As every parent knows, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the changing mat once your little one arrives
t’s fair to say that it is one of the most used baby kit essentials. As well as for the obvious nappy changes, changing mats are also used when dressing baby each morning and drying them after their evening bath. Plus, they’re often a handy place for your little one to practice a bit of tummy time or receive a relaxing baby massage from you.
But while it may seem like more of a practical purchase, rather than an aesthetic one, there are now so many beautiful changing mats around, ensuring that your little one can be changed in comfort, while your nursery or living space can still look stylish too.
Plus, while you may initially think that all mats do the same job, there are a variety of different styles on the market, from luxury changing baskets to practical wedge shaped designs.
Some things to think about when deciding on a baby changing mat is where you will store it and how much space you have for it. It should be made out of a waterproof or washable material, for those inevitable little accidents. Finally, with so many different designs available, consider the décor of the space where the mat will be kept and look for something which will complement it.
Consider whether you need a travel changing mat. With pockets for a couple of nappies and some wipes, these are great space savers and often mean you don’t have to take a big nappy bag out for shorter trips.
To help you decide, whether you’re looking for the perfect mat for your baby’s nursery or the ideal one to slip into your bag, we’ve searched around to find 10 of the best baby changing mats.
Just because changing mats are functional, doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. That’s the idea behind Mama Shack, which designs changing mats with the latest interior and nursery trends in mind.
With options from boho palms to terrazzo prints, we loved this unisex watercolour banana leaf print, which would look great in both a nursery or living room setting.
Made in the UK, this changing mat has an extra thick layer of foam in the center for additional support, which also makes it great for tummy time.
Waterproof and wipe clean, this will make nappy changes fuss free. Plus, we were pleasantly surprised at the price of this stylishly designed mat.
With its charming cloud-shaped pillow, this super cute changing mat will look lovely in any nursery setting.
Designed to coordinate with the rest of the Mamas & Papas Dream Upon a Cloud range, this mat features a removable and washable towelling insert for any little accidents which may occur.
When testing it out, we found it to be really soft and comfortable for baby. We also thought this was a really nice unisex design, so ideal for a baby shower gift.
One thing that is worth noting is that the mat cover itself is cotton, but this can also be removed and washed.
When you’re heading out on a quick trip with your little one, there’s nothing more annoying than having to lug around a big, bulky changing bag. So this handy travel changing mat is a great substitute.
With two zipped pockets and one mesh pouch, we found it to be the perfect size to hold two nappies, a packet of wipes and some nappy bags. It then folds up into a neat rectangle, with a Velcro fastening, which can be popped into a handbag or under the pram. Alternatively it also has a velcro strap which can be used to attach it to the outside of a bag or pushchair.
When needed, you can simply fold out the mat, which has an EVA foam lining, making it easy to wipe over when finished.
If you’re aiming to create a neutral nursery, this sweet Ickle Bubba Bunnychino mat is a great option.
It comes with a soft towelling insert to keep baby comfortable and a removable washable cover for easy cleaning. Plus the padded pillow will be sure to keep your little one’s head protected during nappy changes.
Part of the Bunnychino nursery collection, it fits in nicely with the rest of the range.
From the makers of the Bumbo seat, this changing pad is a clever alternative to the standard changing mat.
Ergonomically designed with little ones in mind, the Bumbo changing pad is made from foam which has been contoured to support the baby’s head, neck and legs. It also comes with a safety belt to keep your baby in place during changes.
Another plus point to this design is that it is easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
It’s available in six different colours, so will be easy to match to any nursery design. Plus the Bumbo Stages Safari adjustable play centre can be attached to the changing pad to form a fun activity gym.
This sustainably made mat is really soft and lightweight and a great size to pop into a bag for days out.
It features an organic cotton jersey shell and opens up to reveal a wipeable PVC mat with recycled polyester filling. It also has a small elasticated pocket to hold a couple of spare nappies and wipes.
It’s available in two shades; mustard stripe or sesame and we loved the pop of the sunshine print on the mat inside. It instantly called out sunny day picnics to us.
If you have a little roller during nappy changes, this wedge shaped changing mat may be just what you need.
Made in the UK, this John Lewis changing mat is uniquely shaped so that the cushioning is deeper at the edges to keep your baby in the middle.
As well as feeling soft and padded, this mat feels really durable and seems as though it will be a good option as your baby grows.
The neutral star print will work well in any nursery and it’s easy to wipe clean after any little accidents.
If you’re looking for a mat which can cover all bases when you’re out, the DockATot Clutch Changer may just tick the box.
This portable mat has four built in pockets to hold nappies, wipes and even a change of clothes.
Designed to be discreet, the changer comes in a variety of designs ranging from leopard print to camouflage. It can be carried using either the wrist strap or top handle.
Made from luminous sateen, it is easy to wipe over and the changing mat can also be removed from the rest of the bag by unzipping it.
If you’re after something totally different for your nursery, this handwoven basket would be a beautiful addition.
The seagrass basket has high sides to keep your baby secure during nappy changes and there is a choice of different designed wipeable mat liners to go inside it, ranging from safari print to woodland animals.
Plus, when your little one no longer needs nappy changes, the basket can be reused for storage.
An additional £19 for the Changing Basket Mat Liner.
If you’re heading off on an adventure and space is at a premium, then the rubbastuff Pacmat is a perfect multi-use mat.
Designed to be used as a compact picnic blanket, which can double as a changing mat, this is a real space-saver on days out.
Weighing just 210g, it rolls up really small into a stuff bag. It has a soft polyester surface and a water-proof nylon base and is machine washable.
Made in Britain, the Pacmat is available in a number of fun designs, including a baby friendly black and white animal print. However, our favourite is this fun ice lolly one which is illustrated by Gabby Malpas.
Children’s clothes designer Rachel Riley has collaborated with nursery brand Clair de Lune to create this changing mat, which doubles up as a play mat.
Rather than the usual plastic covered mat, this one is made from 100 per cent cotton, filled with polyester so is really soft and comfortable for babies, particularly newborns.
It also includes a removable terry towelling top layer which can be taken off, so baby can play on the mat.
The cute grey rabbit design is perfect for a unisex nursery or baby shower gift.
When testing this mat we found it to be a good space saving option, as it can be folded neatly in half and packed away into the zip-up carry bag it comes in.
For a stylish, practical mat at a good price point, treat yourself to the Mama Shack Banana Leaf Changing Mat. It is well-made and comfortable for baby, plus it will fit in nicely with your room décor and won’t stand out like a sore thumb. However, if you’re looking for something which can be used for both nappy changes and play time, opt for the Bumbo Changing Pad which will be a great addition to any nursery.