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Best changing mats for babies: safe and comfortable picks for easy nappy changes
A changing mat can make all the difference at nappy changing time. Keeping your floor 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 Louise Baty | Last updated Apr 20, 2023
Prices and availability checked and updated by MNHQ on 3 April, 2023.
While a changing mat may not be the most exciting baby purchase, the best changing mats can help dealing with 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.
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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 when 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 out which ones 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.
For more buying advice, 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.
Best changing mats at a glance
- Best overall changing mat: East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat
- Best budget changing mat: IKEA Vädra Changing Mat
- Best changing mat for newborns: Shnuggle Squishy Changing Mat
- Best travel changing mat: JoJo Maman Bébé Deluxe Portable Changing Mat
- Best waterproof changing mat: Bambino Mio Swim Travel Mat
- Best changing mat with anti-roll sides: Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat
- Best portable changing mat: Bambino Mio Changing Mat
- Best high-sides changing mat: The Gilded Bird Wedge Baby Changing Mat
- Best foldable changing mat: Lekebaby Foldable Travel Changing Mat
- Best anti-bacterial changing mat: Splash About Anti-Bacterial Changing Mat
1. Best overall changing mat: East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat
Price: RRP £18 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Machine washable: no, wipe clean only | Size: 69 x 45 x 9.5 cm
What we love
- Great value
- Anti-roll wedge design
What to know
- Only one print design available
What our Mumsnet users say
“I can honestly say just get one which is nicely padded and the ones with sloping sides are handy when they start rolling. They're called 'wedge' shaped.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Cherrybakewellard)
Our verdict
Half the price of the other wedge changing mats on our list (the Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat and the The Gilded Bird Wedge w/Raised Sides Baby Changing Mat) the East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat is ideal if you’re looking for an anti-roll mat that won’t break the bank.
This padded foam changing mat is designed with wedge shaped sides to help your newborn feel more secure during nappy changes and to prevent an older baby rolling off altogether. Made from phthalate free PVC and filled with foam, this comfortable change mat is waterproof and wipe-clean. Suitable from birth, it features a grey and white alphabet print which should fit nicely into any modern nursery. It’s a great option and fantastic value for the price.
Read next: The best nursing chairs to buy, as rated by Mumsnetters
2. Best budget changing mat: IKEA Vädra Changing Mat
Price: RRP £17 | Latest deals from IKEA
Key specs
Machine washable: no, wipe clean only | Size: 48x74 cm
What we love
- Reasonably priced
- Plain, neutral colour
- Water-resistant
What to know
- More basic than some other changing mats on the market
What our Mumsnet users say
“I liked the changing mats. They had a cover on them that zipped off to be washed. They were a nice cosy material and not cold plastic for putting dd on (precious first born worries 😂).” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsCaptainJakeBallard)
Our verdict
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 IKEA 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. For just £15, you won’t feel that the IKEA Vädra Changing Mat owes you anything by the time your baby is ready for a potty.
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. The optional cover keeps it dust-free and it's easy to throw into the wash as needed. This basic change mat probably isn’t quite as comfy as the Shnuggle Squishy Changing Mat or as snazzy as the Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat. However, it will do the job and leave you with cash to spend on other items for your baby.
3. Best changing mat for newborns: Shnuggle Squishy Changing Mat
Price: RRP £60 | Latest deals from John Lewis
Key specs
Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm
What we love
- Soft and comfortable for baby
- Angled design with raised sides
What to know
- Expensive
What our Mumsnet users say
“We love ours, especially when little one pees mid change - the mat is angled, so it drains down and keeps them dry.” (Loved by Mumsnetter GemmaJen)
Our verdict
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
4. Best travel changing mat: JoJo Maman Bébé Deluxe Portable Changing Mat
Price: RRP £18 | Latest deals from JoJo Maman Bébé
Key specs
Machine-washable: No | Size: 60 × 58cm
What we love
- Great for travel and days out
- Dual purpose change mat and nappy bag
What to know
- Wipe clean only
What our Mumsnet users say
“We were given a fold-up changing mat with compartments for wipes and nappies from JoJo Maman Bébé. It was used every single day when DS2 was little, and now is always in the changing bag. I have no idea how I survived without it for DS1!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BrioLover)
Our verdict
Half changing mat, half changing bag, it does both jobs rather brilliantly. A generously-sized changing mat with a pocket for nappies and nappy sacks, it also offers a baby wipes compartment. Once your baby is clean and dry again, you can simply fold up the mat into a neat pouch. This travel changing mat is ideal for helping keep all your essentials in one place whether you’re out and about or just at home. Anything that makes life easier during the tired fog of early parenthood is a winner in our books.
Granted, the JoJo Maman Bébé Deluxe Portable Changing Mat isn’t padded so won’t be as supportive as the über comfy Shnuggle Squishy. But it should be comfortable enough for your little one, especially if you’re only planning to use it for days out. One drawback - it’s made of wipe-clean fabric rather than being machine washable. But it’s well designed, with the bottom half of the mat folding out wider to give you more ‘work space’ in the nappy area. In navy and white stripes, it looks pretty swish and a handy velcro tag allows you to attach it to your buggy.
