High quality changing pads are a total must for any parent. There are a boatload of baby products that you don’t really need. I mean, just a glance at the average mom-to-be’s registry and it’s clear to see how easy it is to go overboard. But on the list of baby gear you most definitely should shop for and purchase before your baby is born, diapering essentials, including the baby changing pad, reign supreme.

You’ll be changing a whole lot of diapers (like upwards of 10 a day) and you’ll need a soft, padded and waterproof place to change your baby that’s protected and, better yet, straps him in place to make things easier for you. Usually a diaper changing pad sits just on top of a changing table or a standard dresser—either one should suffice. In fact, finding a changing pad for a dresser is usually a simple process because pads will fit on most dressers big and small.

Because, like everything else sold under the “baby products” umbrella, there’s a seemingly overwhelming number of diaper changing pads to choose from, we’re helping you narrow them down to the best changing pads and best changing pad covers.

Most moms are big fans of Munchkin, from their bottles to their pacifiers. Their changing pad also doesn’t disappoint. It has an extra grip strip on the bottom to keep the pad from sliding around and safety straps to secure it to your table or dresser. It meets all safety regulations and is made from polyurethane foam.

It only makes sense that a mattress company would get into the business of making changing pads. You know this one is comfy, but it’s also waterproof and hypoallergenic thanks to its durable vinyl cover. It has a safety harness for your baby and a non-skid bottom to keep it in place.

Dream On Me makes some beautiful changing tables—ones that are especially ideal for small spaces—so it only makes sense that they would make a diaper changing pad. This one is pretty simple in its design—it has a contoured shape with a non-ski bottom and an anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic cover. It also comes with a 30-day warranty.

There are few baby products that Graco doesn’t make, which is why most moms and dads are big fans. Their changing pad is soft and has plush a buckle that goes around your baby to provide extra security. It’s, of course, water-resistant and has a non-skid bottom, and fits most standard changing toppers.

Parents love the hollow, cocoon-style design of this changing pad, which helps keep baby from sliding around. But it also has a non-skid bottom and a security strap to make absolute sure your baby doesn’t tip over mid-diaper change. Its quilted cover is both waterproof and stain resistant and free from harmful ingredients.

For a great price, you can score Summer Infant’s simple, yet durable vinyl changing pad. It’s 100 percent waterproof and contoured in all the right ways so that your baby stays put. It has a security strap underneath that can attach the pad to furniture.

This changing pad is made from a percentage of natural and renewable soybean oils, which helps thicken the pad and make it more supportive for your child—with the bonus of less indoor emissions and other chemicals. It has a contoured design to keep your baby in one place and extra security features including an adjustable safety strap, and anchoring straps that link right onto your furniture. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Cerfitied and meets ASTM safety standard.

Just one glance at the ultra-soft minky dot fabric of this changing pad and you’ll probably want a pair of matching sheets for you. These covers, which come in a pack of two, are made from a velvet, polyester fabric that’s breathable, yet super soft. It has an elastic bottom band that stays firmly onto your changing pad and is super easy to clean.

Burt’s Bees Baby is known for their soft, snug fabric that you just want to wrap around your baby. Their changing pad cover features a terry knit that’s 100 percent organic and GOTS certified. It’s machine washable and dryable and comes in over 10 colors.

The classic muslin cotton that aden + anais uses is super breathable, which parents love, especially during the summer months. This changing pad cover is also super durable and withstands as many trips through the washer and dryer as you need.

Parents love the plush, 100 percent polyester  fabric on these changing pad covers, which come in the cutest colors and prints. They’re machine washable and stain-resistant and have straps to keep them securely on the changing pad.

Copper Pearl is known for their soft, knit fabric, which they use on their changing pad covers. They have the cutest designs that parents love and has a universal fit so that they can be used on pretty much any diaper changing pad.

Check out more baby gear that moms say you should stock up for your baby’s first year and beyond.

Most moms are big fans of Munchkin, from their bottles to their pacifiers. Their changing pad also doesn’t disappoint. It has an extra grip strip on the bottom to keep the pad from sliding around and safety straps to secure it to your table or dresser. It meets all safety regulations and is made from polyurethane foam.

It only makes sense that a mattress company would get into the business of making changing pads. You know this one is comfy, but it’s also waterproof and hypoallergenic thanks to its durable vinyl cover. It has a safety harness for your baby and a non-skid bottom to keep it in place.

Dream On Me makes some beautiful changing tables—ones that are especially ideal for small spaces—so it only makes sense that they would make a diaper changing pad. This one is pretty simple in its design—it has a contoured shape with a non-ski bottom and an anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic cover. It also comes with a 30-day warranty.

There are few baby products that Graco doesn’t make, which is why most moms and dads are big fans. Their changing pad is soft and has plush a buckle that goes around your baby to provide extra security. It’s, of course, water-resistant and has a non-skid bottom, and fits most standard changing toppers.

Parents love the hollow, cocoon-style design of this changing pad, which helps keep baby from sliding around. But it also has a non-skid bottom and a security strap to make absolute sure your baby doesn’t tip over mid-diaper change. Its quilted cover is both waterproof and stain resistant and free from harmful ingredients.

Sure, you can get a changing table … or you can put a simple pad on top of a dresser. The budget-friendly Summer Contoured Changing Pad can be wiped clean, comes with a safety belt, is contoured to help prevent baby from rolling, and has crazy-good reviews. Just be sure that you thoroughly secure it to the surface you choose (there’s a security strap underneath), and NEVER leave your LO on it unattended.

This changing pad is made from a percentage of natural and renewable soybean oils, which helps thicken the pad and make it more supportive for your child—with the bonus of less indoor emissions and other chemicals. It has a contoured design to keep your baby in one place and extra security features including an adjustable safety strap, and anchoring straps that link right onto your furniture. It’s GREENGUARD Gold Cerfitied and meets ASTM safety standard.

Just one glance at the ultra-soft minky dot fabric of this changing pad and you’ll probably want a pair of matching sheets for you. These covers, which come in a pack of two, are made from a velvet, polyester fabric that’s breathable, yet super soft. It has an elastic bottom band that stays firmly onto your changing pad and is super easy to clean.

Burt’s Bees Baby is known for their soft, snug fabric that you just want to wrap around your baby. Their changing pad cover features a terry knit that’s 100 percent organic and GOTS certified. It’s machine washable and dryable and comes in over 10 colors.

The classic muslin cotton that aden + anais uses is super breathable, which parents love, especially during the summer months. This changing pad cover is also super durable and withstands as many trips through the washer and dryer as you need.

Parents love the plush, 100 percent polyester  fabric on these changing pad covers, which come in the cutest colors and prints. They’re machine washable and stain-resistant and have straps to keep them securely on the changing pad.

Copper Pearl is known for their soft, knit fabric, which they use on their changing pad covers. They have the cutest designs that parents love and has a universal fit so that they can be used on pretty much any diaper changing pad.

This article was originally published on 12.19.2020