13 of the best changing mats for babies 2024
DO I NEED A BABY CHANGING MAT?
Changing mats provide a soft place to change your baby’s nappy and are often designed to be easy to clean. They can be used on a changing table, cot top changer, chest of drawers or any safe, flat surface, including the floor.
However, if you don’t want to buy one, alternatives are using a towel or muslin cloth. These could be used on a bed or sofa if you want to make the surface softer.
Never leave your baby unattended on a changing mat, especially if it’s on a raised surface.
How many changing mats do I need?
Most parents will buy at least one. And many will have one for upstairs, one for downstairs and a travel changing mat for their changing bag.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A CHANGING MAT
Anti-roll mats
These are wedges with raised sides to prevent a baby from rolling off.
Raised head mats
A mat with a slope will help babies with reflux or colic who are uncomfortable when completely fat. A raised head may also be useful if the baby urinates on the mat as it will roll away from them. Perhaps put a towel or rolled-up muslin at the bottom if they do this a lot.
PVC changing mats
This material makes the surface wipe clean so very easy to wash. Avoid if you’re trying to minimise the amount of plastic in your life. Some babies won’t like how PVC is cold to the touch but you could cover it with a muslin.
Fabric mats
Much softer and warmer but the fabric will need washing regularly.
Travel changing mats
For on-the-go nappy changes. These are lightweight and can be folded or rolled to make them very portable.
Disposable changing mats
These have to be thrown away once soiled but are very portable as they are even lighter and more space-saving than travel changing mats. They are also useful for nappy-free time at home.
Swimming changing mats
Designed for use in the changing rooms and poolside.
THE MOST POPULAR CHANGING MATS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. john Lewis & partners wedge changing mat
A great value changing mat.
Padded with a wipe-clean PVC surface.
H70 x W40 x D3.5cm
2. east coast nursery changing mat
A padded, foam PVC changing mat.
Great value for money.
Waterproof and wipe clean.
72 x 41cm
3. EAST COAST NURSERY WEDGE CHANGING MAT
A wedge changing mat with a print designed to be interesting and attractive to a baby.
Padded with foam.
Covered in a layer of waterproof phthalate-free PVC.
Wipe clean.
L 69 x W45 x H 9.5cm
Not suitable for use on a raised surface.
4. mamas & papas luxury changing mattress
A luxury changing mat with a detachable fabric pillow and removable towelling insert.
Perfect if your baby hates the cold feeling of PVC.
The pillow, cover and liner are all machine washable.
Additional liners can be bought separately.
H80 x W46 x D4cm
5. BAbycurls changing mat
A foam padded mat with slightly raised edges.
The non-toxic PVC cover is wipe clean and waterproof.
76 x 45 x 3cm
Made in the U.K.
6. the gilded bird wedge
A wedge changing mat available in a variety of beautiful designs from watercolours by a UK artist.
Made in the UK from foam and wipe clean PVC.
69 x 44cm with a thick 8cm base.
7. BABYDAM SUPERSNUG BABY CHANGING MAT
This foam changing mat has a gentle slope, which makes it amazing for babies with colic, wind or reflux.
The slope also means that if your baby urinates on the mat, the liquid will roll away from them.
There are raised sides to create a snug space and prevent rolling.
The PVC cover is easy to wipe clean.
70 x 45cm. The depth is 5cm, which slopes down to 2.5cm.
8. Shnuggle Squishy Baby Changing Mat
This has a raised head to help with colic and raised edges.
It’s warm to the touch.
The waterproof surface is easy to clean.
70 x 45 x 8cm
9. BAMBINO MIO CHANGING MAT
A lightweight changing mat from the popular reusable nappy brand.
Folds easily for taking out with you but comfortable enough to also be used at home.
Soft and quilted fabric that can be machine washed and tumble dried.
There is also an absorbent inner core.
Available in a variety of patterns.
10. Baby Polar Gear travel changing mat
A padded changing mat to use when out and about.
When open the mat is 67 x 46cm.
Folded it is 23 x 20cm.
The surface is wipe clean.
There is a pocket that can fit 2-3 nappies.
Weighs 255g.
11. LEADSTAR PORTABLE NAPPY CHANGING MAT
A light easy-to-fold travel changing mat.
It has two storage pockets, a head pillow and a detachable carry handle.
Waterproof and wipe clean.
90cm x 59cm when unfolded.
34 x 21 x 2 cm when folded.
Weighs 360g.
12. Bambo disposable changing mats
10 disposable changing mats.
Each measures 60 x 60 cm.
Very absorbent. They can absorb up to 130ml of liquid.
Dermatologically tested.
FSC certified and certified eco-friendly.
Soft and breathable.
13. SPLASH ABOUT SWIMMING CHANGING MAT
A changing mat designed for baby swimming.
It’s great for use in the changing room and also poolside.
Made from soft neoprene and has a non-slip base.
When open it measures 41.5 x 69cm
Rolls up easily.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Changing tables • changing bags • nappy rash cream • nappy bins • disposable nappies • nappy sacks • muslin cloths • cots and cot beds • baby bouncers • nursing chairs • nursery chests of drawers • wardrobes
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