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Our top picks are guaranteed to help make the dirty business of changing diapers easier to manage.

Changing dirty diapers is one thing most parents won't miss about their baby's childhood. Most infants will need an average of 6-9 diaper changes per day — which is a lot of time spent on the changing table. But the right changing pad will help you get the job done as quickly (and mess-free) as possible, and keep your baby safe and comfortable while doing so. Whether you're in the market for something that's convenient to use while traveling, or something that will softly cradle your bundle of joy like a cocoon in their nursery, the right changing pad is out there for you.

Along with choosing the best diapers you can buy, a good changing pad can lessen the stress of life with a newborn. Especially for those times when a changing table isn't available, a changing pad can help keep you baby safe, comfortable and clean — and make clean-up easier on you. Ultimately, it's best to have two changing pads — a portable one to keep in the diaper bag, and one for use at home.

Safety tip: Never leave a baby alone on a changing table or pad, even if they're strapped in.

Still, there are a lot of options out there, and it can be difficult to narrow them down when they all seem to function similarly. That's where the parenting product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute come in — they regularly test all kinds of baby gear, from the hottest toys to the safest car seats to the best-performing strollers, and everything in between. If you won't be using a cover, our experts recommend looking for an easy-to-wipe pad that makes cleanup a breeze, and opting for a larger model so you won't have to buy another one as your baby grows. From contour pads to disposable pads, no matter which type of changing pad you're looking for, you're also going to want something that's water resistant, easy to clean and comfortable for your baby.

Based on rigorous in-Lab and in-home testing by our analysts and real parents, these are the best changing pads you can buy in 2022:

This changing pad does it all: it's comfortable and lightweight, is a great value, fits most universal covers and maintains its shape.

The Good Housekeeping Institute's Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman, an engineer and mom of three, loves that it's big enough for your baby while still fitting standard changing table designs. The high contoured sides and safety belt will keep your baby secure while you're dealing with even the most overwhelming of diaper situations. The padding is incredibly plush and the pad is highly water resistant, so you can wipe clean and don't have to worry about icky liquids seeping into the foam.

The Munchkin Secure Grip Changing Pad is great bang for your buck. Not only does it feature an easy-wipe water resistant surface that makes cleaning up a breeze, but its safety strap is great for securing wiggly babies. The pad is lightweight enough that you can easily carry it to any room you need and don't have to worry about when you need to change a diaper outside of the nursery. The rubber safety strips on the bottom will also help keep the pad from slipping around on hard surfaces.

This hard shell changing pad is a fan favorite with a bunch of great features. Our parent testers noted how they loved the aesthetic and easy clean-up this changer offers, and its durability is nothing to scoff at. With contoured sides and a safety belt that keeps your babe safe and secure, its slip-resistant material means you don't have to worry about it sliding around on your changing table. Plus, it fits on all changing tables and secures easily. The solid surface is soft and comfortable, doesn't retain any fluids or smells and doesn't need any additional sheets or pads on top. We suggest getting a darker color to keep it from showing any stains.

For a changing pad that's more than just a surface to switch out those dirty diapers, the Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale will certainly impress. This 2-in-1 product offers a sleek contoured design with an app for tracking weight. The foam surface is soft, comfortable and easy to wipe off. Use the app to track your baby's weight progressions between doctor appointments, or use it to measure how many grams or ounces your baby is drinking per feeding. You'll even have the opportunity to share weight and sleep data along with changing information with all caregivers linked up to the app.

Keep your little one occupied with this changing pad featuring a built in toy. The only thing that makes changing even more difficult than it already is are those wandering pudgy fingers that are interested in dirty diapers. You can easily remove the hanging toy if you choose to go without. Our testers noted that the contoured foam surface is comfy and soft, and wipes clean without retaining smells or liquids. Some did note that the pad didn't fit their changing table, so we recommend measuring your space and taking a close look at the dimensions before purchase.

If you're worried about your little one growing out of their changing pad far too quickly, the Colgate Mattress 2-sided contour pad is the answer to your problems. It's great for longer babies since it's a few inches longer than the average changing pad, and can easily be used through the majority of their diapered days. Even though it's a bit bigger, this pad was designed to fit on most changing tables so you don't have to worry about the extra length being an issue. The quilted cover is water resistant, durable and can be quickly wiped clean after each use. Plus, it's made of high quality foam and is GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning formaldehyde and other chemical emissions are low.

For the baby-on-the-go, this portable changing pad is easy to transport, features built-in pockets to carry all your diapering necessities and folds up to fit into almost any bag. Rothman says she lost count of the number of these she had with her diapered babies: one under the stroller, one in the car, one in a diaper go-bag and one in the playroom! The fun patterns are exciting to pick from, and the large pocket holds up to four diapers along with cream and anything else you may need. It clips right on to your stroller, bag or purse and easy to wipe off or spot clean.

While these disposable changing pads might not be for your every-day diaper duty at home, they're great for travel or a quick and light change in the other room. Our testers note that these absorbed well and were very resistant to leaks. They're thick, soft, fairly large and feature odor elimination. Because they're infused with baking soda, you don't have to worry about any unwanted smells. This is perfect for those who just want something to throw on the bed or floor for a quick change, or to toss on top of a changing table for a seamless cleanup.

Before you hit "add to cart," here are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for the right fit for you and your family: