When we decided it was time to buy a changing pad for our daughter, I found myself facing a decision that included the Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad vs Keekaroo Peanut Changer vs Bumbo Changing Pad vs Skip Hop Changing Pads. Once I reviewed all the features of each one, my choice was the Skip Hop Changing Pad.
My world changed the minute diapers were added to it! Not only do you have to decide on the best diaper for your baby but you also have to choose a changing table for the nursery. I thought I was done with my daughter’s changing needs until I discovered changing pads.
My Top Picks
Chatting About Changing Pads
When our daughter was born, as parents we opted for a changing table. As time went by, we realized that a changing pad would make our lives a whole lot easier! This led me to an exploration of the different changing pads available on the market. Use this guide if you’re looking to purchase a changing pad for your baby. I’ve made your decision-making process easier by reviewing and sharing my top four changing pads in this article.
What are Changing Pads and Why are They Important
While the changing table is a necessary piece of furniture in the baby’s room, it limits the places where you can change your baby. A changing pad is a loose pad that can be used anywhere for changing your baby’s diapers. They have been designed to be convenient, safe, and comfortable. Changing your baby’s diaper can be a messy business and having the right changing pad minimizes the hassles. As you can see from the below video, changing tables and its pads make nursery organization a breeze.
A Bit About the Brands
I reviewed changing pads from different brands and it’s always good to know the story behind a brand. If you like the brand, you’re more likely to purchase your baby gear from it. Ann and Dave Weiss, both parents themselves, started Hatch to help people sleep better. Developing their products to include sleep products for newborns, the couple is passionate about solving real-life problems. Their innovative products are expanding into the “Grow” range which includes the Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad.
Keekaroo produces products for babies and kids, and the brand is known for its squeezable cushion technology. Their products include high chairs, infant inserters as well as the Keekaroo Peanut diaper changing station. Based in New York, they’re proud to be honored with some of the most prestigious awards in the baby industry.
A global lifestyle brand, Skip Hop designs innovative products for babies, kids, and parents. It was founded in 2003 with the intention of infusing family life with joy and ease. In 2017 it became part of the Carter’s/OshKosh B’gosh family – two of the most recognizable baby brands on the market.
Producing high-quality baby and toddler products, Bumbo assures you comfort and safety without any compromise. Their products range from seaters to changing pads to suction toys and other accessories. A cool feature of the Bumbo website is it can direct you to your own country’s Bumbo website so you never need to worry about falling in love with a product that isn’t available in your territory!
What to Look for in a Changing Pad
When I was researching changing pads, I compared certain features to help me make the right choice for our family’s needs. It’s always important to determine what you want out of your changing pad to make your life easier as a parent.
- Easy to clean: Changing diapers often means there’s a mess to clean up afterward. As a father, I wanted to know the changing pad I chose would be easy to clean. All four products are easy to clean, with just a wipe of the surface. The Keekaroo Peanut Changer and Skip Hop both mention water-proof features keeping the changing pad clean with minimal fuss.
- Safety and comfort: While all products boast guaranteed safety and comfort, the Skip Hop Changing Pad’s non-skid base and the attachment for tabletop use was a feature I liked. The Bumbo Changing Pad has contoured edges and a restraint belt while the Keekaroo Peanut Changer has added comfort with its unique soft and cushy material. Here’s my separate article on how to secure a changing pad to a dresser.
- Weight recommendations: All four products have a recommended maximum weight of 30 lbs for the safe use of the changing pads. The Bumbo Changing Pad and Hatch Baby Smart Grow Changing Pad are perfect for newborns.
- Materials: The Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad is constructed from ABS plastic with an upper foam on the surface. The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is crack and puncture-resistant with down as a unique material type. The Skip Hop Changing Pad material is PVC- and Phthalate-free.
- Item weight: As you want to be able to take your baby’s changing pad with you wherever you go, the weight of the product is important to know. With the Bumbo Changing Pad weighing in at 3.15 lbs, it was the lightest product compared to the Skip Hop Changing Pad at 5 lbs. The other two products weighed in at around the 7 lbs mark.
Product Reviews
Best Overall (with toy) – Skip Hop Changing Pad
First up we have the Skip Hop changing pad. I love the contoured cushioned foam feature of this changing pad. The non-skid base and attachment features will give you peace of mind and you’ll never need to worry about your little one slipping off.
Who It’s For
This is well-suited for toddlers.
Why You Should Buy It
The tuck-away toy bar keeps your little one entertained while you tackle the dirty job of changing his or her diapers. It wipes down easily every time and it doesn’t absorb any liquids or smells. This is important, especially when visiting friends. The last thing you want is friends complaining about a smelly changing pad!
