Best baby changing mats, tried and tested for clean and comfy nappy changes

We love the gorgeous designs of the Mama Shack anti-roll changing mat - so much so that we have awarded it the Best Overall in our shortlist. Chunky, safe (thanks to it's anti roll sides), easy to clean and great quality, it is an all rounder. The only downside is that it isn't the most compact, but that doesn't matter when it will live in a nursery and be the main place you change your little one as they grow.

Our mum tester, Carla, says, "The Mama Shack changing mat is the perfect addition to my nursery - and I’ve barely even started! There are so many styles to choose from, which was the hardest part for me. I still don’t know whether I’m having a little boy or a little girl, so I opted for something neutral with a polka dot pattern. If I’m 100% honest with myself, once we have our baby, I may even get another changing mat for downstairs in one of their other designs." Constructed with a wipeable, phthalate-free PVC cover and filled with thick supportive foam, it's easy to clean and is comfortable for your little one. Our mum tester commented, "changing mats often just do what they say on the tin, but this one had me obsessed from the moment I unpacked it. It’s the perfect material to be able to wipe down in seconds, I have no fear for those nappy explosions! It’s also so lightweight that I can carry it from room to room with one hand, so until I do decide to get a second one, it won’t be inconvenient to move around the house." It's also got raised sides to help your baby stay in the centre and feel more secure during nappy changes. One reviewer said, "These mats are great for my wriggly, he hasn't managed to roll over on it yet. I have two Anti-roll changing mats as they are great quality with such pretty prints. They are hardwearing but soft for my baby's head."

Suitable for newborns too, one reviewer said, "Our newborn loves this mat! I think because it’s black and white, he likes looking at all the spots, so he’s very happy being on the mat after he’s been changed, which gives me extra time to get jobs done! So I’m very happy with this purchase." Keep in mind that it's not the most compact of changing mats; however, it has been designed to fit all baby changing stations, and the beautiful designs mean it's definitely something you can keep on display in the nursery. Our mum tester also said that the only thing she would change would be to add "some kind of anti-slip to the bottom to make it easier to attach it to the dresser." However, she added, "with a strong feel, while being flexible, I am completely confident that this will last the test of time, and I’ll keep it for years to come."

As well as being great value and quality, this baby changing mat fits most dressers and changing tables for hassle-free changing, and it's nice and lightweight to move around the house if needed. One reviewer does point out that when they received the mat, it was folded in half, and they felt it took a while, laying it on the floor with books on top, to get it to lie flat – so it's not a changing mat you can fold to store away or travel with. However, our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "It is a beautiful, eye-catching changing mat, which is extremely lightweight and really easy to wipe clean."

We love the wide range of designs on offer with this changing mat, though, including designs such as tropics, dalmatian, confetti, leopard print, and geometric. You will definitely be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing to you and goes beautifully in your nursery and home. One customer said they bought two of them for their home, finding one to match their nursery too. Another customer who recommends the product said they bought the same mat twice because they loved theirs so much.

One review points out that this mat isn't the most wiggle-resistant. However, it does have high raised sides to help provide some peace of mind for the baby's safety. Laura Healy adds, "While this is a very squidgy mat, making it comfortable to use, it does feel a little bit too squishy and won't offer any protection for a baby who can roll." The Phthalate-free PVC material is also safe against baby's skin and makes the mat waterproof and wipe-clean. One reviewer thought it was a good-quality mat but felt it could have been a bit more padded, although they said they found it to be sufficient.

Changing baskets are everywhere right now, but to be practical, they require a suitable liner to keep your baby comfortable as you change them. You do have to purchase the changing basket separately, but the liner fits perfectly inside. Our mum tester and the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, Emily Gilbert, says, "I loved the idea of a changing basket, but so many came with liners that were thin, cotton and frankly a bit useless when it came to a messy nappy! I was so pleased to find Mama Shack as not only do the liners come in gorgeous designs you can match to your nursery theme, but they're comfortable for baby too."

Most suitable for use in a nursery, this stylish liner from Mama Shack comes in a range of gorgeous tones and patterns to choose from. It is padded with British-manufactured foam, free of TCPP and covered with comfy phthalate-free, non-toxic PVC – so you can have complete peace of mind when using it. It's super easy to clean, being waterproof, you can simple wipe-clean any accidents on the spot. The foam is also nice and thick, offering maximum comfort for your little one at changing times.

Our mum tester, Melissa, says, "Overall, I am really impressed with the changing basket liner. It is made of good quality materials, it is easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and comfortable. The quality of the design is very good, the pictures printed on it are of high quality, and it looks really nice in our nursery. It seems durable enough so far; the stitching is good quality, and I can't imagine it breaking or wearing in any way. It doesn’t have anti-roll sides, but if it’s going in a basket, I don’t feel they are necessary anyway. I wouldn’t say it was incredibly portable as it is quite stiff, so it would be difficult to fold or roll. It is lightweight, though, so it is easy to carry or move around."

