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Best Travel Changing Pads for On-The-Go Diaper Changes

By Yasmine Moussa Published: September 4, 2023 Updated: September 4, 2024 This article contains affiliate links. Please see our full affiliate policy .

Have you ever had to change your baby’s diaper on the go? If you’re on a trip, in a hotel, running an errand, or just out for the day, a non-toxic travel changing pad will come to your rescue when your little one is ready for a diaper change.

Travel changing pads are foldable, flat pads that provide surface protection from germs, and a softer space to lay your baby. They might not offer a ton of cushion for your baby, but they will help get the job done.

Here are our favorite non-toxic travel changing pads! Slip one into your diaper bag.

Natemia Organic Cotton Travel Changing Mat

Buy on Amazon | Natemia

Made in Portugal. Stylish and convenient, Natemia’s organic cotton travel changing mats are perfect for on-the-go diaper changes with your baby. Featuring organic cotton and an Oeko-Tex certified polyfill, they provide a clean and safe surface for your baby, with just enough cushion for comfort.

This material is soft and safe for your baby but is not waterproof or wipeable. Keep this in mind while changing your baby.

Make Make Organics Portable Changing Pad

Buy on MakeMake Organics

Made in India. Make Make Organics offers a rather innovative portable changing pad. It has elastic straps to store essentials in so when you unfold it, everything is ready to go. Alternatively, you can tuck items like soiled clothing inside these elastic compartments after the diaper change to store until you you have time to launder it.

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This portable changing pad is 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and coated in a water-resistant USDA-certified plant-based extract. This is an excellent option for on-the-go diaper changes especially if you want a blanket-like surface for your baby while being able to keep things organized and clean!

LilyMoon Portable Diaper Changing Pad

Buy on Amazon

Made in China. The LilyMoon portable changing pad gives you everything you need in one little bundle! With a padded pillow, diaper and wipes pockets, and more, you can stash everything you need in this handy little pouch.

As far as materials go, this travel changing pad is made from PEVA material that is Oeko-Tex certified. While I wouldn’t say this is totally non-toxic, it is a cleaner option that offers a lot of functionality. If you do buy this item, I would probably recommend laying a swaddle blanket underneath your baby, just in case.

But otherwise, it does look like a good and cleaner option for on-the-go diaper changes! I would totally get this for the convenience factor alone + the fact that it’s Oeko-Tex certified doesn’t hurt.

Related: 21 Things to Pack In Your Diaper Bag So You’re Always Prepared

If you found this article on travel changing pads useful, save it for later!

Keep Reading:

• How to Prevent Diaper Blowouts
• The Best Non-Toxic Disposable Diapers for Babies
• The Ultimate Diaper Bag Checklist: 20+ Essentials to Pack
• 20+ Best Diaper Bags

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Yasmine moussa.

Founder and Chief Mama Officer of The Gentle Nursery. Yasmine is the founder of The Gentle Nursery as well as the CEO of Biomeology , a prenatal wellness company. She is a wife, proud mom of two boys, a graduate of the University of Southern California, and a Functional Nutrition Coach. With a 10-year background in research, analytics, and leadership for a Fortune 100 company, Yasmine applies the same principles and attention to detail to every article she writes and researches.

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8 Things Beginner Campers Should Never Go Into the Woods Without — and What to Leave at Home, From $22

Stock up on essential gear, according to a lifelong camper.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

From backpacking trips to car camping, I’ve learned that being a happy camper often comes down to proper preparation and what you pack. Choosing camping gear that’s durable, versatile, and comfortable is always a good rule of thumb to follow. But even after over 30 years, I’m still adjusting and refining my camping packing list . 

If you’re new to camping, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Finding what best suits your needs and camping style can take some trial and error. However, I’ve learned plenty of tried-and-true lessons about what to pack (and what to leave at home) for a safe, enjoyable camping trip. Here are eight common camping packing mistakes to avoid as a newbie camper — and what to bring instead.

Don’t pack: Foam camping mats

Pack this instead: rei co-op campwell sleeping pad.

Even as a lifelong camper, I need the right gear to get a good night’s sleep while tent camping. Whether you’ve had camping gear passed down or camped as a kid in the ‘90s like me, you’ve likely come across closed-cell foam sleeping pads. While the thin pads offer a durable, lightweight option for backpackers, they’re a bit unforgiving when it comes to comfort, especially for newbie campers. I prefer a self-inflating sleeping pad, like this one from REI , for its adjustable firmness, added cushioning, and ease of use (no pump required). I appreciate that it’s designed with attachment points to connect multiple Campwell pads without gaps, helping preserve precious tent space and snuggle up to a partner. And, with an R-value of 7.0 (which is a measurement of the pad’s insulation to protect you from the cold ground below), this pad offers adequate warmth for year-round camping.

