Abstract: An infant diaper changing system that includes embedded illumination configured to direct light to the diaper area of an infant, creating a well-lit work area and reducing light exposure to the infant's eyes and helping to prevent the infant from being woken by light. The system generally includes a changing pad for the infant to lie on, an illumination device configured to emit light toward or from a first predetermined area of the pad, and a mechanism configured to secure the illumination device directly or indirectly to the pad, or to direct the light to a second predetermined area of the pad different from the first predetermined area of the pad. In addition to optimum light location, varying degrees of material opacity and design work may further direct light towards the diaper area of the infant.