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Best changing mats for babies: safe and comfortable picks for easy nappy changes
The best changing mat can make all the difference at nappy changing time. Keeping your floor and furniture safe from any low-flying poonamis, they make cleaning up after changes a doddle. Here’s our pick of the best baby changing mats.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Mar 27, 2024
While a changing mat may not be the most exciting baby purchase, the best changing mats can help make nappy changes more enjoyable for everyone. There are all sorts available in various shapes and designs, as well as options designed for swimming and travel.
Experts say that nappy changes can be a time to treasure. Perhaps not those fraught 3am nappy changes when it feels like you’re drowning in the brown stuff and all you really want to do is go back to bed. But, during less stressful nappy changes, it’s great to pause and make the most of that one-on-one time with your little one.
With so many changing mats on the market - and with parents looking to spend money wisely as the cost of living bites - we consulted the Mumsnet forums to find the best changing mats our users recommend, as well as checking expert and consumer reviews. We've chosen mats that we think will suit every occasion and every baby, all of which are suitable from birth.
At Mumsnet, we know how important the right baby equipment is, and how an authentic recommendation from a fellow parent who's been in your shoes can be better than any expert opinion. That's why we obsessively research and review baby products to help you choose. Whether it's the best breast pump, the best baby bottles or the best changing bag you're looking for, you'll find honest, judgement-free advice from real parents right here.
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Read next: For more buying advice on all your baby essentials, check out our guides to the best nappy bins, the best potties, the best baby wipes and the best nursing chairs, all featuring product recommendations from Mumsnetters.
Mamas & Papas Essentials Baby Changing Mat
Choice of fun patterns
Reversible design
Wipe clean
Fits Mamas & Papas changing stations and dressers
Not anti-roll or anti-slip
Quite pricey for a changing mat
Price on writing: £19 | Materials: 100% PVC-coated polyester | Machine-washable: No – wipe clean only | Size: L80 x W44 cm
As a parent of three children who all used the same changing mat over several years, I can personally recommend the Mamas & Papas Essentials Changing Mat - unlike several cheaper options we used for different rooms, this is the one which lasted.
Sure, it's not as cheap as the likes of the Boots changing mat, and it doesn't have the same design innovation as the Shnuggle or the anti-roll mats, but if you're looking for a simple, padded changing mat which will stand the test of time, you can't go far wrong with this one.
Boots Baby Changing Mat
Trusted retailer
Fits most dressers
Classic, subtle design
Some reviewers reported that the mat splits easily
Price on writing: £8 | Materials: non-specified | Machine-washable: No – wipe clean only | Size: 71 cm x 47 cm
If you have a lot of baby equipment to buy, including the big ticket items such as a crib, Moses basket or cot, you might want to save money when it comes to the less, ahem, exciting items. If that’s the case, this purse-friendly changing mat from Boots might just hit the spot. There are no frills or show-stopping design features. This low key, padded baby change mat is plain, affordable and will get the job done.
You could even buy more than one to have in your key nappy changing areas so you’re not dashing about to gather everything together when your baby’s lower half starts to whiff. This basic change mat probably isn’t quite as comfy as the Shnuggle Squishy Changing Mat, however, it will do the job and leave you with cash to spend on other items for your baby.
Shnuggle Squishy Baby Changing Mat
Soft and comfortable for baby
Angled design with raised sides
Expensive
Price on writing: £60 | Materials: 100% PU | Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm
In comparison to the average changing mat, the Shnuggle Squishy offers an altogether cosier nappy change surface. Constructed from a slab of soft, non-toxic foam, it’s warmer on a baby’s delicate skin than other change mats. As there’s no need to cover the mat with a towel or muslin, as you may find necessary with more basic changing mats, buying this high-end changing mat should reduce your washing pile and stop you spending money on extra towels.
Another clever design element is that the changing mat is slightly angled, which helps colicky or snuffly babies feel happier and also means unexpected pee runs downwards rather than up and into their hair. Because the Shnuggle Squishy Changing Mat is waterproof and made from one piece of foam, with no nooks and crannies, it’s easy to clean. Raised sides prevent your baby from rolling off as they grow. It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into the Shnuggle's design and reviews say that it lasts well so it should see you through as many changes, and babies, as required.
