Best Portable Changing Pad

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best portable changing pad is, I’d recommend the Bamboo Quilted Changing Pads.

Your baby is unlikely to wait until it’s convenient to need a diaper change. Fortunately, using a portable changing pad means you can change your baby whenever you need to without sacrificing comfort or safety. If you’ve been looking for the best portable changing pad, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites here for your consideration.

In this article, I am breaking down the best portable changing pads, and in the end, I’ll choose the winner.

Here are the portable changing pads I will be reviewing:

• Bamboo Quilted Changing Pads
• J.L. Childress Full Body Changing Pad
• Crystal Baby Changing Pad
• Munchkin Disposable Changing Pad
• SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad
• Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changing Pad
• Summer Infant Quickchange Portable Changing Pad
• Munchkin Brica goPad Diaper Changer
• JJ Cole Diaper Changing Clutch
• Portable Diaper Changing Pad By The Snug Bug

Why Use A Portable Changing Pad?

Portable changing pads can offer you a clean space to change your baby, no matter where you are. At the park with your older kids? In the parking lot at the grocery store? Even on a mounted changing table in a public restroom—bringing your own portable changing pad enables you to be in control of your baby’s environment.

It turns out this is more important than you might realize. Public changing tables are a breeding ground for bacteria, and may even have drug residue on them.

Not only does this product limit your baby’s exposure to dangerous unknown irritants, but it also makes clean up easier. If you have an explosive diaper or an accident during a change, a simple wipe down leaves you with a clean changing pad.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Portable Changing Pad

You’ll want to keep the following things in mind while doing your shopping. This will help ensure you bring home the best portable changing pad for your needs:

• Where you plan on keeping your portable changing pad: When not in use, will your changing pad have a long term storage space? Knowing if you’ll be keeping it in a diaper bag, trunk, or the bottom of a stroller can help narrow down your options.
• The size of your baby: Will you be changing a toddler? You may need a larger changing pad if you want your little one’s entire body to be on it. Pay attention to dimensions and keep in mind you may need to replace your portable changing pad as your child grows.
• What the changing pad is made of: Looking to stay away from plastic? You can always opt for a washable changing pad. Just remember the cleaning requirements will be greater.
• Care guidelines: Take a look at the maintenance needs of your changing pad. Can it be machine washed? Can you use disinfectant wipes on it? This will help you keep your changing pad clean and in good shape.
• Reusable or disposable changing pad: There are times you may want to opt for a portable disposable changing pad instead of a product you’re going to use time and again. This can help prevent cross-contamination and you’ll be set up with a fresh changing pad every time. It’s not a one-time purchase but in some circumstances may suit your needs better than a reusable changing pad.

My Top Portable Changing Pad Reviews

I have scoured the world of portable changing pads, and reviewed the top five below. I’ve also picked my favorite.

Bamboo Quilted Changing Pads

If you just aren’t comfortable with changing pads you can’t wash on a regular basis, you may want to consider these quilted changing pad liners. They have the benefits that come with being reusable, but can also be fully washed to ensure cleanliness.

These changing pads are made from four layers of absorbent material. The quilted design helps give them a nice cushioning that helps make changes more comfortable.

The material used in the pads is rayon sourced from bamboo and polyester. Smooth and silky, they are a great option for babies who have sensitive skin that’s easily irritated.

Another perk to using bamboo in your portable changing pad? Bamboo has antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties. In between washes, you can be confident that your portable changing pad isn’t harboring anything that can harm your baby.

The bottom layer of these changing pads is waterproof to prevent any dampness from seeping through. This waterproof layer is breathable, vinyl-free, and made from non-toxic TPU.

When you feel it’s time for a good washing, these durable changing pads can be machine washed and dried. They wash well and maintain their shape after washing.

These bamboo changing pads are quite narrow, at just 13 inches wide. They are, however, on the longer side at 27 inches. The changing pads are equipped with elastic and velcro to help secure your pad where needed and to create a tidy unit for traveling.

J.L. Childress Full Body Changing Pad

Looking for an oversized portable changing pad? This changing pad opens up to 30 inches by 19 inches and offers plenty of space for your diaper changing needs.

It folds into a compact, self-contained case that measures 6.5 inches by 10 inches. When folded, it can be as little as half an inch thick.

A velcro clasp helps keep it securely closed and makes it a great choice for cars, strollers, purses, and diaper bags. The velcro strap that secures the portable changing pad allows enough give to store travel wipes and a diaper as well. You can have everything in one easy-to-snag spot, for those inevitable emergency diaper changes.

This unit is incredibly lightweight, coming in at less than 9 ounces. The changing pad is waterproof and can be easily wiped down for cleaning. The material used is lead-free and cleans up well with soap and water or wipes. It’s not recommended for machine washing, though.

It should be noted that the way this changing pad folds up allows the interior to be in contact with the exterior. This means any contaminate the back of your pad comes into contact with during use can be transferred to the inside of your changing pad. You’ll need to plan on compensating for this by wiping down the interior before every use.