Product Information
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 18.25 x 2.6“
- Item Weight: 5 lbs
- Weight range: 30 lbs
- Batteries: No
Pros
- Comes with an integrated toy
- Baby can’t roll off easily
- Belt restraint included
- Latex free
- Easily wipeable with a damp cloth
Cons
- The adhesive attachments are not easy to remove once changing pad is attached onto a counter
- May not fit a standard changing table so take measurements first before purchasing
- Some babies may find the surface too hard
Most Lightweight – Bumbo Changing Pad
Being the lightest of all the products reviewed, this changing pad is ideal for those who are permanently on the go whether its to nursery school or afternoon tea parties at the grandparents. Easy to pack and easy to carry features would be the selling key points of this changing pad.
Who It’s For
This is perfectly designed for newborns.
Why You Should Buy It
The ergonomic design with beautiful contours ensures maximum safety and comfort. It’s easy to clean and the restraint belt gives you peace of mind while changing your baby’s diapers.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 17.13 x 27.17 x 3.74”
- Item Weight: 3.15 lbs
- Weight range: 30 lbs
- Batteries: No
Pros
- Easy to move around
- Works perfectly for newborns but also suitable for the older baby
- Restraint belt ensures safety of baby
Cons
- Has no slip-proof features so can slide on surfaces
- The rubber surface is slippery making it easier for baby to squirm while changing their diapers
- Large non-removable warning labels stamped on both sides ruin the aesthetic appeal
Best for Easy Cleaning, for Dresser – Keekaroo Peanut Changer
The changing pad’s solid surface is easy to wipe down even for those really dirty diapers. It is water-resistant preventing mold and limiting bacterial growth. It’s crack and puncture resistant and is made from seriously durable materials.
Customers say it secures very well to any dresser or normal table so you don’t need to get a changing table made especially for diaper changing. Here are my specific considerations on how to secure a Keekaroo to dresser to make sure you reach the highest safety with it.
Who It’s For
It’s the perfect option for the bigger (messier!) child.
Why You Should Buy It
Designed for hospital use, this changing pad’s unique soft and cushy material will keep your baby comfortable while you change their diaper. It needs no additional cover or pad. In fact, it’s so comfortable it can be used as a napping spot for your baby and many parents do this!
Product Information
- Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 4”
- Item Weight: 7 lbs
- Weight range: Maximum 36 lbs
- Batteries: No
Pros
- Made from down material ensuring ultimate comfort
- Space Age material prevents slippage
- Keeps baby contained
- Minimal rolling risk
Cons
- Can be heavy for room-to-room use
- Pricier option compared to changing pads with similar features
Best for Smart Technology – Hatch Baby Smart Grow Changing Pad
This changing pad has a unique feature – a built-in wireless smart scale to weigh your baby while calculating the amount it drinks! It can also include your caregiver’s information. A great product if you want up-to-date information about your baby’s growth in between doctor’s check-ups. In between all of those smart features, it provides you with a soft and secure surface to change your baby’s diaper.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for parents who love technology!
Why You Should Buy It
If you’re breastfeeding your baby and anxious about their growth, then this changing pad is the right choice for you. Designed to use smart technology, the scale can measure your baby’s change in weight while tracking how much they’re drinking. It’s soft and comfortable design allows for easy changing and cleaning.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 3.5”
- Item Weight: 7.5 lbs
- Weight range: 45 lbs
- Batteries: Yes – 3 AA required
Pros
- Its rubber feet prevent it from sliding off any counter
- Can be synced with all smartphones and tablets
- Great for measuring your baby’s growth
Cons
- It’s not sloped so urine can gather under the baby if there’s an accident while changing diapers
- Needs wireless Internet connection to operate
- Most expensive option of all the products reviewed
FAQ
What are the benefits of having a changing pad?
Changing pads give you flexibility. From running errands with the baby to changing diapers in the car, a changing pad will make life easier for you while giving you peace of mind.
Are changing pads safe to use?
Yes. If you choose a reputable brand, you can rest assured the changing pad meets all safety standards and requirements. A well-designed changing pad will keep the baby contained preventing them from rolling. Many changing pads are non-slip, ensuring they remain stable on any counter or tabletop.
Do changing pads come in standard sizes?
No. It’s important to check the dimensions of the changing pad before purchasing it. Not all changing pads will fit standard changing tables.
Best changing table for keekaroo
This question is asked by many who are interested in the Keekaroo. My top recommendation is Dream On Me Emily Changing Table. It comes with its own pad, which you can replace with your Keekaroo. Rest assured, it fits very nicely on this changing table – check Amazon reviews what I mean.
Conclusion
My top choise is the Skip Hop Changing Pad which is portable so it can go everywhere with you when it’s not being used at home. It’s so simply designed that even grandparents find it easy to use and easy to clean! You’ll no longer need to keep changing covers and you can rest assured your little one is comfortable.
My 2nd choice that you cannot really go wrong with is the Keekaroo Peanut Changer. This is why I even make a recommendation for a changing table to get with along with this changing pad.
Happy nappy time! 🙂
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
