Choosing a baby changing mat may seem like a task and a half when there are so many on the market. Every parent needs a baby changing mat for at least the first year of your little one's life, so whether you're expecting and on the hunt or need a new mat, you'll want to pick a high-quality option that will suit your lifestyle.
With foldable, portable and wedge options, choosing changing mats can take time too. Not to mention all of the different colours and designs to try and match up this must-have nursery accessory to your décor and changing table unit!
It can seem a little stressful making the right choice, but don't worry, we're here to help. To make things easier, we've singled out favourites according to rave reviews, including foldable and portable travel changing mats you can pop in your changing bag so that you're prepared wherever you go.
Editor's choice:
• Best award-winning baby changing mat: Baby Me Super Thin Diaper Changing Mat - £9.49
• Best universal baby changing mat: CuddleCo Rainbow Changing Mat - £14.99
• Best baby changing mat for travel: Lekebaby Portable Nappy Changing Mat Travel Baby Change Mat - £11.04
• Best anti-roll baby changing mat: Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat - £30.
• Best compact baby changing mat: Bambino Mio Baby Changing Mat - £13.49.
• Best soft padded baby changing mat: John Lewis & Partners Wedge Star Changing Mat, £18
• Best reversible baby changing mat: Mamas & Papas Essential Changing Mat - Animal Alphabet, £15.20
From woodland animal changing mats to travel nappy changing mats, there's one to suit all parents and their babies, so take a look at our full, carefully curated list down below.
How we choose the best baby changing mats:
Our Mother&Baby awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
Awards testers are asked to score the product they are reviewing in four areas: usability, design, quality and value for money. Each product is scored out of 10 with each of these areas in mind, and the final score determines which products make the coveted bronze, silver and gold spots in that product category.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
The best changing mats for 2024
Best baby changing mat for travel
For an extremely simple portable changing mat that will keep the baby comfy during nappy changes and can fit in any nappy bag, tote, or under a stroller, the Lekebaby foldable travel changing mat comes highly recommended by many buyers.
It's lightweight, has good padding and also has inner pockets for extra storage space to put wipes and nappies so that they're handy for changing.
One reviewer said: "Honestly this mat has made travelling so easy!!! the concept is so practical and well thought out, and it fits perfectly in my travel bag without taking up space. The section for wipes is a little bit loose but not a big deal. I've even travelled abroad with it now. Best purchase."
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Larger than others
Cons
- No brighter colours available
Best universal baby changing mat
www.cuddleco.co.uk
With so many cheerful designs, it's hard for us to choose a favourite. As well as being great value and quality, it fits most dressers and changing tables for hassle-free changing. With high sides for safety as well as Phthalate-free PVC material against baby's skin, this CuddleCo Rainbow Changing Mat is ideal.
One reviewer said: "This was ordered for my granddaughter, and my daughter is thrilled with it. My only complaint would be that the mat was folded in half, and I felt I had to lay it on the floor with books on it to get it lying flat."
Another said: "Good quality changing mat. happy with the cute cloud print. Arrived quickly, would recommend."
Pros
- Lots of design options
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not the most wiggle-resistant
Best soft padded baby changing mat
www.johnlewis.com
For your at-home baby changing station, this wedge changing mat from John Lewis is just the ticket. It has deep, comfortable foam cushioning inside an easy-to-clean phthalate-free PVC cover, higher sides for added protection, and it's durable too.
One reviewer said: "I bought this for both my children. I used this with my older daughter and I totally loved the fact that my baby did not roll over when I changed her. Lovely pattern and high quality. So I bought this again with my second child. Totally worth the money and I have recommended to my friends."
Pros
- Made in the UK
- Softly padded
Cons
- Only comes in one design
Best changing basket mat liner
mamashack.co.uk
Changing baskets are everywhere right now but to be practical, they require a suitable liner to keep your baby comfortable as you change them. Most suitable for use in a nursery, this stylish liner from Mama Shack is padded with British-manufactured foam, free of TCPP and covered with comfy phthalate-free, non-toxic PVC.
Reviewed by Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert: "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."
Pros
- Lots of design options
- Waterproof
- Wipe clean
Cons
- Requires a changing basket
Best reversible baby changing mat
www.mamasandpapas.com
This super cute reversible design featuring alphabet animals would be perfect for the nursery. With wipe-clean material, this Mamas & Papas Essential Changing Mat comes in a variety of different designs. As well as thick, comfy padding, this mat is designed to fit Mamas & Papas dressers and cot top changers.
