Depending on who you ask, a baby changing pad can fall under the “nice to have” column or the “must-have” column for things you need for your baby. And since you’re asking us, the answer is YES, your baby needs a changing pad. But not just any diaper changing pad, a portable changing pad that goes with you wherever you go with your baby, because when you think about where that tush has been — and what’s come out of it — you’ll be glad you have your own changing pad handy.

Our slim vegan leather diaper changing pad is luxe for your baby’s butt, quick to clean, and folds up so small it can fit in your Tushbaby carrier, Totebaby tote, or even in your pocket. Because it’s so portable, it’s just for you and your baby, so you don’t have to worry about other baby butts mucking it up.

Changing pads are considered safe as long as they are securely in place, and you never take your hands off your baby while using one. A baby changing pad is meant to keep diaper changes quick, easy, and clean. When at home, you can choose a designated spot on a dresser, table, or any safe flat surface, wide and stable enough to hold your baby. When you’re out on the town with your baby, it’s great to have a portable changing pad that you can use anywhere from the back seat of your car to a park bench or public restroom… you get the idea. Did we mention the Tushbaby Changing Pad is made from easy-to-clean vegan leather, is PVC-free, lead-free, and phthalates-free, too? Sounds like a win to us. 

Yes, you can put a changing pad on the dresser, the couch, the bathroom floor, wherever you may need it. While a portable changing pad is nice to have at home, it’s even nicer when you’re out and about in public places, so you can clean your baby’s tush on something where no other tush has gone before. 

Most parents use a changing pad until their tot is no longer wearing diapers, so that’s a personal choice that each family makes depending on their lifestyle and developmental stage of their baby. It’s typical for babies to show signs of potty training readiness between 18 and 24 months. Whether it takes less time or more, it’s nice to have a changing pad on hand — especially one that’s easy to pack up and take on the go.

The good news is it’s pretty easy to clean your baby’s changing pad. A lot of changing pads are designed so that you can purchase additional covers that conveniently go in the wash when needed. Like most things for your baby, it’s great to have a few covers to rotate — one to use while another is in the wash and another one as a spare.

That said, when it comes to a portable baby changing pad, a couple of baby wipes can do the trick. If you have an extra minute, it’s a great idea to really wash it down to make sure it’s fully sanitized. Soap and water are fine to use; just clean the entire surface, especially where that tush has left its mark!

Choosing a changing mat shouldn’t keep you awake at night. It’s a practical item, not a necessity. If you’re looking for a baby changing mat to use at home, you can also purchase a few covers that match the aesthetic in your baby’s nursery. There are a lot of styles and colors to choose from, and they make a great registry item! For a changing mat on the go, the Tushbaby Changing Pad is stylish, convenient and easy to pack in your Tushbaby carrier or Totebaby.

When it comes to your baby’s diaper changing mat, keep a few things in mind:

• Comfort. Your baby is going to be spending a lot of time here. It should be comfortable. They’re usually soft and padded. 
• Flexibility. Most at-home changing pads are made to be covered in removable covers that are easy to clean. Go for waterproof or organic cotton — whatever is easy to remove that’s soft on your baby’s bottom.
• Safety. A few safety straps will ensure that the mat won’t move around on a dresser or flat, hard surface, which will make it easier when you need to get to work changing that dirty diaper.

The Tushbaby portable Changing Pad is 23.2 x 15.6 inches expanded, 7.8 x 3.9 x .098 inches when folded up. It easily fits into the Tushbaby diaper tote and Tushbaby hip carrier pockets, making it the most convenient choice for your Tushbaby baby.

Yes, change your baby wherever it’s convenient for you and safe for your baby. Just make sure that your baby can’t roll over or fall off whatever surface you place them on — which is why a flat, wide and hard surface works great for diaper changes. Of course, you want your baby clean, but safety is the number one priority, always. You also probably don’t want to change your baby without using a portable changing pad underneath them, whether you’re home or out and about, because that would be… well, sort of gross. Just sayin’.

Many changing pads have waterproof covers, but it’s not a given. The idea behind changing pads is that they are safe, clean, and convenient places to change your baby’s diaper — a changing pad cover will help keep that surface clean. As for your baby, as long as you have your wipes at the ready and a fresh new diaper, you two should be good to go.