Don’t pack: Sneakers or tennis shoes

Pack this instead: salomon speedcross 6 trail shoes.

In my opinion, casual footwear has no place at a campsite. Spare your sneakers and tennis shoes the unnecessary wear and tear and opt for a trail or hiking shoe instead. While camping, I opt for a closed-toe shoe with traction and water resistance to safely navigate tree roots, tackle slippery surfaces, and endure inclement weather. I love these Salomon trail shoes for their lightweight design and single-pull lace closure system for quick fit adjustments and easy on and off at camp. The rugged lugs on the grippy outsole afford excellent traction and effectively shed mud and debris. 

Don’t pack: Cotton base layers

Pack this instead: smartwool merino short sleeve tee.

Cotton is ubiquitous for its comfort, but when it comes to camping or hiking, it’s a far less practical outfit choice. The absorbent fabric holds moisture for a long time, making it easy to catch a chill on a sweaty hike or risk hypothermia in more extreme conditions. Instead, I opt for a merino wool base layer like this short-sleeve T-shirt for its moisture-wicking abilities, temperature regulation, and athletic fit. It’s plenty breathable to wear in warmer weather or as a base layer in cooler climates. I find that the merino and nylon blend fabric, in addition to the flatlock seams, offers nearly unrestricted movement and stands up well to wear and tear. 

Don’t pack: Flashlights

Pack this instead: ledlenser hf6r core headlamp.

Between cooking dinner, packing away gear, or answering nature’s call, many nighttime scenarios require the use of both hands. Swapping out a handheld flashlight for a headlamp is a more practical method to find your way around camp in the dark. I love this lightweight headlamp for its multifunctional settings, waterproof design, and intuitive controls. A quick turn lets you toggle from flood to spotlight. I primarily operate with the red light for night vision around the campsite. I’m also a big fan of the rechargeable battery design, which operates with a magnetic charge system that’s easy to use and clearly distinguishable from other gear charge cords. 

Don’t pack: Bath towels

Pack this instead: sea to summit airlite towel.

I love a plush bath towel, but a couple of days outdoors will soon see them become dank and dirty. Instead, I opt for a quick-dry towel that’s more packable, durable, and fast-drying to use multiple times a day. This quick-dry camp towel weighs just 2.4 ounces and stows away in a stuff sack that fits in my pocket. Though it measures just 32 x 16 inches, it’s sufficiently absorbent to dry off after a swim. The polyester and nylon blend material is odor-resistant and dries quickly to pack away or use again. For a full-size quick-dry towel, I’m a fan of the Rumpl Everywhere Towel for its softness and resistance to dirt and stains. 

Don’t pack: Cookware from home

Pack this instead: gerber compleat 16-piece cookset.

Cabela's

Unless I’m backpacking, I aim to prepare campsite dinners that are reminiscent of a home-cooked meal by adapting my recipes — and my cookware — to the constraints of a camping stove and outdoor setting. I love this all-in-one cookware set for its packable design and versatile functionality. The detachable handle lets the sauté pan nest alongside the stock pot, four-person tableware set, and serving bowl. The integrated strainer lid on the pot avoids the need to pack extra equipment. I appreciate that the bowls and plates have different colors to quickly tell dishes apart. The included drawstring carry bag is incredibly portable and easily accommodates the full cook set. 

Don’t pack: Disposable cutlery 

Pack this instead: sea to summit frontier ultralight 2-piece cutlery set.

Out of respect for other campers and to protect the natural environment, it’s best practice to leave a campsite better than you found it. This means taking any waste with you, or in other words: “Pack it in, pack it out.” Avoiding single-use items, such as paper plates and plastic cutlery, is an easy way to cut down on campsite waste. Investing in durable camp cutlery, like this aluminum cutlery set , can also save money otherwise spent on disposable forks, knives, and spoons in the long term. I love the practicality of the spork and mini carabiner that holds the set together. I also appreciate the ergonomic handles and that the cutlery is designed to stack for neat and efficient packing. 

Don’t pack: Soft-side food storage 

Pack this instead: yeti roadie 32 wheeled cooler.

Keeping provisions cold and safe from critters is top of mind when I go camping. Having once returned from a multi-hour paddle to find a red squirrel had gnawed through a dry bag to raid my snacks, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. This wheeled, hard-sided Yeti cooler is my go-to when camping by car or boat. The latches provide secure closure while the thick exterior is highly insulated and incredibly durable. Though hefty, it’s a breeze to transport over uneven terrain thanks to the periscope handle and rugged wheels. I also appreciate the convenience of the drain plug to empty water as the ice starts to melt, usually sometime around day two. 

