Changing mats we love

(Image credit: Unsplash)

Changing nappies is a major part of any parent’s day. Younger babies may need as many as ten or 12 nappy changes a day, and even older babies can get through as many as six or eight nappies in an average day. A changing mat is therefore one of the most important bits of baby gear you can buy. Changing mats tend to be fairly inexpensive so they’re not items most of us give too much thought to but for a piece of kit that’s going to be in use so many times throughout your baby’s day, it’s worth investing in a changing mat that’s up to the task and suited to your lifestyle. 

To find the right changing mat for you, think about where you’re likely to change your baby’s nappy. If you’ve invested in a changing table as part of your baby’s nursery furniture, you’ll want a changing mat that you can place securely on the changing table and which won’t move around once a wriggly baby is in place. If space is limited or if you don’t have a changing unit, a travel changing mat that you can fold away between uses is ideal. The benefit of that type of changing mat is that you can pop it in your changing bag and take it with you when you’re out and about with your baby. 

Keep in mind that changing nappies can be a messy business, so make sure you choose a changing mat that’s easy to keep clean and which won’t be easily ruined by leaks or accidents.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad

Keeps your baby safely in pace during nappy changes

Reasons to buy

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Safety belt

Reasons to avoid

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No liner

This changing mat has two contoured sides and a quick release safety belt to help keep little wrigglers safe and secure, so it’s ideal for babies who don’t like keeping still during nappy changes. It has a security strap beneath the mat too, so you can attach it to a changing table if you wish to secure it in place. The bottom is non-slip to prevent it from moving around on your changing table, and the mat itself is made from durable quilted vinyl which is waterproof and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Lekebebay Portable Changing Mat

Keeps your little one comfortable during nappy changes on the go

Reasons to buy

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Travel-friendly
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Zipped compartment for valuables

Reasons to avoid

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Less padded than conventional changing mats

Make nappy changes easy when you’re out and about with this stylishly-designed portable changing mat. It folds away neatly into its own compact bag which you can use as a clutch or stash in your baby’s changing bag. The fabric is waterproof and easy to wipe clean, and the pad is cushioned to protect your baby’s head. This has a front zipper pocket – handy for stashing essentials like your phone and keys – as well as a zippered inside pocket which can hold baby wipes and nappy cream. We love that it has an adjustable strap so you can secure it to your wrist for hands-free carrying or attach it to your baby’s pushchair.

(Image credit: Amazon)

L.A.BABY 4-Sided Changing Pad With Organic Cotton Layer

Keeps your baby secure during nappy changes

Reasons to buy

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Organic cotton layer

Reasons to avoid

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No liner

This changing pad has four high contoured sides to help keep your baby in place so it’s a good choice if your little one has mastered rolling over or likes to try and escape when it’s time for a nappy change. It comes with an organic cotton layer and the bottom is anti-slip to prevent it from moving around on your changing unit or whichever surface you place it on. The fabric cover is hypo-allergenic and stain-resistant – it’s not machine washable, unfortunately, so you might want to place a towel or changing mat liner underneath your baby to prevent it from damage.

(Image credit: Amazon)

PooPoose Wiggle Free Diaper Changing Pad

Ensures your baby feels calm during nappy changes

Reasons to buy

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Adjustable strap

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive

The swaddle-like strap on this changing mat is designed to calm your baby as well as keep her gently in place, so it’s ideal for babies who don’t like having their nappy changed. You can adjust the hook and loop strap to fit your baby comfortably through various stages of growth, and the straps are both detachable and machine washable for easy cleaning. The foam mat cradles your baby and the soft cover is made from non-toxic materials so it’s safe and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin. The cover is easy to wipe clean so you don’t need an additional liner.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Lil Fox Portable Diaper Changing Pad

Makes nappy changes easy away from home

Reasons to buy

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Suitable for use on the go

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive compared to a standard changing mat

Changing your baby can be especially fiddly when you’re away from home but this portable changing pad is designed so that you can open it with just one hand, even when you’re holding your baby. It has a memory foam pillow to help cushion your baby’s head during nappy changes, and the waterproof material is easy to wipe down and keep clean. It has multiple integrated pockets for stashing your baby wipes and spare nappies, and there’s space for your phone, purse and other valuables. There’s also a strap on this portable changing mat so you can secure it to your pushchair.

Heidi Scrimgeour

Originally from London, Heidi Scrimgeour is a freelance writer who lives near the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland with her husband and their daughter and two sons.