Since it can’t be thrown in the wash and the exterior is a canvas material, you may be limited in how you can address contaminants on the exterior of this changing pad.

Crystal Baby Changing Pad

If you’re looking for a portable changing pad that doubles as a changing station, this Crystal Baby product might be a good option for you. One of the best travel changing pads, this unit offers a detachable section with a zippered enclosure for your changing supplies. These mesh pockets are perfect for diapers, creams, wipes, and clothing, and allow plenty of air circulation.

The changing pad portion measures 22 inches at its widest, with wings that fold out from the center to provide your baby extra space. Without accounting for the changing supply storage, the changing pad area measures 25.5 inches long. When assembled and unfolded, the entire changing pad and changing station measure nearly 41 inches long.

This unit is made from baby-safe materials. It’s azo-dye and phthalates free and safe for your baby’s skin. It weighs just about 9 ounces and when it’s folded it’s the size of a clutch, and even equipped with a wrist loop for easy holding. An external zippered pocket is perfect for phones or small wallets if you’re looking to streamline your accessories.

This unit shouldn’t be washed in the washing machine. The interior is padded for additional comfort for your baby, but it should not be submerged in water. The waterproof side that comes into contact with the baby may be wiped down for cleaning.

Afraid this won’t suit your needs? There’s no risk with this product as the company offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your purchase you can receive a refund or exchange the product without any problems.

Munchkin Disposable Changing Pad

Looking for the best travel changing pad? A disposable changing pad can be a great option when you’re traveling—or if you know your diaper change will be messy.

Many changing pads cannot be fully washed. Disposable pads can also be a good choice if you know you’re exposing your pad to things you don’t want to bring home.

These disposable portable changing pads are made from paper. They’re thin, so won’t offer your baby much in way of warmth or comfort, but they will give you a clean space to change your baby—wherever you are. They also take up virtually no space in your diaper bag or car.

Though made from paper, the changing pads do offer three absorbent layers and a leak-proof liner. This helps keep moisture away from your baby’s skin and makes cleanup a breeze. They’re also infused with baking soda to help absorb any odors that might come along with your diaper change.

Depending on where you’re using your disposable pad and what it’s exposed to, you may choose to use this pad multiple times before disposing of it. If, for instance, you’re changing a wet diaper in the back of your car, simply refold and your changing pad is ready for another use.

These disposable changing pads measure 18 inches by 26.75 inches. They can be used on top of public changing tables, however, they are not large enough to cover the whole table. This will leave the table accessible to your child’s touch.

SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad

If you have a little one who’s prone to getting in on the diaper-changing activity, you may want to consider this clean hands changing pad. It’s specifically designed to prevent small hands from becoming dirty during changes.

This changing pad folds up into a convenient clutch and changing station. There’s padding through the shoulder and head area to provide a more comfortable changing experience for your little one.

Simply unfold your changing pad and place your child in the center. The upper portion of the pad then crosses your baby’s midsection and attaches with velcro. This creates a quick and safe barrier for your child’s hands and allows you to change your baby in peace.

Built-in toy loops are included, to help keep your baby occupied during diaper changes. Additional baby toys can be attached to these loops.

This unit is made entirely of polyester. It can be wiped down for cleaning when needed and can even be submerged and washed by hand if necessary. Avoid any exposure to bleach, though. Air dry and don’t expose it to heat, through the dryer, for example.

When folded, this changing pad measures 13 inches by 7 inches and is 3 inches thick. Unfolded, with the barrier in place, the changing pad measures 27 inches long by 13 inches wide.

With the barrier laid flat, you’ll gain extra width and have 26 inches to work with. This can be great as your baby gets older and becomes more trustworthy when it comes to keeping their hands to themselves.

Skip Hop Pronto Portable Changing Pad

This changing pad looks like a regular satchel bag, which hooks over your arm for effortless transportation.

However, at the click of a button, it quickly opens and transforms into a compact changing pad to be able to change your baby on the go.

Choose from five stylish unisex color designs, each with straps allowing you to hold it in many different ways, including over the arm, in your hand, or clipped on the stroller. 

The Skip Hop pad has a pronto pillow built into it, which helps to protect your baby’s head and keeps them comfortable while you’re changing their diaper. 

It opens out extra-wide, keeping your little one’s skin from touching any other surfaces and giving you plenty of space to change them conveniently. When open, it’s 23.5 inches long by 21.75 inches wide. 

The pad also comes with a translucent case to store wipes, making for easy and timely refills. It also has a large mesh pocket on the inside which can carry up to four diapers and still has space for any creams or ointments. 

A handy zipper pocket on the outside of the pad allows for extra storage, which is perfect for your necessities such as keys and cell phone.

The changing pad can be easily wiped down after each use, so it will always be clean and ready for its next use to ensure you can change your little one at any place and at any time.

Summer Infant Quickchange Portable Changing Pad

This changing pad is simplicity at its best. It doesn’t feature any fancy added extras, and it doesn’t have any extra space or pockets to pop things into.

The Quickchange is a changing pad that serves its sole purpose of being able to take it out with you and use it to change your little one no matter where you are.

