5 Best Non Toxic Changing Pads: Portable, Safe, & Comfy

For newer parents, you’ll come to realize that babies love to poop and pee all day!

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time changing their dirty diapers, it’s best to ensure your baby is on a safe and non-toxic surface.

A non-toxic baby change pad is the perfect equipment to handle your daily diaper change tasks:

• They’re waterproof
• Contains all messes in one area
• You can place it on top of a changing table and don’t have to constantly bend down

A reliable changing pad for babies is a MUST, so I narrowed down the best non-toxic changing pads out there!

My Top Picks

1. Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad

Material: Sugarcane, organic cotton

There are a lot of reasons why this organic changing pad is my top pick on this list. One of the main reasons is its safety standard certifications. 

This product is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning that this changing pad is completely non-toxic and safe for your precious one!

This changing pad also has a removable organic cotton cover that’s coated with food-grade polyethylene. This waterproof cover is easy to care for, so I can easily wipe off any mess using a damp cloth! 

For the inside, instead of foam, it’s made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. I had my baby lie down on the eco-friendly cotton filling, and he felt very comfortable!

This organic cotton changing pad has a safety strap that helps keep your little one in place, making it easier for you to change their diaper.

You also get to pick between two variants, a 2-sided pad or a 4-sided pad. 

Either option functions the same way, but the 2-sided pad will work better in the long run because it can accommodate taller infants. 

However, the 4-sided pad will feel comfier and keep your baby secure!

2. Keekaroo Peanut Changer

Material: ‎Polyurethane polymer

With thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is a popular baby-changing pad that a lot of moms, myself included, can vouch for! 

When I saw that the shape of this non-toxic changing pad was soft and could accommodate ANY baby, I knew it was worth the buy!

I like the safety buckle that kept my wiggly baby comfortable and in place as I changed him!

Although, what makes this changing pad stand out is its all-around solid structure. I don’t need to deal with any additional changing pad cover, which is great! 

I can easily wipe down on its water-resistant surface with wipes or a damp cloth, and that’s all you need to do to clean it!

This changing pad is made of polyurethane polymer elastomer, which is a synthetic rubber, making it RESISTANT to punctures, tears, slips, and even bacteria growth! 

For those wondering if this material is safe, yes, it is!

This product is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) at the highest level. 

It’s non-toxic and free from BPA, PVC, latex, formamide, phthalates, and flame retardants, keeping your baby safe while he/she gets changed!

3. Summer Infant Contoured Baby Changing Pad

Material: ‎PEVA vinyl

A changing pad can be used for a long time, especially if you’re expecting more than one child in your family. 

If you’re looking to maximize long-lasting value at an affordable price, then this affordable non-toxic changing pad is the perfect pick!

This product has THOUSANDS of great reviews on Amazon, I can clearly see why. With its affordable price tag and functional features, any mom would feel like this is a practical buy! 

This changing pad has a contoured 2-side design and a quick-release safety belt, which kept my baby feeling comfy and secure. 

Its dimensions are also strategically designed to fit any changing table, so that’s great!

This product has a durable soft foam with a changing pad cover made of double-layered quilted PEVA vinyl, making it waterproof and easier for me to wipe off my baby’s messes! 

PEVA vinyl is a safer and more eco-friendly version of vinyl, although it’s still not the safest option if you compare it with organic and other changing pads on this list.

If you’re worried about the safety of this product, you can buy these separate organic cotton covers that will fit this changing pad perfectly!

4. MakeMake Organics Organic Portable Baby Changing Pad

Material: Organic cotton

Most baby changing pads are too big and bulky to be travel-friendly.

If you’re looking for convenient baby changing pads you can bring on the go, this item is the best non-toxic changing pad for you!

This portable changing pad is made of 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. It’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and vegan too! 

What I love about this changing pad are its elastic straps where you can place diaper-changing essentials. 

I can securely keep my wipes, diaper creams, and diapers in these convenient places!