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On the trail of the Vikings in Veliky Novgorod

Veliky Novgorod (589 kilometers from Moscow and often referred to simply as “Novgorod”) was for many centuries the most important commercial hub in Eastern Europe, having developed relations with German and Scandinavian cities, the Black Sea region and with Muslim centers of the East. A unique political system emerged here that was republican at its core. Novgorod was fortunately spared a Mongol invasion and its development was not stunted by the catastrophic destruction that afflicted ancient Rus’, whose largest cities were turned to ashes.  

From the Varangians to Rus’

The Vikings sailed great distances for more than just plunder: in the ninth century Novgorod’s rivers were part of a major trading route “from the Varangians to the Greeks.” Byzantine merchants preferred traveling along this route and traded in the cities located along its river banks, as in the hinterland merchants could fall prey to murderous bandits and thieves. The demand for warriors that could guarantee the security of overseas guests and these thriving cities was enormous. The Vikings had no equals in the art of war and were welcomed. Therefore many offered their services to a Slavic ruler, settled down here and became citizens of Rus’.

The ancient capital

According to another version, outlined in the “Tale of Bygone Years” (the 12th century Russian chronicles and the oldest that have survived), it was Novgorod’s inhabitants themselves who asked Rurik to be their ruler and establish order during a difficult period of internecine fighting. As a result, in the ninth century Rurik reached the banks of the Volkhov River with a small group of warriors and founded a settlement there whose traces can still be seen 13 kilometers from Novgorod.

On the right bank of the Volkhov River there is a towering hill. This is all that’s left of Rurik’s ancient settlement, the residence of the first Russian ruling dynasty, the Rurikids. The city of Novgorod was later christened as the “New City” (Novy Gorod in Russian) to differentiate itself from this older outpost. This small hill today is covered by green grass. However, in the 10th century wooden streets could be found here, the first ones to appear in ancient Rus’.

In the 12th century it was on this hill that the Annunciation Cathedral was built, while on the opposite bank of the river a cathedral was built in honor of St. George, becoming the main church of the Yuriev Monastery. The sparkle of the two sanctuaries’ domes welcomed guests coming to Novgorod’s land from the northern direction of Lake Ilmen. Today all that’s left of the Annunciation Cathedral are some picturesque ruins. But if you come here by boat (the river is open to navigation from May to September), it’s not difficult to imagine the prince sailing on a light “ladya” boat towards his town and being welcomed by the ringing bells of the two cathedrals.

Messages from the past

It is worth going to the local museum-reserve to inspect the personal correspondence of Novgorod’s citizenry dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. Such sentences are common: “buy butter, buy clothes for your children and let your son learn to read and write;” “so let your heart and your soul burn of passion when you see me;” or “send me the money, even if you don’t send money to Svenya, send money to me.” These correspondences allow visitors to practically look through the keyhole of an ancient city.

If you want to do more than just read about the days of old, then go to the small town of Staraya Russa (about 100 kilometers from Novgorod), on Aug. 8 to attend the festival of early medieval culture “Knyazhia Bratchina.” For a couple of days you can pretend to be Rurik or a Viking guard before returning to reality with a Varangian sword as a souvenir. 

How to get there

By car: From Moscow – 640 kilometers (about 7 hours), from Saint-Petersburg – 195 kilometers (about 2 hours)

By train: From Moscow take train “Ilmen” from Leningradsky Station. The journey takes 8 hours and 30 minutes from St. Petersburg. Then take train "Lastochka" from Moskovsky Station. The journey takes about 3 hours.

Where to stay

Park Inn Veliky Novgorod   RestUp Hostel  

Where to eat

Restaurant Ilmen  (ancient Scandinavian cuisine) La Chatte Cafe

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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Take a walk through the most ancient Kremlin in Russia

The Novgorod Kremlin, which is also called ‘Detinets’, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The first fortified settlement was set here during the reign of prince Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. During these times, all the state, public and religious life of Novgorod was concentrated here. It was the place where people kept chronicles and copied the texts of books. The Novgorod Kremlin, the most ancient one in Russia, was founded here in the 15th century.

St. Sophia Cathedral (11th century), The Millennium Of Russia Monument, Episcopal Chamber (15th century) and the main exhibition of The State Novgorod Museum-reservation located in a public office building of the 18th century are all situated in the Novgorod Kremlin. The exhibition will tell you about the whole Novgorod history from ancient times to the present day. There are also restoration workshops, a children’s center, a library and a philharmonic inside the Kremlin walls.

