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.
Do I really need a changing mat?
Like many feeding and changing accessories, a changing mat isn't strictly necessary as part of your newborn shopping list and the NHS advises that you can use a towel for nappy changes if you don't have one. 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. Plus, as one of the best changing mats costs as little as £8, it's a purchase we think is well worth it.
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. We advise you 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
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About the author
Author, journalist and mum-of-three Jenny Wonnacott has been working as a Content Editor for Mumsnet since 2022, primarily focusing on Baby & Child and Pregnancy-related guides, reviews and articles. As Mumsnet's Feeding & Changing editor, Jenny has spent years researching and writing about all the items which make changing a baby easier, from the best nappies and reusable nappies to stink-proof nappy bins and easy-to-use potties. A mum of three with more nappy changes under her belt than she'd ever care to count, Jenny combines real-life experience with a dedication to sourcing, researching and recommending the very best baby changing products to support busy mums.
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