Smart Changing Pad with Weight Tracking: Are They Worth It? (Honest Review)
Before becoming a parent, I had no idea a smart changing pad with weight tracking existed. But when we were prepping our nursery, the Hatch Grow Smart Changing Pad caught our eye. A sleek, techy gadget that lets you weigh your baby while changing their diaper? Sold. As new parents obsessed with knowing if our baby was eating enough, it seemed like a must-have.
But after months of use, we’ve got some strong opinions.
If you’re wondering whether a smart changing pad with weight tracking are worth it — here’s our honest, sleep-deprived take from one real parent who actually used one daily.
What Is a Smart Changing Pad With Weight Tracking?
A smart changing pad is exactly what it sounds like: a wipeable changing surface combined with a built-in digital scale. The most popular versions sync with a smartphone app to log your baby’s weight, growth over time, and even how much they ate after a feeding (by comparing pre- and post-feed weights).
Popular Options
What We Loved
We tested the Hatch Grow smart changing pad and this is what we liked
Feeding Tracking
We used it to see how much our baby drank during breastfeeding sessions — no more guesswork. The app logged the difference in grams, converting it into ounces automatically.
Built-In Routine
Since you’re already changing diapers 6–10 times a day, slipping in a quick weigh-in became second nature.
Data Over Time
We could see growth trends right in the app, which was reassuring during those first few weeks when you’re constantly wondering if your baby is eating enough.
Hands-Free Logging
The Hatch Baby app logs everything for you — weight, time, and feeding type — making tracking almost effortless.
What We Hated
We tested the Hatch Grow smart changing pad and this is what we disliked
Baby Wriggles = Bad Readings
If your baby moves during a weigh-in (and they will), the numbers get wonky. You need a calm, still baby for accurate results — which can be hit or miss.
Sync & App Bugs
The app occasionally failed to sync or glitched after updates. It’s not deal-breaking, but frustrating at 2 AM.
It’s a Bit of a Luxury
Unless you need to track weight closely (like with a preemie or low-weight baby), it’s probably more “nice to have” than essential. You’re paying a premium for tech that isn’t always 100% necessary.
🤔 Who Smart Changing Pad With Weight Tracking Is Actually For
- Parents of preemies or babies with growth concerns.
- Breastfeeding parents who want a better sense of milk intake.
- Tech-leaning parents who already track feeds, sleep, and diapers in an app.
- Those with the budget for a premium but non-essential smart gadget.
🔄 Alternatives & Comparisons
| Product | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatch Grow | $$$ | Great app, trusted brand | Pricey, some sync bugs |
| Unbranded Smart Pad | $$ | Similar features, more affordable | Less app polish |
| Regular Baby Scale | $ | Cheap and accurate | Manual tracking only, extra step |
If you’re on a tighter budget, a simple digital baby scale might be all you need.
🛒 Where to Buy
💡 Our Honest Verdict
We don’t regret buying the Hatch Grow — it gave us peace of mind, especially during those early newborn weeks. But would we buy it again for baby #2?
Maybe not. It’s a great tool, but not essential. If you love data and want weight tracking without the hassle of lifting your baby onto a separate scale, it’s a clever solution. Otherwise, there are cheaper ways to get similar info.
Final tip: If you do want one, look for it used or on sale. Babies outgrow changing tables fast, and the resale market for these is strong.
Check out this post for other items we thought was unnecessary.
