must-have for any nursery!! We love our changing pad and how easy it is to wipe down. Our son has spit up all over it and peed all over it and it’s so easy to clean up. I would highly recommend spending the extra money to get this wipeable changing pad over a regular changing pad any day.
J
Jthai
Super easy to clean after each change! The only problem is that it does take up a bit of room but I still love the design and material of the pad! The toy bar is nice also for a distraction for the baby but can get in the way of the changing so just be careful with that!
M
Marina O.
I really love the color (Oat)!! The only place I found it was here in babylist. It is a little wider than normal, but I measured my dresser and it fits perfectly!! Make sure you measure it before you buy it. It comes with some stickers to apply to the dresser so it doesn't move. The quality looks great and it's very soft. I am very excited [about] it and I recommend it if your dresser is wide enough.

Affordable Basic

Jool Baby Contoured Changing Pad with Cover - White Pebble

From $34.99

Pros

Machine washable cover
Sloped sides keep baby in place
Budget-friendly

Cons

Pad itself isn’t waterproof
Must be used with cover
Can’t buy extra covers

With its high curved sides, safety belt and a security strap for furniture, this pad helps keep your little one safe during diaper changes—all at an ultra-affordable price. It fits on most changing tables and has a waterproof pad and a soft, breathable, odor-resistant cover. Some parents say the pad is a bit thin and they were disappointed they couldn’t buy a few additional covers to rotate while the others are in the wash.

Built-In Scale

Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale - Grey

From $149.99

Pros

Wipes clean
Connects to an app to keep track of baby’s weight

Cons

Pricey
Requires batteries
Some say the scale is inaccurate

If you want to make sure your baby is gaining weight, especially during those first few months, this high-tech (and wipe-clean) changing pad features a built-in wireless scale to give you peace of mind that baby’s weight gain is on track. The changing pad pairs with Hatch's Grow smartphone app to make weight tracking simple and seamless (though some parents say the scale isn’t totally accurate). This is on the pricier side of change pads, but may be ideal for parents of preemies or if you just want to keep a close eye on your baby’s weight gain in the early weeks and months.

Real Parent Reviews of the Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale

Emma H.

We love our hatch scale! We had a preemie and making sure he was gaining weight was super important. This scale is easy to get connected and we’ve found the app/weighing process very user-friendly. The scale is 2 ounces lighter than our pediatrician's but is very consistent. We recommend, especially for breastfed and/or weight critical babies.

Emily

I don’t regularly use the scale feature anymore. I used to use it all the time when my child was exclusively breastfeeding and I wanted to know about how much he was eating in a feeding. But now I bottle feed as well as breastfeed and find that I don’t use the scale function as much. The pad is great for those first few months when you're not sure how much your baby is eating once you stop using that function. The app also has great features that allow you to track other stuff like feedings and pumping.

For On the Go Changes

Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station - Black Stripe

From $21.49

Pros

Ultra-portable
Fits in most diaper bags

Cons

Bulky when fully packed

Don’t want to deal with a traditional changing table or dresser? This compact changing clutch turns any location (think floor, bed, couch or even car trunk—we’ve done it all!) into a diaper-changing station. Features include an extra-wide, cushioned changing pad with a pillow, a mesh pocket, a zippered front pocket and a wipes case. This changing station is also great for stowing in your diaper bag for diapering on the go. Just be sure it’ll fit when fully stocked—some parents say it gets bulky when filled.

Real Parent Reviews of the Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station

A
Ashley O.
Love this thing. Keep it in [the] diaper bag or use it alone when trying to go somewhere with minimal stuff.
C
Courtney
We don't use this very often as both of our diaper bags ended up having a changing pad, but it is extremely functional with good storage. We keep it in our living room diaper caddy and use it for changing out there, which are rare, but nice to have the option!
C
Caitlin
I can change my baby anywhere and because of all the pockets, have everything from extra clothes to ointments right on hand. And it’s easy and simple to wipe clean when needed. It can get bulky depending on what you store inside so make sure it fits in your baby bag if you plan to carry a lot of other things too. If you prefer a wipe dispenser with a “pop top” you’ll have to buy one separately. The wipe dispenser that comes with this is a basic snap to close, so the wipes do stick together.

Our Top Changing Table Picks

If you do decide to purchase a changing table, here are some of the pros:

It’s an extra-safe place for baby (changing tables feature raised guard rails—but you’ll still need to keep a hand on baby at all times to prevent them from rolling off)
Extra storage space for all of your diapering essentials
A comfortable bending height for those (many) diaper changes

Consider choosing one that both matches your nursery style and has some functional features for longevity (think drawers or shelves); that way you can use it after your baby outgrows diapers. One thing to note: most changing tables do not come with an actual pad; they're typically sold separately. Most brands offer their own pad (which you can buy separately) but you can go with whichever you prefer. Just pay close attention to dimensions when choosing your preferred pad—most of the picks on this list should fit.

Here are a few of our favorite diaper-changing tables.

The Best Changing Pads for Safe and Comfortable Diaper Changes

Changing pads are a must-have when setting up a diapering station—here are our top picks.

By Briana Engelbrecht and Jen LaBracio, CPST

Fact Checked by Shannon Vestal Robson

Babylist’s Top Changing Pad Picks

Wipes Clean

Skip Hop Wipe Clean Changing Pad - Oat

Pros

Cons

Affordable Basic

Jool Baby Contoured Changing Pad with Cover - White Pebble

Pros

Cons

Built-In Scale

Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale - Grey

Pros

Cons

For On the Go Changes

Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station - Black Stripe

Pros

Cons

Our Top Changing Table Picks

IKEA Gulliver Changing Table

Graco Noah 3 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper

babyletto Hudson 3-Drawer Changer Dresser

Delta Children Gateway 2-in-1 Changing Table & Storage Unit

daVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table

Delta Children Saint 4 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top

Storkcraft Modern Nursery Changing Table Dresser

Dream On Me Emily Changing Table

DaVinci Jayden 3-Drawer Changer Dresser

Stay Up-to-Date with Babylist

Graco
Noah 3 Drawer Chest with Changing Topper

babyletto
Hudson 3-Drawer Changer Dresser

Delta Children
Gateway 2-in-1 Changing Table & Storage Unit

daVinci
Jenny Lind Changing Table

Delta Children
Saint 4 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top

Storkcraft
Modern Nursery Changing Table Dresser

Dream On Me
Emily Changing Table

DaVinci
Jayden 3-Drawer Changer Dresser