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. My grandson is very long but this mat is a great length with plenty of room for him to grow into. It's definitely worth the money "
Pros
- Wipe clean PVC
- Reversible design
Cons
- Not the easiest to travel with
Best anti-roll baby changing mat
www.kidly.co.uk
We're loving the gorgeous designs of the Mama Shack anti-roll changing mat (trust us, they're made for Instagram). Made with a wipeable, phthalate-free PVC cover and filled with thick supportive foam, it's got raised sides to help your baby stay in the centre and feel more secure during nappy changes.
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."
Pros
- Designed to prevent rolling
- Suitable from birth
Cons
- Not the most compact
Best roll up baby changing mat
As Amazon's choice for the best swimming changing mat, and a Mother&Baby award-winning product, the Splash About changing mat has a lot of perks that make it a strong contender for the best changing mat; it's antibacterial, non-slip, easy-to-clean, rolls-up easily for carrying, and is incredibly budget-friendly too.
If you'd prefer a more compact baby changing mat compared to a roll up one, then the Bambio Mio Changing Mat would be a better alternative.
Tested by mum Rachel Robinson Tingle for the M&B Awards 2016: "I really liked this mat and thought the price was great value for money. 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."
Read our full Splash About Anti Bacterial Changing Mat review
Pros
- Rolls up easily
- Soft feeling
Cons
- Could be slightly longer
Best patterned baby changing mat
For something more vibrant, try this East Coast Diamonds Baby Changing Mat. There are lots of colourful designs available to easily match your nursery decor, plus some more muted options if you prefer a neutral colour palette. We love this bold geometric print, sure to bring a pop of colour! Padded, wipe-clean, and designed to fit most baby-changing dressers, you can't really go wrong with this one.
However, if you prefer a more subtle design, you might prefer the Silvercloud Counting Sheep Changing Mat.
One reviewer said: "Bought this as a gift for my new nephew and it’s just what you’d expect from a good quality mat. Easy to clean and comfy for baby, not the flimsy kind that comes with a changing bag."
Another reviewer said: "Excellent product. Bought for my niece as she is expecting her first baby soon. The colour is vibrant and the mat seems sturdy. Delivery was quick and efficient. Very happy all round."
Pros
- Padded for comfort
- Designed to fit most dressers
Cons
- A more basic design
Best compact baby changing mat
This awesome portable and foldable Bambino Mio Changing Mat has absorbent inner padding as opposed to a sleek wipe-clean version that can catch and absorb anything that escapes the nappy. While you can't wipe it down to keep it clean, you can then throw it in the washing machine and tumble dryer, ready for the next use. It also comes in not one or two but eight different funky designs to choose from.
This compact baby changing mat is ideal for travel, and another great changing mat for traveling is the Lekebaby Portable Nappy Changing Mat Travel Baby Change Mat.
One reviewer said: "So pleased with this change mat. So easy to fold/unfold, it fits perfectly in changing bag and it is soft on inside so baby is comfortable when being changed. I love that it is machine washable, ours has been through wash multiple times and still in great condition! 100% recommend"
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Absorbent inner padding
Cons
- Not wipeable
Best high sided baby changing mat
Featuring the cutest print designs, this changing mat by Ceba Baby has supportive padding and is designed to be portable too. As well as high sides to stop baby from rolling, baby will be more than comfortable getting their nappy changed on this lovely mat!
One reviewer said: "Purchased as one of the few available for Polini changing table adapter IKEA and I must admit it fits perfectly, excellent material and compliant sizes."
Another said: "Nice big (you need a maxi changing table!) , with raised edges that allow you to be more relaxed while changing the child without the risk of hitting your head hard. The design is definitely nice, in line with a Nordic style bedroom. Very easy to clean given the material."
Pros
- Designed with safety in mind
- Adorable design selection
Cons
- Could be more durable
Best baby changing mat with pillow
The versatile Pronto changing bag from Skip Hop has an expanding extra-wide changing pad which can be wiped clean, and there's even a comfortable little pillow for baby's head. It has a convenient strap attached, there are two inside pockets and one on the outside for changing essentials, and the design is modern and fun and doesn't scream "baby changing mat".
One reviewer said: "One of my best baby buys. I take this everywhere, it provides a nice cushion for baby when he's being changed and means I can change him literally anywhere. 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 this."