Send a letter with the State Novgorod Museum-reservation stamp

While visiting the main building of the Novgorod Kremlin museum, you’ll see a small bureau near the souvenir area. Two more bureaus like that can be found in the Fine Arts Museum and the Museum information centre. This is the Museum Post, the joint project of the State Novgorod Museum-reservation and Russian Post.

The tradition to exchange letters (at that time written on birch bark sheets) dates back to the 11th century so it’s hardly surprising that such a project appeared here. The bureaus are desks and mailboxes at the same time, so you can send your friends a postcard with a view of Novgorod right from the museum.

Find the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin among the figures of The Millennium Of Russia Monument

In 1862, 1000 years after the Varangians were called to Russia, a monument dedicated to this event was launched in Novgorod. To tell the story of Russia’s one thousand years, the sculptor used 129 bronze figures: from state and military leaders to artists and poets.

One of figures portrays Afanasy Ordin-Nashchokin, a politician and reformer who was responsible for Russia’s diplomatic relations in the middle of the 17th century. He is believed to be the father of international and regular mail in Russia. He was also the person who came up with the idea of the first Russian Post official emblem — a post horn and a double-headed eagle.

Cross the Msta River over the first arch bridge in Russia

The steel bridge in Borovichi town that connects two banks of the Msta river was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The project of the bridge was created by Nikolay Belelyubsky, engineer and professor of St. Petersburg State Transport University. This is the first arch bridge in Russia.

In 1995, it was included in the national cultural heritage register. More than 100 bridges across Russia were developed by Belelyubsky, but only this one is named after him.

Cast a virtual bell

When in the Novgorod region, you’ll definitely hear bells ring and learn about the Novgorod Veche Bell. During the siege of the city, tsar Ivan III ordered to remove this bell from the bell tower and send it to Moscow. Legend says that the bell didn’t accept his fate, fell to the ground near the border of the Novgorod region and broke to pieces against the stones.

In the biggest Museum Bell Centre in Russia located in the Valday town, you can see bells from across the world and learn why Novgorod bells are unique. The museum’s collection represents bells from different countries and ages, some of them dating back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll learn about the history of casting and modern bell-making technologies and also play games on a touch table. For example, harness virtual ‘troika’ (three) horses with bells or cast a virtual bell.

Spot the pigeon on the cross of St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral was built in Novrogod between 1045 and 1050 by Kievan and Byzantine masters. It was conceived as the main cathedral of the city, and during its first years it was the only stone building in Novgorod. So where does the pigeon on the cross of the cathedral’s biggest dome come from?

Legend says that while tsar Ivan the Terrible and his Oprichniki were cruelly killing peaceful city folk in 1570, a pigeon suddenly sat down to the cross of the city’s main cathedral. It looked down, saw the massacre, and was literally petrified with horror. Since then the pigeon has been considered the defender of the city. People believe that as soon as the pigeon flies away from the cross, Novgorod will come to an end.

Visit a monastery, that was founded by Patriarch Nikon

The Valday Iver Monastery is situated on the island in the middle of the Valday lake. It is considered to be one of the most important and picturesque orthodox shrines.

The monastery was founded in 1653 by the initiative of Nikon who had just been elected Patriarch. Nikon wanted the monastery to look like the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, including the architectural style and monk’s clothes. Legend says that Nikon saw the spot for the monastery in a dream.

Check out Fyodor Dostoevsky’s country house

Fyodor Dostoevsky, a famous Russian writer, first visited Staraya Russa town in 1872 during a summer trip with his family. They liked it so much that the next year they rented a house near the Pererytitsa River’s embankment and spent every summer here ever since.

Dostoevsky loved this house, called it ‘his nest’ and considered it the perfect place to work and to be alone. In Staraya Russa he wrote his novels ‘The Adolescent’, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ and ‘Demons’. Today, this place is a museum where you can explore what Dostoevsky’s house looked like and see his family’s personal belongings, photos and letters.

Visit an authentic Russian ‘izba’ (wooden house)

If you want to really enjoy the atmosphere of the old Novgorod, you should come to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of folk wooden architecture that is located on the Myachino lake not far away from Veliky Novgorod. In this open-air museum you’ll see the best examples of Russian wooden architecture, including authentic old ‘izbas’ (wooden houses), rural chapels and churches.

During the year, the museum hosts fairs of crafts and folklore, christmastides, and even an international bell ringing festival.

Learn what Brick Gothic looks like

The Episcopal Chamber of the Novgorod Kremlin is the only non-religious German Gothic building of the 15th century preserved in Russia. You can have a good look at the facets of the gothic cross-domed vaults inside the chamber. This is why this building is also called ‘Faceted Chamber’ or ‘Chamber of Facets’.