With wipe-clean material, this Mamas & Papas Essential Changing Mat comes in a variety of different designs to choose from including animal alphabet, dotty prints and dinosaurs. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "The mat is very well padded, making it comfy for little ones during nappy changes, but I love the pastel colours of the design, which make it suitable for most nursery decor." As well as thick, comfy padding, this mat is designed to fit Mamas & Papas dressers and cot top changers, which is great. However, it does mean it isn't great for travelling because it is not very compact. One reviewer said, though, that it is "slim enough to store easily."

Overall, buyers like that the mat is soft and comfortable and made from good quality materials. One reviewer said, "I bought this one month ago for my grandson, and it's perfect. The quality of the padding plus the beautiful design really helps to keep the grandson happy while having nappy changes." They also point out that their grandson is very long, but this mat was a great length with plenty of room for him to grow into. They said it's worth the money. Another reviewer said, "More expensive initially but so well constructed it lasts for years." Laura Healy added, "The mat is really easy to clean, and the material feels durable. I like the way it can lay flat when on the floor or for convenient storage, but the sides are flexible and can bed up to stop the baby rolling when using a dresser or changing unit. I think it is a great changing mat; everything is well designed, even then rounded corners so you can't scratch yourself (or little one) during a nappy change."

The Splash About baby Neoprene changing mat is antibacterial, non-slip, easy to clean, rolls up easily for carrying and is incredibly budget-friendly too. What more could you want? Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "This is a great mat and practical for so many different reasons. It is perfect for taking on a swimming trip because it really doesn't slip on any surface, and it is absorbent, so the little one will stay dry in case of any splashes. However, it is also useful for using when out and about in public changing rooms because it is lightweight and compact, and the antibacterial material is reassuring."

Our Mother&Baby Awards 2018 mum tester Rachel really liked this changing mat and thought it was great value for money. She said, "It rolls up, so it's easy to put away in my swimming bag for the little one. It's very comfy and soft, grips well, and dries really quickly after use." The only thing she would like to see improved is the length of the mat made slightly longer. The slightly shorter length does add to the portability of the mat though.

Rachel noticed there was a bit of a chemical smell when first using the mat but says it disappeared over time. She loved the antibacterial feature and the fact that the mat rolls in on itself for ease of transport and containing when it's wet. She says, "I hate changing rooms, so it's nice to know I can go swimming and change baby hygienically. The mat also keeps the baby warm as it feels sort of padded and it means that baby isn't on cold tiles." The mat is indeed 3mm thick, and the non-slip base is ideal for secure poolside changing. Laura commented, "The range of bright colours make this appealing, as well as how practical it is to use. I agree it could be longer, and also it is quite thin so not the most comfortable, however, for a changing mat on the go it offers everything you need. Plus, I love that the fabric never gets too cold, like some other changing mats, which is great for baby."

Read our full Splash About Anti Bacterial Changing Mat review

Ideal for travel, the Bambino Mio Changing Mat is super portable as you can fold it compact to fit in a changing bag. It has absorbent inner padding as opposed to sleek wipe-clean types of changing mat, which means it can catch and absorb anything that escapes the nappy, including accidents while changing baby.

One buyer points out that the microfibre outer material does tend to pick up all sorts of materials, but while you can't wipe it down on either side to keep it clean, you can throw it in the washing machine and tumble dryer, ready for the next use, and it dried quickly! The changing mat also has eight funky designs to choose from.

One reviewer who was very pleased with the changing mat said it was so easy to fold and unfold and fit perfectly in their changing bag. They described it as being soft on the inside and comfy for baby while being changed, They said, "I love that it is machine washable, ours has been through the wash multiple times and it's still in great condition! 100% recommend"

The versatile Pronto changing bag from Skip Hop has an expanding extra-wide changing pad which can be wiped clean. There's even a comfortable little pillow for the baby's head, and the pad can be zipped off and used independently. One reviewer said this was one of their best baby buys and that they take it everywhere. They like that it provides a nice cushion for the baby when he's being changed and that it gives them the freedom to take the baby literally anywhere. They found it's also good to take into baby changes as it provides protection from the often dirty changing tables and means you don't need to take the whole changing bag in with you as you can easily keep wipes, nappies, etc. inside it.

It is indeed very practical, with two inside pockets that can hold four nappies and a zipped front pocket on the outside for changing essentials. There is also a translucent wipes case with a see-through design, making it easy to know when to reload so you never get caught out without wipes! We love the practical elements of this changing mat, but we also love that the design is modern and fun and doesn't scream "baby changing mat". Similar to a clutch bag, it has a convenient strap attached so you can attach it to your wrist or your stroller.