Since it’s made of organic cotton, this isn’t waterproof and easy to care for, especially if you’re using it on the go. 

However, I have to throw this portable changing pad in the laundry if I want to clean it. This could be a problem for you, but at least you’ll be at ease knowing your baby is on a safe and comfy surface.

5. Babyletto Contour Non Toxic Changing Pad

Material: Polyester

This is another great contoured pad that deserves a spot on this list! This changing pad uses a food-grade polyethylene cover that’s triple laminated, making it extra firm and safe for newborns. 

You’ll also find that wiping off baby messes will be easy with this waterproof changing pad cover! Cleaning messes was easy-peasy!

This item has a polyester filling, which is a synthetic material that might not be best for your baby’s skin.

Although, this changing pad is still free from polyurethane foam and PVC/vinyl, which should ease your mind. 

Polyester also inherently has natural flame retardant properties, so you also don’t have to worry about any added chemical flame retardants.

These baby-changing pads are also sized to fit most changing tables, so that is a plus.

Thanks to the contoured 2-sided shape and safety belt, my baby felt comfy and secure while lying down!

At an affordable price, this item has all the features you need for a non-toxic and safe changing pad.

Features to Look for When Buying the Best Non-Toxic Baby Changing Pad

There are a couple of things you should think about before buying from one of the best changing pads for babies on your infant prepping checklist. 

These features will ensure that your baby is safe and make the whole diaper-changing process much easier!

#1 Material

One of the most important things to look for is the right materials.

The best changing pads are those made from safe, non-toxic materials. Here’s a quick rundown of the good ingredients to look for and the ones to AVOID.

Common Materials to Look For

For starters, organic cotton is one of the main materials that are baby-safe.

This material is soft and gentle on the baby’s skin and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Most baby changing pads are also made of polyester. Don’t worry, though; it’s completely safe for babies!

However, I would recommend sticking to organic cotton or wool, as polyester may irritate the baby’s skin.

But since your baby will only be using the changing pad for a short time while getting changed, I think it’s still a safe option.

Toxic Chemicals & Materials to Avoid

Your baby will spend a lot of time on a diaper changing pad, so it’s best to choose one that’s FREE from any non-toxic materials.

Polyurethane Foam

One material you should avoid at all costs is polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is extremely flammable, which is why flame retardants are normally used on them. 

Flame retardants have been linked to being an endocrine disruptor, so you want to steer clear of this as much as you can!

Polyurethane foam can also “off-gas” and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are toxic chemicals that can harm your little one if they inhale them.

With that, avoid polyurethane foam as much as possible.

PVC & Vinyl

Aside from polyurethane foam, you should also avoid changing pads that contain PVC, such as vinyl. These are commonly used for waterproofing surfaces and making them easier to clean. 

Although, high doses of these aren’t the safest for your precious one.

PVC contains phthalates that have also been linked to being endocrine disruptors. 

Some changing pads use PEVA vinyl instead of PVC. This would be a safer option, but it’s still not the best option for the safety of your baby.

Thankfully, there’s a better waterproof material alternative which is polyethylene. A couple of products above use polyethylene for their covers, so that’s great!

#2 Safety Strap

Safety straps are great additional features on a changing pad, although they’re not essential. 

Nevertheless, these straps can help keep your baby in place and prevent them from wiggling too much when you change them.

They’ve been a real timesaver, especially since my baby is a fussy one!

Take note that strapping up your baby doesn’t mean that you can leave them unattended! 

Always have a hold on your precious ones when you change their diapers. The straps will help make diaper changing easier.

#3 Comfort

Of course, your baby has to be comfortable and calm while getting changed. Finding the right material will help you do this!

For example, a cotton changing pad is soft enough for a baby to lie down on.

#4 Waterproof & Easy to Clean

What makes changing pads great compared to using cloth surfaces for diaper change tasks is that they’re waterproof and easy to clean. 

