While diapers might be an important thing to consider when you are a parent of a newborn, the changing pad can be equally important when it comes to ensuring that your baby has the utmost comfort. Many times we do find ourselves on the go and we need somewhere to quickly change the diaper and this is where the changing pad comes handy.
We have decided to look at some of the top changing pads as well as include a buyer’s guide that will help ensure you get the best value for your money. This buyer’s guide was also used as our criterion in determining which changing pads are the best.
Types of Changing Pads:
There are 4 main types of changing pads on the market today and these changing pads can make all the difference depending on the place and the situation that you will be using them. Here are the 4 main changing pads you can choose from:
- Standard Changing Pad: The standard changing pads are designed on the same concept as the mattress and they are generally used inside the home. These changing pads can be placed underneath the surface for more comfort.
- Traveling Changing Pad: These changing pads are the lightest on the market today and they can easily be folded up and packed away. These pads are easy to carry along and they are extremely versatile.
- Diaper Changing Kits: These all-in-one packs are perfect for new parents and they include a changing pad as well as a few other essentials needed to get the job done. These changing kits are also a little more expensive.
- Disposable Changing Pads: The Disposable changing pads are the cheapest on the market and they can easily be thrown away after use. If you are not into washing the pads, these pads might be ideal for you in the short term.
Key Features to consider when buying a changing pad for your baby:
Buying changing pads can be daunting if you are not sure about the key features. These features were used by our experts in helping to find the top 7 changing pads that will make life easier for you. Here are the essential features, you should look out for:
- Comfort: Comfort should be one of the first things that you look at when selecting a changing pad. The comfort will be dictated by the cushioning and will help make the baby feel more relaxed when being changed.
- Safety: Most top changing pads all have safety belts added. The safety belt is essential to keeping the baby in place as you change the diaper. If no safety belt is added, the baby might fall or fight as you change them.
- Design: Changing pads will either come in a flat or curved shape. The most standard changing pads are flat and this will be more comfortable, while the curved changing pads should be ideal if your baby loves to move and fight you.
- Waterproof: A changing pad should be waterproof and it should also have the ability to wick away moisture effectively. Since babies might often times have a few bladder slips, this could protect the changing pad and keep it dry.
- Portability: Even though you might not be someone who loves to travel frequently, it is important to look at the portability aspect. Babies do not warn you when they need to be changed and you might need to carry the changing close by you to ensure that you are ready.
Top 7 changing pads of 2017 Reviewed:
Now that you have a better understanding of the top features and you might even feel like a changing pad expert, we have made is easier for you with our selection of the top 7. Check out these top changing pads and how they could simplify your life:
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Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad
Type: Standard
The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad is one of the top changing pads on the market and this changing pad features a curved design. The changing pad is constructed from durable vinyl materials and these materials are also 100% waterproof.
The contoured design should be ideal for the restless baby and should keep the baby from moving whilst on the pad. A safety belt has also been included and this can be used to strap the baby in securely and make the changing process that much faster.
This changing pad is really affordable and will give you great value for your money. Unfortunately, the design is rigid and folding will not be easy.
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Summer Infant Quickchange Portable Changing Pad
Type: Traveling
The Summer Infant Quickchange Portable Changing Pad is a much smaller, yet still durable changing pad for your young one. The changing pad is also fully waterproof and can simply be folded up and placed in the glove compartment of your car.
The changing pad will securely lock with a Velcro strap and this should ensure that it doesn’t go loose when placed in smaller areas. The dimensions are 23.5 x 12.5-inches and this should be more than enough for the full body of you baby.
This changing pad is really cheap but, it does lack a secure safety belt to keep your baby secure on the go. This pad will be recommended in conjunction with a bigger one for travel.
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Kushies Deluxe Flannel Change Pad
Type: Traveling:
The Kushies Deluxe Flannel Change Pad is another lightweight and easy to use traveling changing pad. This changing pad is designed from 100% pure cotton and will be extremely comfortable for your baby.
This changing pad is also fully waterproof, but the flannel is not that fast to dry. Cleaning it might require washing it in the washing machine and giving some time to dry outdoors. With dimensions of 7.4 x 6.1 x 1 inches, this changing is quite small but, really portable.
The changing pad is also really affordable and we would highly recommend it for those traveling. The added durability will also give you multiple uses. This one will perfectly fit in most handbags.
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Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pads
Type: Disposable
The Munchin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pads are some of the cheapest on the market and they will be ideal for having around when your standard pad is getting washed. These paper pads are infused with baking soda to help prevent any odors and keep the area clean.
A leakproof liner has also been added and this will keep the pads from spilling anything on the counter or in the car. These pads are also really cheap and should be ideal for traveling or fast use at home.
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Keekaroo Peanut Changer
Type: Standard
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is a top of the range curved changing pad for your baby. This changing pad is designed from top quality slip resistant materials and the design will also ensure that your baby does not hinder the changing process.
This changing pad is JPMA 2.0 certified and it has been tested in various medical schools as one of the most effective. The added safety belt will keep your baby locked into place while you change the diaper.
Unfortunately, this changing pad is rather expensive but, but if you are looking for the best quality, you should be willing to pay for it.
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LA Baby Waterproof 4 Sided Cocoon Style Changing Pad
Type: Standard
The LA Baby Waterproof 4 sided Cocoon Style Changing pad features a quilted and skidproof design. This design will make the changing process easier and you can just wipe off the pad after use. The sides are quite high at 4 inches and this will keep the baby safe and secure inside.
This changing pad is completely waterproof and will also wick away moisture effectively. The added safety belt will combine with the higher sides and this should keep your baby safe and sound inside the pad.
This changing pad is really affordable and we would definitely recommend it for home use. If safety is your main concern, this will be the changing pad you need to look for.
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Skip Hop Baby Pronto Portable Changing Station
Type: Diaper Changing Kits
The Skip Hop Baby Pronto Portable Changing Station is a great way for you to ensure that you have everything you need for a trip. This kit includes a sizable changing mat and some wipes but, the bag is the most impressive; it will give you space for additional baby items and your personal belongings.
This changing kit is also multifunctional and holds multiple diapers. For the price, we would highly recommend it and we believe that you will enjoy the portability and the additional storage space of the bag.
Are you Ready to change diapers in a safe and effective way anywhere you go?
Now that you have some more insight into changing pads, we believe you should be able to easily find the perfect one for your needs. Please let us know in the comment section below if we have missed any of your favorites and if you like the ones we have chosen.