The Baby Me Super Thin Diaper Changing Mat was awarded Bronze for Best Product For A Newborn 0-4 months at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

The Baby Me Super Thin Diaper Changing Mat is extremely soft and kind to the skin, giving you peace of mind when using it with your child. They quickly retain moisture, with a cellulose layer providing effective hygiene control to coordinate reliable experience when changing nappies or to use for extra protection while sleeping. Our mum tester said: "I’ll be honest when they arrived, I expected super basic simple disposable changing mats, but these are so much nicer! Not only do they have nice patterns, but they are unbelievably soft and super handy! My daughter had some nappy free time, and they are so absorbent that there were no spillages at all!" She found them handy to have with her when out of the house as they're extremely compact and also says that as a mattress protector they have been a Godsend. You don't get that many in a pack - only 10, but packs are cheap to buy, and while it may seem wasteful to have disposable changing mats, they do make a good backup.

Read our full Baby Me Super Thin Diaper Changing Mat review.

A great changing mat, not just for nappy changes but for baby massage, too. It has an anti-slip base and is made from soft, squishy foam, which is not cold to touch. . Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "while this is quite a large changing mat, it really is useful for using for both nappy changes and massages, or to lay baby on after the bath. I also like how it has a slight incline, which makes it more comfortable for babies, especially if they suffer from reflux."

The changing mat is easy to keep clean and can just be wiped with warm water, and it is made from safe, non-allergenic pu foam. One reviewer said, "I love it. It's comfy for baby and it has absolutely saved the day during accidents happening while changing due to the barrier it has around it. Super easy to clean, wouldn't change it for anything." Another reviewer added, "nice quality. Like that there is no plastic to split as happens on the cheap foam and plastic-covered ones. The slope feature is also good for managing pee accidents. Warm to touch as well."

However, reviewers did comment that it is not the longest and so might not last as long as other mats when the little one gets more mobile. Laura Healy says, "the raised sides are great to prevent accidents, however, it does mean when baby gets too long it will be difficult to continue using the mat, which is expensive if only used for a short while. That said, the manufacturer advises it is suitable for a max weight of 15.8kg."

Overall this is a great mat, although not easily portable, and one reviewer commented, "I cannot imagine having bought any other mat now, it is so easy to clean especially when the little one goes to the toilet mid nappy change. The incline is great for calming them down as well, instantly comfortable. We use it after the bath with a fitted cot bedsheet on top to change and dress."

We love the contoured shape of this changing mat, which is not only comfortable but also allows liquid to drain away from the baby and to their feet. The harness is also useful, especially for wriggly babies, to prevent any accidents if they roll. Our Commercial Content Writer, Laura Healy, says, "this is a soft and easy to wipe changing mat, however, it is also comfortable and safe with high, rounded sides and the extra reassurance of a harness."

The changing mat is lightweight, although with a secure, stable base, it is still quite bulky to be easily portable. One reviewer said it's "good quality, sturdy, waterproof and long-lasting," however, another reviewer added, "In winter, it gets a little cold." The changing mat is also quite wide, so measure your furniture if you plan to use it on top of a dresser. As one reviewer commented, it "won’t fit well on most dresser top setups, so be prepared to give up that awesome aesthetic you were aiming for with a nice neutral grey."

Laura Healy adds, "Overall, this is a lovely changing mat, made of soft foam but supportive too. It comes in a range of colours and, when used on the floor, provides great comfort and stability. It is easy to wipe clean, and the unique contours keep baby away from any liquid while changing them."

The cute rainbow design on this is adorable and will look great in most nurseries, plus we love how padded it is too. Laura Healy, Commercial Content Writer, says, "This is a really lightweight changing mat, but it feels really durable, too. I love how it can fold and springs straight back flat, and it doesn't have seams at the side like some mats do, which have a tendency to split with extended use."

It is designed to match Ickle Bubba's Rainbow Dreams collection and will also fit on top of all Ickle Bubba changing units. It is easy to wipe clean, and there is soft binding on the edges to make it kind to gentle skin. One reviewer says, "I love the style of this changing mat. It is easy to keep clean and fits well on the changing table. Light in weight. Would recommend."

It is a good size, being quite long, so it should last through to potty training, and it feels robust. That said, it doesn't have any sides, so it's not ideal for really wriggly babies. However, it is lightweight and easy to carry from room to room.

If you're after an affordable baby changing mat that looks fab and is great quality, this JoJo Maman Bébé Giraffe Print Changing Mat ticks all the boxes. Suitable for quick changes, it is foam filled for comfort and is covered with wipe-clean PVC for easy cleaning. This mat is not suitable for use on raised changing areas such as dresser units, but will make for a handy second changing mat for downstairs or as a spare at the grandparents. There's loads of different prints available, but we have a soft spot for this giraffe print.

One parent review said, "Good price and good quality. It's got enough cushion on it and is easy wipe down and the pattern is lovely too. Would recommend."