7 of the best baby splash mats for keeping things clean

9 of the best baby splash mats for keeping things clean

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

As any parent knows, one of the first things you do when you find out you’re expecting is baby-proof the house to keep your baby safe and prevent any messes or accidents in the house; be that include putting gates on the stairs or buying baby splash mats in preparation for weaning.

Whether they are eating, playing or rolling around on the floor, when it comes to little ones there’s always something to clean up.

Food, toys and bodily fluids become a daily norm, but you can minimise the mess and time you spend tidying up with a baby splash mat. Keep your floors mess-free during frenzied feeding sessions with these splash mats (also known as a feeding mat or dropcloth) - simply pop them on the floor underneath your bub's highchair or toddler's seat.

The best baby splash mats at a glance:

Best overall splash mat: Lookka Highchair Splash Mat - Buy now on Amazon UK

Best easy clean splash mat: Mamas & Papas Splash Mat for Highchairs - Buy now on Amazon UK

Best splash mat for design: Ralphie Bear Bear Face Splash Mat - Buy now on Ralphie Bear

Best lightweight splash mat: Bumkins Splat Mat - Buy now on Amazon UK

Baby splash mats can be easily wiped clean so they are a great way to contain spills while protecting your floor, carpets, and rugs from damage. Here's a full list of our favourites for you to check out.

Our favourite splash mats 2024

Best overall splash mat

This splash mat from Lookka has a large surface area, is waterproof and non-slip, and will keep your floors protected from spills and mess. We love that it’s machine-washable, making it easy to clean, or it can also be cleaned by hand.

Reviewers praise how well it catches food and liquids, its large size, and its versatility. Even after a number of washes, reviews suggest that it holds up well, resisting wear and tear. Functional but aesthetically pleasing, it should suit most homes.

Some shoppers did note that this mat isn’t totally non-slip on certain types of flooring, especially when their children are more active, and that it can stain when using certain types of food or paint.

Pros

  • It has an anti-slip backing, helping to keep the mat in its place.
  • The mat is made from PVC, making it waterproof, and can easily be wiped clean or rinsed off.
  • This mat is machine washable.
  • It measures 43x43 inches, so it is a generous size providing ample coverage to catch spills.
  • It is available in different designs and a different size.

Cons

  • The print could be more exciting
  • Certain food or paint can stain this mat
<strong>Size: </strong>43 x 43 inches <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B092185ZYG?tag=qmabarticle479-21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">(51 x 51 inches also available)</a>
  • Anti-slip particles
  • Easy to fold

Best easy clean splash mat

Got a Mamas & Papas Snax highchair? This co-ordinating Mamas & Papas splash mat offers ample coverage for mealtimes and messy play and can be easily wiped clean. Reviewers like the variety of designs (we particularly love the alphabet floral option), appreciate its size and effectiveness, which reduces clean-up time after meals.

While the material is generally easy to clean, some stubborn stains might take more effort to remove, and on certain floor types, the mat can be prone to slipping.

Pros

  • You can buy it to match your highchair.
  • It features an easy wipe-clean surface, making it easier to maintain.
  • There is a variety of designs available.
  • The mat is made out of durable materials, providing a thick texture.
  • It measures 1.4x1.2m, so has a good coverage to catch spills.

Cons

  • Some reviewers said the mat was slippy on laminate and tiled floors.
<strong>Size: </strong>1.4 x 1.2m
  • Compatible with all makes of highchair
  • Wipe-clean

Best splash mat for design

This baby splash mat from Ralphie Bear is adorable. Let your child experience the joy of eating while you sit back and enjoy the cuteness overload. The Ralphie Bear splash mats, made from non-toxic PVC, are perfect for under the highchair, under tables, for arts and crafts, for potty training and even in the garden. The super cute bear print material can be easily wiped clean with soapy water. It will protect your floors and furniture from any splashes and spills during mealtimes, plus it has the added bonus that it’s lightweight and can be folded for packing away or on the go.

Reviewers love the design (us too!) and the mat’s versatility but noted that more intense stains might need more effort to remove them fully. Some reviewers also commented on the size, as they wished it was a larger size to cover a broader area.

Pros

  • It is lightweight and foldable, so can be taken out and about with you.
  • Made from non-toxic PVC.
  • There are a variety of colours available.
  • It is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean and wipeable.

Cons

  • Measuring at 100x100cm, it doesn't have as much coverage as alternatives.
<strong>Size: </strong>100 x 100cm
  • Multiple colour choices
  • Non toxic PVC

Bumkins Splat Mat©MOTHER&BABY/Sophie Knight
Price: £20.95

Bumkins splat mats are the perfect, affordable solution to keeping your baby’s mess at bay. Acting as a guard or shield against feeding and playtime mishaps, the lightweight and easy-wipe splash mat makes clean-up easy as the mat dries in minutes. It can be wiped clean or machine-washed, so it’s super durable and stain-resistant. The baby splash mat also folds up compactly so it can be thrown into your nappy bag, ready to take with you on your daily adventures. It’s a good size to protect the floor from spillages and keep surfaces clean, while the lightweight material can be put away in minutes; however, it's not as big as many we've tested. M&B tester and Contributor Sophie Knight said: "There are lots of splash mats of a bigger size, but this is big enough to do a decent job and also means it's easy to take to friends' or family's houses. It wiped clean easily and was very quick to fold up and store. The characters on the mat are probably the main reason you'd want to buy this one over any other."

