Do I Need A Portable Changing Pad For Outings?

On the days when you’re traveling, running errands, or enjoying a day out with your little one, convenience is key. Your diaper bag needs to have all the things you’ll need, like dry wipes, diapers, your baby’s feeding essentials, an extra set of clothes, a pacifier, and of course, a changing pad. 

A portable changing pad can make all the difference when you’re not at home. It ensures diaper changes are quick, clean, and stress-free no matter where you are. 

Also read: Essential Must-Haves For Your BabbleRoo Diaper Bag

What is a portable changing pad?

A portable changing pad is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a small investment in your peace of mind and your baby's comfort. It’s a compact changing mat that you can bring out with you so that you can change your baby’s diaper wherever you are. 

What are the types of changing pads?

1. Standard foldable changing pad

This is the most common type of portable changing pad. It's lightweight, folds into a small square or rectangle, and often comes with a Velcro or buckle closure. It’s compact enough to slip into a diaper bag or purse.

2. Clutch-style changing pad

A clutch-style pad offers more functionality, as it doubles as a small diaper clutch. With built-in pockets for diapers and wipes, you can grab it for quick trips instead of taking the entire diaper bag.

3. Disposable changing pads

Perfect for parents who don’t want to worry about cleaning or carrying around an extra item, disposable changing pads are a one-time use option. They are great for traveling, camping, or when you don’t want to deal with washing a pad later on.

 

@theleggofamily ‼️Calling mums/ mums to be/ parents ✨ This portable changing mat is a game changer and must have!! Nappy changing on the go 👏#motherhood#mumsoftiktok #momsoftiktok #mum #ukmum #mumlife #momtips #momhacks #firsttimemom #firsttimemum ##sahm #sahmsoftiktok #mumtok #momtok #babytok #babyfever #babylove #newborn #newbornbaby #babymusthave #babytiktok #babiesoftiktok #mummytips#mummytipsntials #babyitems #babybag #nappy #nappybag #hospitalbag #tiddlersandnippers #momtobe #mumtobe #changingmat #babymat #firsttimemomtips #firsttimemum ♬ Cute - Aurel Surya Lie

Why you need a portable changing pad

1. For hygiene purposes

Public restrooms, parks, and even your friend’s house might not have the cleanest surfaces for diaper changes. In this case, a portable changing pad provides a sanitary barrier between your baby and the surface. 

Plus, many portable changing pads are easy to clean! Our BabbleRoo portable changing pads are water-resistant so you only need a quick wipe down after using it. 

2. For convenience

A portable changing pad is lightweight and foldable, which means you can put it in or take it out of your diaper bag before you go out. It also takes up less space, which means you won’t have to worry about reorganizing your bag to fit other things. 

3. For comfort

Bathroom counters and benches are uncomfortable for your baby to lie on during diaper changes, but a cushioned portable changing pad (like ours!) solves that problem. 

4. For better organization

Some changing pads come with built-in compartments for diapers, wipes, and creams, which makes it easier to have your diapering essentials in one place without lugging around too many things in your diaper bag.

Our BabbleRoo removable changing pad has pockets for a couple of diapers and a small pack of wipes — you’ll be prepped for a quick diaper change on the go!

Also read: 10 Tips to Maximize Efficiency in Your Diaper Bag 

How many changing pads do I need? 

Although having one portable changing pad for your baby’s diaper changes is enough, some moms consider getting a second changing pad if they live in 2-story homes for convenience. You can keep one at home in your diaper caddy, and optionally, another one in your diaper bag or car. 

Also read: How To Organize A Diaper Caddy (+ Diaper Caddy Essentials)

How do I choose the right portable changing pad?

1. The size of your changing pad 

While compact size is important for portability and the size of your diaper bag’s compartment, you still need to choose a pad that’s large enough to comfortably fit your baby, even as they grow. 

Your changing pad should also cover most public changing tables and remain in place, especially with a wiggly baby!