Read next: The best potties to buy, as reviewed by Mumsnet users
5. Best waterproof changing mat: Bambino Mio Swim Travel Mat
Price: RRP £14 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Machine-washable: No, hand wash only | Size: 58 × 30cm
What we love
- Reasonably priced
- Waterproof and easy to roll up and store
What to know
- Can’t be machine washed
What our Mumsnet users say
“Get a splash mat changing mat for the floor as it's safer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user babydreamer1)
Our verdict
Bambino Mio have produced a roll and fold Swim Travel Mat made from 3mm thick neoprene - the sort of a synthetic rubber used to make wetsuits. This helps your baby retain heat to stop them catching a chill after being in the swimming pool.
It’s 100% waterproof so won’t soak up water from the changing room floor, and the top is anti-stick, so it’s easy to shake sand off if you're at the beach. The underside is also rubberised to minimise movement on hard surfaces. When you’re all changed and ready to go, this non-slip travel swim changing mat rolls up and slips easily into a swim bag, ready for next time. Annoyingly, it can only be hand washed rather than flung in a washing machine, which adds extra faff to proceedings. The good news is that it’s a bargain at just over a tenner.
Read next: The best nipple shields to buy, as rated by Mumsnet users
6. Best changing mat with anti-roll sides: Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat
Price: RRP £30 | Latest deals from Kidly
Key specs
- Machine-washable: No
- Size: 79 × 45cm
What we love
- Gorgeous designs
- Anti-roll design
What to know
- More expensive than basic changing mats
What our Mumsnet users say
"We have a Mama shack one, my son is only 14 months mind you but its nice quality and still looks same as the day we got it. Love the prints too!" (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter LexiM)
Our verdict
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.
Read next: The best changing bags to buy, as recommended by parents
7. Best portable changing mat: Bambino Mio Changing Mat
Price: RRP £13 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Machine washable: yes | Size: 4 x 15 x 21 cm
What we love
- Compact and easy to carry
- Lots of print choice
What to know
- Will need machine washing to clean up spills
What our Mumsnet users say
"Washable portable changing mat (Bambino Mio is good)." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Theoverstretchedmultitasker)
Our verdict
If you want an easy-to-carry changing mat, compact enough to stash away in a changing bag, the Bambino Mio Changing Mat might be what you’re looking for. Slim and lightweight, the change mat is made from super soft quilted fabric which provides a cosy changing surface for your baby. It’s super easy to handle - simply unfold it for use and then fold it back up and secure with a hook and loop fastening.
There’s an absorbent inner pad to soak up any little leaks and it can be machine washed and tumble drie. It’s more than double the price of the other foldable changing mat in our round-up, the Lekebaby Foldable Travel Changing Mat. However, it’s still such great value, you might consider buying a spare change mat so that you’ll always have one ready and raring to go. You’re certainly spoilt for choice - this foldable changing mat comes in a variety of eye-catching prints to suit all tastes including Safari Spots, Cute Fruit and Savanna Stripes.
8. Best high-sided changing mat: The Gilded Bird Wedge Baby Changing Mat
Price: RRP £36 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
- Machine washable: no, wipe-clean only
- Size: 9cm x 44cm x 8cm
What we love
- Beautiful designs
- Raised side for comfort and support
What to know
- Expensive in comparison to other change mats
What our Mumsnet users say
“I've just spent £30 on a beautiful one from the gilded bird - she's my third baby...I bought cheap for DC1 & 2 . They spend a lot of time on changing mats and I figured it'll be nice to have a good quality anti roll one this time round....the cheap ones end up splitting I found over time.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter ElleyBear13)
Our verdict
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!
9. Best foldable changing mat: Lekebaby Foldable Travel Changing Mat
Price: RRP £9 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Machine washable: Yes | Size: 70 x 41cm when unfolded
What we love
- Spacious with plenty of growing room
- Budget friendly
What to know
- Not as stylish as other foldable change mats
What our Mumsnet users say
"I also got a little travel changing mat like this one because changing tables out can be pretty grim." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Coughsyrupsucks)
Our verdict
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 its closest equivalent products in our round-up; the Bambino Mio Changing Mat or the JoJo Maman Bébé Deluxe Portable Changing Mat. However, it’s considerably cheaper than both those changing mats and when you have a ton of new kit to buy, price point is the most important point to consider.
10. Best anti-bacterial changing mat: Splash About Anti-Bacterial Changing Mat
Price: RRP £12 | Latest deals from Amazon
Key specs
Machine washable: no, hand wash only | Size: 60cm x 40cm
What we love
- Naturally anti-bacterial, quick dry fabric
- Great choice of colours
What to know
- Hand wash only
What our Mumsnet users say
“..you can get neoprene swim changing mats that are good presuming [the] baby won't roll away!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter JessicaPeach)
Our verdict
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.
This swimming changing mat does the same job as the Bambino Mio Swim Travel Mat, but it’s slightly thinner, at 1mm thickness. 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 is the best changing mat to buy?
The best overall changing mat for babies is the chic and practical East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat with wedged sides for support and safety.
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.
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