Read next: The best baby wipes to buy, as tried by Mumsnetters
Bambino Mio On the Move Changing Mat
Great for travel and days out
Fun range of designs
Machine washable
Not as comfy as the padded designs
Quite pricey for what it is
Price on writing: £13 | Materials: 100% Polyester| Machine-washable: Yes | Size: 21 x 15 x 4 cm
Perhaps best known for their reusable nappies, Bambino Mio are beloved by many a Mumsnetter for their eco-friendly baby products, and this travel changing bag is no exception. Made from sustainable materials, it comes in a choice of cute patterns. We love the soft, padded design which folds away to just 20 x 15 cm, making it a neat little addition to your changing bag.
It's not the cheapest for what it is, but unlike several of the traditional, wipe-clean changing mats, it's machine washable and fast to dry, which is always ideal for any baby item, let alone one you use for nappy changing.
Mama Shack Anti Roll Changing Mat
Gorgeous patterns
Anti-roll design
More expensive than basic changing mats
Price on writing: £30| Materials: PVC and Foam | Machine-washable: No, wipe clean only using warm water | Size: 70 x 45 x 8 cm
Style-conscious Mumsnetters have been raving about Mama Shack's gorgeous prints, functional designs and customisable options. Founder Danielle started the company after failing to find a funky changing mat for a pregnant friend. The result is a large range of eye-catching, modern prints and colours which will add style to any nursery.
Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat is made from phthalate-free PVC and is waterproof for easy cleaning. The foam inside is thick and supportive, and the raised wedge sides discourage your baby from rolling as well as helping to contain any nappy changing accidents too. There are plenty of prints to choose from and the range has now extended to matching blankets and muslin sheets too - perfect if you fancy a bit of matchy- matchy in your baby’s room. Weighed-up alongside the other wedge anti-roll changing mat on our list, the East Coast Nursery Ltd ABC Wedge Changing Mat, this changing mat is pricey. In fact, it’s double the price. So only go for this one if you really love the look of it.
The Gilded Bird Wedge Baby Changing Mat
Beautiful designs
Raised side for comfort and support
Expensive in comparison to other change mats
Price on writing: £36 | Materials: PVC | Machine washable: no, wipe-clean only | Size: 9 cm x 44 cm x 8 cm
If you like the glam prints emblazoned across Mama Shack products, you’re sure to also love the hand drawn designs which feature on The Gilded Bird Wedge Baby Changing Mat . This wipeable, extra thick wedge baby change mat will raise the style stakes of your baby’s nursery - and then some.
This mat is only slightly more expensive than the Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat, depending on which print you choose. There are plenty of print designs to deliberate over, including the dreamy Balloon Festival, the fun Giraffe or the subtle Linen Leaves along with many more. Featuring an extra thick lay area - 8am at its thickest point - it has raised sides for support and safety, this changing mat is made and designed in the UK. Made from wipeable, durable, non-toxic PVC, which the manufacturer promises is ‘made to last endless bum changes!’ Music to any parent’s ears!
Lekebaby Foldable Travel Changing Mat
Spacious with plenty of growing room
Budget friendly
Not as stylish as other foldable change mats
Price on writing: From £7 | Materials: Polyester | Machine washable: Yes | Size: 70 x 41cm when unfolded
A brilliant budget travel changing mat, the Lekebaby Foldable Travel Changing Mat is a no frills, no fuss type of mat - which may be exactly what you need. Lightweight and slim, it’s ideal for slinging in your changing bag on days out and holidays. Padded with foam to provide a comfortable changing surface for your baby, it’s spacious too - to allow for growing room so it will fit your baby for a good while. When you’ve finished changing your baby, you can fold the mat up again to go back in your bag.
Made with baby safe & durable fabric, free from BPA, latex and PVC, this changing mat is waterproof and wipe-clean but can also go in the washing machine - we love a product with plenty of cleaning options! We’ll be honest - it’s nowhere near as eye-catching or fun as the Bambino Mio Changing Mat.However, it’s considerably cheaper and when you have a ton of new kit to buy, price point is the most important point to consider.
