Changing mats and bags - necessary or no?

[Annie75]

Hello - bit confused about these. Do you actually need a changing mat (spongy/foam mat) for home, or can you just change them on a blanket on the bed? Not sure how much wetness is involved!

And what about when you're out and about? Is it worth having a separate fold-up mat to take with you (I presume the foam ones are too bulky to take out with you).

And changing bags - useful or just another bit of baby kit we're persuaded we need... Would a big handbag do too?

And if I do need any of the above - does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

My change bags have usually been the ones that come with the prams I have bought. With my daughter four years ago it was a backpack with a folded change mat in it. This time it's a shoulder bag with more sensible pockets and again a change mat.

I did also have a 'huggies' one from Boots. They were giving away the old style ones when the new ones came in, and I must say it was a lovely size for carrying my crafting stuff around in. Still going strong three years later Not too keen on the new one, don't like the strap although the size is better...

So. Erm... Go with whatever bag you like, as long as it fits stuff in. Wipe clean innards are a bonus though, you have no idea how hard it is to get sunblock out of most fabrics

I'd four-millionth the having a change mat at home suggestion though, they are handy for more than just nappy changes. Naked bum airing time, tummy time, cant be arsed to get you dressed for two minutes as I just broke my knee kneeling down time... It all needs to be taken into consideration

Agnes

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I had the Baby Bjorn changing bag - was amazing. Had hard sides so very, very easy to find things in it, folded down to 'pack' easier, had bottle holder, lots and lots of pockets so everything was kept neat, tidy and seperate. It came with a fold-up changing mat as well, very handy.

I'd recommend having one, rather than having to pack a bag every time you go out. It just keeps everything together and ready to go.

Plus, DS dad didnt mind carrying it as it was black, and stylish.

At £50 though, it one of the dearer ones.

Oh - and you'll need a changing mat for the house. Its a pretty essential item, IMO.

changing bags and changing mats in the bag essential just think of all the wee manky arses plopped on a changing mat/station in a shop/toilet/changing area..eeeuughhh germ central

a good mat and bag so so essential

free huggies one with boots when u complete a card or something like that - cant recall exactly

You will need a largish bag, but not necessarily a special changing bag. I found it useful to have a separate pocket for my stuff, so I didn't have to rumage through nappies, bibs and spare clothes every time my phone rang.

If you bottle feed, you'll need an insulated bottle carrier which you can buy separately.

You need some form of change mat, for the times when there's no change table available and you have to use the floor.

A waterproof change mat for home is worthwhile, I also covered mine with thick layers of cloth nappies/towels for the inevitable bare-bum wee.

No you don't need anything special.

I just used a normal bag (well, I swapped between 2 or 3 depending on how long we'd be out for and where we were going)