Quick answer: for the nursery, the Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad is a solid default, with grip strips and a safety strap that help keep it and your baby in place on a dresser or changing table. For changes away from home, the Skip Hop Pronto folds into a compact clutch with a built-in wipes case. Whichever pad you use, add a soft cover like the American Baby Minky Dot Cover and a washable liner like Munchkin Waterproof Liners so you're not washing the whole cover after every messy change.
A changing pad seems like a small detail compared to a crib or stroller, but you'll use it several times a day for the better part of two years. Getting the right combination of a full-size pad, a portable pad, and a cover you can actually keep clean makes that daily routine a lot less annoying. Here's what to look for in each.
Full-size changing pads: the one that lives in the nursery
A full-size contoured pad sits on top of a dresser or dedicated changing table and stays there. The Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad is designed to stay in place with Xtra-Grip rubber strips on the base, plus fabric straps with screws for attaching it directly to a dresser or changing table for extra stability. A built-in safety strap with a buckle helps keep baby positioned during the change, and the contoured, raised sides are meant to keep them from rolling. The waterproof surface wipes clean, which matters given how many changes it sees over a couple of years.
Portable changing pads: for the diaper bag and the car
A second, smaller pad for the diaper bag saves you from ever changing a baby directly on a public changing table or the back seat of a car. The Skip Hop Pronto folds down to about 11.75 x 4 x 8.25 inches closed, small enough to drop into most diaper bags, and unfolds into a 23.5 x 21.75 inch wipe-clean pad with a built-in cushioned pillow for baby's head. It also includes a translucent wipes case you can refill and a mesh pocket that holds a few diapers, so the whole changing kit travels as one piece. A front zip pocket holds your own essentials, like keys or a phone, so you're not digging through the diaper bag mid-change.
Covers and liners: not the same thing, and you probably want both
A changing pad cover slips over the foam pad and is what actually touches your baby's skin. The American Baby Heavenly Soft Minky Dot Cover is a soft chenille fabric with elastic corners for a fitted, no-slip fit over standard-size contoured pads. It's machine washable, which is the whole point, since it'll need frequent washing.
A liner is a separate, thinner layer that sits on top of the cover and catches the day-to-day mess, so you're tossing a small liner in the wash instead of stripping the entire cover every time. Munchkin Waterproof Changing Pad Liners come in a 3-pack, which is enough to keep one in rotation while others are in the wash. They have a PVC-free waterproof backing, so messes don't soak through to the cover or pad underneath.
Checking sizing before you buy a cover
Most standard contoured changing pads measure either 16 x 32 inches or 17 x 35 x 5 inches, and covers are typically cut to fit one of those two sizes with elastic corners. Check the dimensions of your specific pad before ordering a cover separately, since a cover sized for the wrong pad will either bunch up or not stay fitted, which defeats the purpose of a snug cover in the first place.
Changing pad types compared
| Type | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full-size contoured pad | Munchkin Secure Grip | The nursery dresser or changing table |
| Portable pad | Skip Hop Pronto | Diaper bag, car, travel |
| Fitted cover | American Baby Minky Dot Cover | Everyday comfort layer against the pad |
| Waterproof liner | Munchkin Liners | Catching daily messes without washing the whole cover |
Changing table safety: the part that matters most
Falls are the most common injury associated with changing tables, and they happen fastest with newborns and younger infants who can suddenly kick or roll. A few habits matter more than any feature on the pad itself: always use the safety strap, even for a quick change, and never leave your baby unattended on a changing table or dresser, even strapped in and even for a few seconds. Keep one hand on your baby at all times, and have everything you need (diaper, wipes, cream) within arm's reach before you start, so you're never tempted to step away mid-change. If you ever need to walk away, take your baby with you.
Position the pad away from the edge of the dresser or table, and if your nursery furniture wasn't designed with a changing station in mind, consider changing baby on a pad placed on the floor instead. It removes the fall risk entirely, which is worth the tradeoff in convenience for some families, especially once baby is mobile enough to squirm.
Shop changing pads and covers at MacroBaby
MacroBaby carries full-size and portable changing pads, along with covers and liners in a range of fabrics, from Munchkin, Skip Hop, and American Baby Company. Our team in Orlando or online can help you put together a setup that fits your nursery and your on-the-go routine. Browse the full changing pads and covers collection to compare current options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a full-size and a portable changing pad?
Most families find it helpful to have both: a full-size pad that stays on the nursery dresser, and a compact portable pad in the diaper bag so you're never changing baby directly on a public surface or car seat.
What's the difference between a changing pad cover and a liner?
The cover is the fitted fabric layer over the foam pad itself, meant to be soft against baby's skin. A liner is a thinner, separate layer placed on top of the cover to catch daily messes, so you can wash just the liner instead of the whole cover after every change.
What size cover fits my changing pad?
Most standard contoured pads are either 16 x 32 inches or 17 x 35 x 5 inches. Check your pad's dimensions before buying a cover separately, since covers are sized to one or the other.
Is it safe to leave my baby on the changing table while I grab something?
No. Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table or dresser, even briefly and even with the safety strap fastened. Gather everything you need within arm's reach before you start, and take baby with you if you have to step away.
How often should I wash the changing pad cover and liner?
Wash the liner as needed between messes, and the cover on a regular basis, roughly weekly, or sooner after any leaks or spills that soak through.
Can I just change my baby on the floor instead of a table?
Yes. Placing a portable or full-size pad on the floor removes the fall risk entirely and is a reasonable option for any family, especially once baby becomes more mobile and wiggly on an elevated surface.
