Anything to look for when choosing a changing mat?

[moomin35]

Ive bought a really basic one from Mothercare off ebay but when it turned up it didnt seem particularly substantial. Is there anything I need to be aware of? As a first time Mum, I just foresee using it on the floor but do I need to take any factors into account (quality, extra padding, high sides etc)? Or is a changing mat a changing mat?!

John Lewis basic one, with a few cheap hand towels to use in rotation so baby doesn't have to lie on a cold surface.

They all start to crack and split after a while - no point spending more than you need to.

I also second it being cheap and wipe clean! Use a muslin under their bum to catch accidents and make it less cold. Boots's mats are fine

The washing of the covers really isn't a hassle! They just go into the machine -.if they have poo on them, likely the vest does too and it all just gets napisaned!

The washing of the covers really isn't a hassle! They just go into the machine -.if they have poo on them, likely the vest does too and it all just gets napisaned!

Don't get one with a pattern on it that includes little splashes of red. You will panic when in sleep deprivation mode and think your pfb is bleeding. Or was that just me...

I also tried scrubbing off the part of the pattern that was baby poo coloured

It's not you, Hemlock - that sounds like a design fail!

I really like the John Lewis one with raised edges. I bought it when pregnant with DD as thought it would be reassuring for DH with zero baby experience, that baby couldn't roll off (while small obvs., they can roll over mountains when bigger with enough determination). It is really well padded too.

I've just bought a replacement for DC2, due in a few months, as the sides have cracked.

Don't spend more than £10, buy 2 and forget the ones with the towel bit attached. They shrink in the wash and are a pita. JL do lovely patterned ones, but they are all pretty much the same of you go to any major baby shop/supplier. All of mine have lasted 12+ months before splitting.

I bought a plastic one from Amazon for £3.50. It's just a small one but as we are in a one-bed flat it's ideal. We plan to move to a bigger place in 6 months so if it lasts til then I'll be happy but if it doesn't, well it was only £3.50!

Dc2 we had this design (not print) paid around £12 for it half print.

2.5 years in still good as new. No splits

www.tesco.com/direct/mamas-papas-changing-mattress-pink-lemonade/713-8825.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=713-8825&sc_cmp=pcp_GSF_Baby%20Changing_713-8825kpid=713-8825&sc_cmp=ppc_g_{keyword}_{matchtype}

beginnings but when you're changing baby a million times a day, what happens when the wet/pooey cover is in the wash? Don't you then have to use a muslin or towel anyway? I found that by using muslins on a wipe clean mat
that you always had a clean one to hand (pregnant ladies - muslins are your friends!).

I have four! It's a fiver for two - so only a tenner plus my £3 mat. I love a good muslin as a comfort blanket for DD1, breast feeding cover, bib etc, etc, etc but find with my wrigglers, they don't work brilliantly as changing mat covers.

I also have big muzzys. Pregnant ladies they are BRILLIANT. £19 for three and you will use 'em all the time.