Pros
- Attaches to stroller
- Includes zip pockets
Cons
- Some reviewers noted not receiving the correct colours
Best gender-neutral baby changing mat
www.very.co.uk
The Silvercloud Counting Sheep Changing Mat was designed to fit and sit perfectly atop a baby changing unit. It's several inches thick, which means it's nice and comfy for babies, and it comes in a nice and subtle unisex sheep design to go with any décor. To clean this waterproof mat, just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
One reviewer said: "Bought for my friend as a baby shower gift and she loved it very cute design and good quality."
Pros
- Waterproof design
- Suitable from birth
Cons
- Not as durable as others
Best baby changing mat print
www.babyplanetonline.co.uk
A Dani Dyer favourite with a gorgeous statement design. We can see these being quick to sell out. With the adorable print, full of personality plus padding and high sides - this one is an amazing addition to the nursery. The only downside is the reverse of the mat is not patterned, so you can't reverse the mat.
Review: "Lovely changing mat, I love the print and it feels very good quality."
Another reviewer said: "I brought this extra changing mat to go under our next to me crib and its lovely, I wanted to get something which was neutral and could be used again."
Pros
- Easy wipe clean
- Soft and comfortable
Cons
- Plain on the back (no pattern)
Best award-winning baby changing mat
ebebek.co.uk
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 skin giving you peace of mind when using it with your child. They quickly retains 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 arrive I expected super basic simple disposable changing mats but these are so much nicer! Not only do the 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 now spillages, at all!"
Read our full Baby Me Super Thin Diaper Changing Mat review.
Pros
- Good size
- Gentle on skin
- Great designs
- Disposable
Cons
- Wasteful
What to look for in a baby changing mat
There are a few things to consider when choosing a baby changing mat:
• How easy is it to clean?
• What material is it?
• Is it comfortable?
• How big is it?
• Does it have anti-roll sides?
• Is it easy to store?
One of the most important things to look out for when choosing a baby changing mat is that it's easy to clean. Whether it's a wipe-down version or one you can easily pop in the washing machine, it's highly likely it will get dirty more than once! The best mats are ones that you don't have to spend hours cleaning.
Another necessity is that it has adequate material and padding for the baby's comfort. Sometimes, changing your newborn's nappy on a hard floor or surface is unavoidable, so it can help you to be prepared. Other factors to consider are size, high sides for safety, whether it folds for storage purposes, or whether it's portable for when you're on the go.
Is it necessary to have changing mats?
Many people may say that it's essential, but you don't have to buy a changing mat - you can simply use a muslin or a towel instead. However, it is often much more hygienic, comfortable and safe to use a changing mat as it's a designated place to change your little one.
Should you change your baby on the floor?
Ideally, it's much safer to change your baby on the floor, as they don't have anywhere to fall. However, if you are planning on using a baby changing unit, we recommend purchasing a wedged baby changing mat (or an anti-roll baby changing mat) to prevent them from wriggling or hitting their head.
Never leave them unattended and make sure you have your nappies, lotion and wipes with you before you begin.
How many changing mats do I need?
Usually, having two nappy changing mats would be more than enough. Ideally, you might have one that you can store in a changing box ready to grab when you need it. It's also great to have a portable or foldable one to take with you on your travels that you can easily pop into your changing bag. That way, you're always prepared when baby needs changing when you're out and about.
Having a spare one around might not hurt, either. Maybe baby sometimes stays with grandparents who might not have a changing mat to use, so having one for this purpose might be handy. Whether or not you need a changing mat is up for debate. However, they're often the most hassle-free option.
With wipeable material, padding to support the baby's head and provide cushioning from hard surfaces, and high sides to stop baby from rolling off (and, of course, all the cute designs!), we honestly can't think of a better option.
How we test the best changing mats
Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry for being one of the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products, and every year, we arrange for thousands of independent mum reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
Our independent mums review the products based on their usability, design, quality, and value for money. Reviewers give us qualitative feedback on their experience with the product, which our team of journalists review to decide our recommended products.
From all this work, our best baby changing mats are chosen and listed above in our finalised and definitive list of the best baby baby changing mats, one for each key category, along with the quotes we found to be most useful when choosing our selection.
Our editorial team is also constantly looking for new baby changing mats to test so that we can help you find the best - be that a cheaper product that we want to test for value for money or the latest baby innovation.
Kat de Naoum is a freelance writer based in the UK and Greece. She has written for many publications, and, as an advocate for female empowerment, loves to write about women's issues, and helping fellow mothers feel supported and less alone.