Best Budget-Friendly: Summer Infant 4 Sided Contour Changing Pad

When we tested changing pads, we were looking for waterproof, contoured pads with safety straps and a way to attach them to a dresser. We also looked for backing that didn’t scratch the top of a dresser.

Based on reader feedback and our own independent research, we pick the Summer Infant 4 Sided Contour Changing Pad as the best budget-friendly changing pad. Summer’s pad exhibits excellent quality, at a price that is easy on the wallet.

What We Liked:

• Safety first. Comes with contoured sides to keep baby from rolling off as well as a waist strap to keep baby in position. A second safety strap comes with it to attach the pad to your furniture.

• Waterproof design.  No, this changing pad does not come with a cover. Yes, you’ll probably still want to add a fabric cover—but if baby has an accident on the pad itself, you can wipe it off thanks its waterproof design.

• No skid bottom. The last thing you want is the pad to scoot around on your dresser top as you’re trying to change baby!

• Affordable.

What Needs Work:

• Needs a cover. Vinyl gets cold! A changing pad cover adds to the overall price.

• Vinyl can split after time. This will expose the foam to fluids, potentially leading to mold and bacteria growth.

Best Easy-To-Clean: Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper changing Pad

This changing pad is a reader favorite. And we liked the overall design, which includes a waterproof vinyl cover (you can add a cloth cover if you wish). Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Easy to clean.

• Strap to secure baby works well.

• Lightweight.

• Soft to the touch.

• Non-skid bottom grips well to dresser top.

• Contoured sides.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best Gift Changing Pad: Keekaroo Peanut Changer

Going to a baby shower and want a gift your friend will use every day with her new baby? We’d suggest this one: Keekaroo’s Peanut Changer.

Yes, it is more pricey than a regular changing pad. But here’s what makes it impressive:

What We Liked:

• Impermeable to liquids. Unlike vinyl quilted pads which can eventually crack and split open exposing the interior foam, The Keekaroo has an outer shell that doesn’t allow any liquid in, so it limits mold and bacteria growth. Just wipe off any mess.

• Don’t need a cover. It’s so comfy to the touch and not cold like vinyl covered pads. And it’s slip resistant.

• Durable. Yes, this pad will last for more than one kid: liquids won’t penetrate, the surface material won’t crack and it’s “puncture resistant” (great for those times your four year old thinks scissors are fun toys!).

What Needs Work:

• Pricey.

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do hands-on testing—we buy the products with our own money and evaluate with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!