Splash About Neoprene Changing Mat
Naturally anti-bacterial, quick dry fabric
Great choice of colours
Hand wash only
Price on writing: From £12 | Materials: Neoprene | Machine washable: No, wipe down only | Size: 41.5 cm x 69 cm
An ideal solution to changing your baby after a swim, the Splash About Anti-Bacterial Changing Mat is an award-winning changing mat made from neoprene with anti-slip backing. Neoprene is the fabric used to make wetsuits and it’s designed to keep your baby warm, dry and safe from dirty changing room floors and changing tables.
Naturally anti-bacterial, neoprene also dries quickly. This waterproof change mat also rolls up to fit into a swim kit bag. It also comes in Navy Yellow, Blue Turquoise, Pink Candy and Yellow Navy. The only downside is that this swimming change mat can’t be machine washed - it has to be hand washed in warm soapy water. Some reviewers say that they wish it was slightly more spacious but it should be large enough to house one baby - even if they’re a particularly squirmy one.
What should I look for in a changing mat?
Where can I put it? – Some mats aren’t suitable for use on a raised surface such as a dresser or nappy changing table. Check the product descriptions before you buy.
Is it the right size? – As a general rule, spacious changing mats are better because they’ll allow for growing room. However, for days out and holidays, you are more likely to want a compact, foldable changing mat that will fit into a bag or under your buggy. If you’re planning to placing your mat on a changing table or dresser, check the measurements to ensure it fits.
How do I clean it? – When a product is doing a messy, dirty job, it’s essential that it can be cleaned easily and frequently. Many mats can be wiped cleaned with a disinfectant spray or wipe. Fabric changing mats are more likely to absorb leaks and should be machine washable to ensure that they can be properly cleaned between uses. If you choose a fabric changing mat, you may need to consider purchasing two so that you always have one at your disposal while the other is in the wash.
Can it be transported easily? – If you are in the market for a travel changing mat, you’re likely to want a compact, lightweight foldable style. If you’re looking for a padded changing mat for your home, you may want to consider how easy it is to carry around your house between rooms where you’ll use it most.
How expensive is it? To avoid carrying a mat around your home between changes, you may consider invest in more than one changing mat - one for upstairs and one for downstairs, perhaps? You may also want to buy a separate portable mat for days out. If this is the case, you may want to look at cheaper options that will allow you to purchase more than one mat within your budget. If you can only invest in one changing mat, some compact foldable change mats are fine to use at home and work well as space saver mats too..
Does it offer special features? These days, many change mats are decorated with beautiful printed artwork. Some offer functional design features such as anti-roll wedge sides, which can be really useful, especially if you have a particularly wriggly baby. But the fact of the matter is that special features often add expense so if your budget is tight, you may well find that a basic change mat does the job perfectly well.
Is a changing mat necessary?
A changing mat isn’t necessary and the NHS advises that you can use a changing mat or a towel for nappy changes. However, whilst a towel may be comfortable for your baby, it is likely to absorb leaks and spills and will need machine washing between uses. For that reason, a wipe-clean, waterproof padded changing mat is likely to make your life easier in the early weeks and months of your baby’s life as well as reducing your washing pile and keeping other surfaces in your home - such as your carpets, if you tend to change your baby on the floor as the NHS advises is the safest way.
Are PVC changing mats safe?
Polyvinyl chloride – or PVC - contains chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be harmful to health in high doses, look for changing mats which are labelled as being made from non-toxic PVC or eco-friendly vinyl, free from phthalates and other toxins.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
Before we recommend new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s an awful lot of honest, impartial advice, don’t you think?
Expert guidance
We always ensure our information represents the latest recommendations from experts so that you can rely on it before you make your choice. We also research each product thoroughly to ensure it follows the latest expert advice and stands up to testing. Here we consulted reputable sources including the NHS.
Consumer feedback
We also scour the internet, leaving no stone unturned to check out real reviews from customers who have bought the products themselves and given both positive and negative feedback.
Celebrated best products
Finally, we check to see which products have won industry awards and received recognition from trusted sources and feed this into our analysis too.
About the author
Mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy care and child play content.
Before joining the content team at Mumsnet, Jenny worked as a journalist for newspapers, radio, TV and b2b trades magazines for over a decade. She is also a bestselling sci-fi author (writing as J M Briscoe) and parenting blogger.
As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in buyers' guides such as these, as well as product reviews and expert advice on all things pregnancy and child play related.
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