This makes diaper changing less of a hassle, and you don’t have to worry about all the mess! A damp cloth or wipes are all you need to take care of the changing pad.

You can conveniently use it multiple times a day without going through the effort of using a washing machine to clean them every time!

#5 Portability/Ease of Use

Every now and then, you will need to change your baby while you’re on the go or on a trip.

A changing pad that is easily carryable or storable in the car.

The best changing pad to use for this situation would be a travel changing pad. These are easily foldable and carryable on trips or on the road.

Some don’t provide much cushioning, but they will get the job done!

#6 Certifications

Certifications are a surefire way to ensure that the changing pad is officially declared SAFE and FREE of toxic chemicals.

The main ones to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GREENGUARD Gold, or JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association).

Is a Changing Pad Necessary?

A lot of moms might say that changing pads are unnecessary, but if you ask me, it’s an essential baby product that saves a lot of time.

I thought I didn’t need one, but it WILL make your life easier; believe me!

It’s a convenient baby tool that will be useful for a couple of years, and you’ll definitely be using it every day until you potty train your little ones!

Sure, you can try to change your baby right in their organic bassinet, but using changing pads is still MUCH better than slouching down to do the deed. 

You can place it on any surface that’s comfortable for your height, and you’ll have yourself a diaper-changing table that’ll be easy on your back and knees!

Frequently Asked Questions

Since you will be changing your baby a lot, it will help to learn some additional information on changing pads.

You can refer to the following questions to guide you!

Are Non-Toxic Changing Pads Waterproof?

Some are waterproof, and some aren’t.

To determine if a changing pad is waterproof, look up the manufacturing instructions and specifications.

Are Changing Pads Safe for Newborns?

Yes, changing pads are safe for newborns as long as they contain NO toxic chemicals. To be safe, look for official certifications, such as GREENGUARD Gold or GOTS.

Some toxic chemicals to AVOID are polyurethane foam, PVC, vinyl, and BPA.

How Do I Keep My Changing Pad From Sliding?

To prevent sliding or skidding, you can use Velcro to attach the changing pad to the changing table or dresser.

You can also use non-skid mats to keep the changing pad in place. Cut the mat according to the shape of the changing pad and a changing table and stick it on.

How Do I Clean a Non-Toxic Changing Pad?

For some changing pads, all it takes to clean is a toss in the washing machine since they are machine-washable.

You can also use a damp cloth to easily wipe off the mess for other pads.

Either way, read the manufacturer’s instructions first to be safe.

What Size Should I Choose for My Non-Toxic Changing Pad?

It depends on a lot of factors.

For starters, you want a changing pad that can accommodate the size of your baby. You don’t want one that is too big or too small for them!

Additionally, the size of your changing table or whatever surface you’ll use is also important.

Some tables are properly sizes to fit changing pads and vice versa, so it is best to choose one that you can use securely on the changing table.

Are Non-Toxic Changing Pads More Expensive Than Regular Changing Pads?

Non-toxic changing pads can be more expensive than regular ones because of the higher-end materials used to make them.

However, the higher price is more worth it on the long run for parents who do not want to expose their kids to harmful chemicals.

Conclusion

From all the changing pads on this list, my pick would be the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Changing Pad.

It has two safety standard certifications that parents just love to see! It’s waterproof, durable, and has two shape variants you can choose from too! With its food-grade and safe materials, this is a trusted changing pad that will deliver results for a long time!

With thousands of positive reviews, the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is hard not to recommend.

It’s probably the most durable, long-lasting, and easiest-to-clean option out of all changing pads out there. This purchase won’t disappoint, and if you’re still not convinced, you can take a look at thousands of reviews from other parents. This JPMA-certified changing pad is the real deal!

Baby products aren’t the most affordable products, especially when you think about all the other baby products you have to buy. The Summer Infant Contoured Baby Changing Pad is a great budget option that can still compete with other changing pads out there.

This item has thousands of positive reviews on Amazon, and a lot of parents find it to be a practical solution that’s hard to pass on!