2. Maintenance  

Diaper changes can be messy, so choose a changing pad that’s waterproof or made with a water-resistant material. Ideally, it should also be easy to clean so that you don’t have to worry about taking up a lot of time cleaning your pad. 

Some changing pads are machine-washable too!

3. Cushioned support

A bit of padding or cushion goes a long way in keeping your baby comfortable during changes. Thin or hard surfaces can be uncomfortable, especially in colder environments, so look for a changing pad with soft padding. 

4. Built-in pockets for storage

Some changing pads include pockets for diapers and wipes, and they’ll help you save extra space in your diaper bag for other items. 

The built-in pockets are also great if you’re on short outings with your baby, like a quick grocery run or a family day out at the mall. 

5. Foldable and lightweight

A portable changing pad should easily fold into a compact size for your diaper bag or any other bag you plan to bring, like a tote bag. For clutch-style changing pads, you can carry it on its own. Regardless, make sure your changing pad is lightweight so that you don’t need to carry a heavy load. 

6. Safety features

Some changing pads have safety features like safety straps or buckles to secure your baby so they won’t roll or fall off during diaper changes. 

7. Stylish and practical design

Just because it’s a practical item, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be stylish too! Many changing pads come in a variety of patterns and colors, so choose one that best suits your style… or your BabbleRoo diaper bag like ours! 

How to use our BabbleRoo portable changing pad?

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to get the most out of yours:

1. Find a flat surface

Whether you're at a park bench, in the back seat of your car, or on a public restroom counter, find a clean, flat surface to spread out the changing pad.

If you’re going to change your baby in a public facility like a changing table, you can also sanitize and wipe down the surface first before laying out your pad. 

2. Lay out your changing pad

Unfold your changing pad and lay out flat on the surface. Make sure it’s secure and avoid changing your baby on an uneven or high surface without safety buckles. 

3. Prep your essentials

Before placing your baby on the pad, pull out everything you need — your wipes, a fresh diaper, diaper cream, etc. This will help you get your things in order and keep you from rummaging through your bag while your baby’s on the pad. 

4. Place your baby on the pad

When you’re ready for a diaper change, lay your baby down on the changing pad. Keep one hand on them at all times, or secure them with the pad’s safety straps or buckle. You don’t want them to roll off in the middle of your task. 

5. Change away!

Change your baby’s diaper as you normally would and then safely remove them from the pad when you’re done. 

 

@mariahinspo What are your on-the-go diaper changing tips?🚗 #momtok #diapertips #diaperhack #travelwithababy #babytraveltips #boymom #relatablemom #onthegobaby ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) - Ellen Once Again

 

How do I clean my portable changing pad?

When you’re done changing your baby’s diaper, you can sanitize and wipe down your changing pad with a damp wipe or towel before folding it up to store in your bag. 

Where can I use a portable changing pad?

There are so many places where you can use a portable changing pad like ours, but the most common places are:

• The backseat of your car
• A baby changing table in the public restroom
• A park bench
• On the ground/floor 
• On the table 
• On the couch/sofa
• On the bed 

Where do I get a portable changing pad?

You can get them online or in person at multiple retail stores that sell baby gear but you can also get them here, on our BabbleRoo website!

Why should you get it?

• It’s portable, lightweight (weighs less than 12oz), and water-resistant, which also makes it easy to clean after diaper changes!
• It has padding for your baby’s comfort, as well as a diaper pocket, a wipes pocket, and a large changing area for your baby. 
• It comes in 2 fun patterns that match our Green Birdy and Sea Animals variations of our Original diaper bag.

Final thoughts

The right portable changing pad can make your diaper changes outside a real breeze — it’s lightweight, convenient, and if it’s padded, it’s better for your baby’s comfort. For parents who struggle with messy diaper changes, you’ll also appreciate how water-resistant and easy it is to clean the pad after you’re done. 

Altogether, here’s why you should consider getting a portable changing pad.