The simple design allows you to roll it up when not in use, and pop it into your bag or under the stroller. The soft material can be bent and folded so it can be stored into any small space that you desire.

It secures with a velcro strap, which when unclipped, rolls out to provide a safe and clean space for your baby to lie down.

When opened out fully, it provides an area big enough for full-body coverage around your small baby’s body. As your baby grows, however, the mat may not be big enough for full-body protection.

The Summer Infant mat is fully padded, providing additional comfort to your little one as you change them. 

It doesn’t feature any fancy designs and is kept simple in a basic black and grey color that allows for it to be used for both little girls and boys.

The compact is lightweight and durable, and won’t get in the way by taking up too much space.

The material of the mat is fully waterproof, so any leaks aren’t going to cause any damage to it. It simply wipes clean with a damp cloth, so it remains good to go each and every time. It’s best to let it air dry when possible, though.

This basic mat is extremely affordable and is ideal if all you need is a no-thrills changing mat to throw into your diaper bag and take out with you.

Munchkin Brica goPad Diaper Changer

A cute little clutch bag that opens up to reveal a fully practical diaper changing unit ready to go to make changing your baby as stress-free as possible!

The Munchkin Brica goPad Diaper Changer features a trendy grey swirl design, with a strap attached to make for easy carrying. Clip it to your stroller for added ease! 

The bag has a zipper attachment, which connects the changing mat to it. This can easily be unzipped and taken with you quickly if you’re making a speedy trip that doesn’t call for the entire setup to be taken with you.

The clutch has a large mesh pocket on the inside, so you can keep diapers, wipes, and other necessities stored altogether.

A handy and very unique feature that I like on this set is the ‘Bag n Toss’ dispenser fitted into the bag. This helps you to conveniently tie up dirty diapers and dispose of them discreetly and effectively! There are 25 bags included, but it’s easy to fill up with your own once they run out.

The pad is extra large and padded for comfort. It also has a double padded pillow fitted for your baby’s head, providing extra support and protection. 

A bonus panel on the pad allows for easy expansion, so it will grow with your baby, and you have peace of mind that you won’t have to buy another mat after a few months! 

The material of the entire set is wipeable vinyl. This makes it easy to clean, and you can wipe it down as you go so that you have a safe and hygienic changing area for your little one each and every time.

JJ Cole Diaper Changing Clutch

This is a fully functional changing mat that you can change your baby on while out, then simply roll it up, and it looks just like a stylish clutch bag!

The JJ Cole Diaper Changing Clutch is available in four different designs, each one a subtle and classic color that can be used for both little boys and girls. It also has a strap that you can easily throw over your arm to make for easier carrying or can attach to another bag or stroller.

When opened, the mat provides a clean and safe surface for your baby’s full body to lie on while you make them clean and dry.

The pad features a small pocket on the inside, which can be used to store up to three diapers and wet wipes. It’s fully padded to help keep your little one as comfortable as possible while they are laying on it. 

The surface area is totally wipeable, so it can be kept free from dirt easily on the go to provide you with a clean changing area for your little one every time. 

This changing pad is very affordable and is priced within the same region as you’d find a basic changing mat without the sleek design and extra storage space. If you’d like all your baby kit to match, there are diaper bags, a pacifier pod, and a bottle cooler to match your chosen pattern; all sold separately. 

It isn’t too bulky, and will easily fit into a diaper bag, in the glove compartment of the car, or under the stroller without taking up too much space.

Portable Diaper Changing Pad By The Snug Bug

This changing pad is extra-large and can be used from newborn up until two years with enough space to provide full-body coverage for your little one.

The pad is designed to make changing your baby simple and convenient. It’s easily rolled up or folded afterward to be stored in a bag, backpack, or purse. If you’re someone like me who never has enough room in their bag for everything, this may be the item for you.

It features a stylish white and grey unisex zig-zag design, so not only is it practical, but it looks nice too!

It’s fully waterproof, and can be wiped down and disinfected after each use safely and easily to ensure you always have a clean changing area for your child. 

The back of the pad is lightly quilted, providing comfort and protection for your little one while they are laying on top. This mat features slightly less padding than other mats so it’s not bulky, but it may not be the softest for small babies.

The pad is coated with PUL, which is baby-safe and isn’t made from any toxic or dangerous materials. It is also approved as CPSIA safe for kids and babies, giving you the ultimate peace of mind for the safety of your little one.

A unique design of the pad ensures that the back folds towards the inside, so if you’ve been somewhere dirty then you don’t have to worry about it coming into contact with anything else inside your bag! You can even machine wash it on cool to ensure it’s properly clean.

It doesn’t have any pockets, though it is priced on the higher end of the market like those that do. However, it’s a compact changing pad and is made from high-quality materials that you can be sure are safe for your baby to use.

Bringing Home The Best Portable Changing Pad

Choosing the best portable changing pad for you doesn’t have to be difficult. Take a good look at what you need in a portable changing pad and go from there. All of our choices are great options, but if I were only to bring one home it would be the Bamboo Quilted Changing Pads. I love that they can be machine washed and dried and that they come with multiple in a set.