The chamber was part of Vladychny Dvor, the place where all important city events took place: court hearings, gatherings of the Council of Lords of the Novgorod Republic, ambassador’s receptions and feasts. The seals of the city’s lords were kept here. The decree of tsar Ivan III on merging the Novgorod Republic with the Moscow State was first announced in 1478 in Episcopal Chamber. This is when the name of the new state, Russia, was first pronounced.

See the murals by Theophanes the Greek

The Byzantine Empire had a huge impact on the development of the Russian culture. Many works of art and architecture in ancient Russia were created by Byzantine artists and masters. Theophanes the Greek was one of them. He was born in Byzantine and created icons and murals in Constantinople and Caffa (modern Feodosia). After that he moved to Novgorod where he was commissioned to paint the walls of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyina Street. You can enjoy his unique and expressive style if you look at the murals inside the dome of the church and the Trinity side chapel.

The most recognizable and the only monumental work of Theophanes the Greek that is preserved today is the chest-high portrait of the Savior the Almighty in the dome of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

Take a photo with an ancient Novgorod citizen who is learning how to read and write

In 1951, a letter written on birch bark dating back to the 14–15th centuries was found in Veliky Novgorod. Many decades later, in 2019, a sculpture designed by Novgorod artist and sculptor Sergey Gaev appeared on this exact site.

The sculpture portrays an 8–year old boy sitting on a stool and holding a piece of birch bark. At this age children in Novgorod started to learn how to read and write. During archaeological excavations in Novgorod, scientists often found ancient handwriting practice books and children’s drawings on birch bark sheets.

Feel like an ancient viking or prince Rurik’s guest

Novgorod is one of the waypoints of the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. The route passed through the Volkhov river. In the 9–10th centuries there was a fortified settlement of the Viking Age here.

Some scientists believe that Novgorod is named after this area which was called ‘Stary Gorod’ (‘Old City’) at that time. Some historians and archeologists consider this place to be the residence of Prince Rurik who was asked to rule the city in 862. That’s why this ancient settlement is called ‘Rurikovo Gorodische’ (‘Ruruk’s Old City’).

Learn more about the Soviet modernist architecture

On the bank of the Volkhov river near the Novgorod Kremlin, there is an incredible building that looks like a spaceship and contrasts strongly with the ancient buildings of the city.

This is the Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art that was built in 1987. It is one of the most striking examples of the Soviet modernist architecture. The theater was built for 10 years according to the project of architect Vladimir Somov.

See what an everyday life of Old Believers looks like

The Krestsy town in the Novgorod region has always been considered to be the center of the Novgorod Old Belief community, and it still is. Before the Soviet revolution there were three Old Believers churches here.

The Lyakova village, which is located not far from the town, used to be inhabited completely by Old Believers. You can learn more about their lifestyle in the local interactive museum. You’ll be introduced to Old Believers’ traditional crafts and ceremonies, drink tea with healing herbs and learn how to chop wood and use an old spinning wheel.

Buy a traditional embroidered tablecloth

A unique embroidery style that is now famous all over the world was born in the Staroye Rakhino village in the Novgorod province. By the middle of the 19th century, it had become a folk craft. Since then, linen tablecloths, towels and clothing items decorated with unusual ornaments have been popular not only among the locals, but also travellers.

In 1929, the first cooperative partnership of embroidery masters was created in Kresttsy. Later it turned into a factory that still operates today. The factory has a museum where embroidery traditions are preserved and new ornaments and technologies are created.

Find yourself in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Staraya Russa town could be called ‘the salt cellar of Russia’. That’s because salt making was the main trade here up to the 19th century. A few years ago, the old craft was brought back to life, and construction of salt works began. Later, an interactive museum was launched based on the results of archaeological findings.

This museum recreates a typical medieval manor of Staraya Russa of the 12th century with living rooms, a bathhouse, workshops, a livestock pen and traditional peasant household items. In this museum, you can also buy salt which is made in the same way as 1000 years ago.

See the place where Suvorov started his Italian campaign

Alexander Suvorov’s manor in the Konchanskoe village, which has now become the museum of the great commander, was originally the place of his exile. Suvovor openly disagreed with the reform of Russian’s army based on the Prussian model, and Emperor Paul the First didn’t appreciate such behaviour. He first fired Suvorov and then sent him away to his family estate.

However, the exile lasted for only two years. The great commander started the military campaign straight from his house in the Konchanskoe. During this legendary expedition, he crossed the Alps and defeated the French army.