Reviewers praise it for its durability, ease of cleaning and design, noting that it adds a cheerful touch to mealtimes. Some mentioned, however, that it can take a little longer to air dry than some mats, which can be inconvenient if you need it ASAP. Despite being easy to clean, some food stains (like tomato sauce) can be more challenging to remove completely. It's also not non-slip, unlike most of the splash mats we've tested. Sophie Knight continued: "Unlike many of the splash mats I've tested, this one doesn't have any anti-slip features on the bottom of the mat. This meant it moves a lot during mealtimes, especially if you have a child who likes to move around and get in and out of their chair a lot, like mine. It also meant it was quite easy to slip on it as you walked over it."

Pros

  • It can be machine-washed and tumble-dried on a low-heat setting
  • Made from stain-resistant and waterproof material, making it easy to clean
  • It is lightweight and easy to fold
  • Measuring at 42x42cm, it provides a good coverage against spills

Cons

  • Some reviewers said it wasn't as anti-slip as they would have expected
  • Some reviewers said it takes a little while to air dry
<strong>Size: </strong>42 x 42cm
  • Stain-resistant
  • Machine washable

Best non-slip splash mat

TotsAhoy! Non Slip Splash Mat ©MOTHER&BABY/Sophie Knight

Rrp: £12.99

Price: £11.99

The TotsAhoy! Non Slip Splash Mat is praised by shoppers for its brilliant grip, combining two high-tech fabrics to ensure it stays put on hard floors and carpets. Easy to clean (you can pop it in the washing machine), waterproof and durable, it’s also a great size, measuring 110 x 110cm. M&B tester and Contributor Sophie Knight said: "I liked the simple design of this splash mat, meaning it'll fit into your decor without worrying about it. It's a good size and wiped clean really easily."

Reviewers value its attractive design, non-slip abilities, and adequate size. However, they did mention a noticeable plastic smell upon arrival, which thankfully dissipates over time. As with many other mats on our list, certain foods can stain the mat if not wiped off quickly.

Pros

  • It is water-resistant and easily wipeable
  • It combines 2 high-tech fabrics with anti-slip protection
  • It is machine washable
  • This mat is available in other sizes and different designs
  • Measuring at 110x110cm, it provides a good coverage against spills

Cons

  • Some parents have said that the mat stained easier than they would have expected
<strong>Size: </strong>110 x 110cm
  • Anti-slip protection
  • Machine washable

Best alphabet splash mat

AlleyDesign Splash Mat©MOTHER&BABY/Sophie Knight

Waterproof and easy to clean with silicone spots on the bottom to stop it sliding about, there's lots to like about this splash mat from AlleyDesign. As well as being an effective mat for catching mealtime messes, we love that it’s educational, too, as there are fun letter and animal illustrations on it, to introduce children to the alphabet and their favourite creatures.

This splash mat measures 130x130cm, which is bigger than some we've tested, giving lots of floor coverage; M&B tester and Contributor Sophie Knight said: "I loved the animal alphabet design of this mat, meaning we could use it as a play mat once spills have been mopped up. It's fun and characterful. It's easy to wipe clean, although I found the feet of my daughter's highchair left marks on the mat quite easily."

Shoppers appreciate the cute design and the large size of the mat, which allows for interactive mealtimes. However, some mentioned that it does stain easily and that it had an unpleasant smell upon arrival, which did disappear after washing and line-drying.

Pros

  • Measuring 130x130cm, it provides enough coverage for messy meal times
  • Underneath is set with non-slip silicone spots, to prevent spilling
  • It is machine washable and quick drying
  • This mat is oil-resistant, waterproof and stain-resistant 

Cons

  • Some reviews mention it had a funny smell when it first arrived
  • Can mark easily
<strong>Size: </strong>51 x 51 inches
  • Water-resistant
  • Stain-resistant

Best alpaca-print splash mat

WOMUMON Splash Mat©MOTHER&BABY/Sophie Knight

Rrp: £19.99

Price: £16.99

The WOMUMON splash mat is perfect for under the highchair, over tables for arts and crafts, for potty training, and even in the garden, so you can see why it's highly rated on Amazon. Smaller messes can be easily shaken off or wiped clean with a damp cloth, or if you've got a larger mess to contend with, it can be thrown in the washing machine on a low heat setting. M&B tester and Contributor Sophie Knight said: "I love alpacas so this was a favourite in our house. It's a fun design without being garish. Like all splash mats we've tested, it's wipe clean and easy to unfold and lay down on the floor. This is a good size that easily catches mealtime spillages."

Many reviewers have noted that it protects their floors well and love that it can be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning. They praise the non-slip backing, but some mentioned that the material is prone to staining. Not an alpaca fan? That’s ok – there are plenty of other designs available, too.

Pros

  • Measuring 130x130cm, it provides plenty of coverage for your floor
  • It is 100% polyester, odour-free and non-toxic
  • There is a variety of different designs available
  • The mat features anti-slip dots on the underneath and is waterproof

Cons

  • Some reviewers noted that it stains easily
<strong>Size: </strong>51 x 51 inches
  • Anti-slip silicone dots
  • Lightweight design

What do the baby product expert say?

Kevin and Suze Patel, co-founders of Nini Baby, explain: “A splash mat is essentially a piece of waterproof fabric that goes under a baby’s chair or play area to prevent any spillages or play-inspired mess from causing unwanted stains.

“For parents, they can be an absolute saviour, making fun activities and mealtimes less worrisome."

We’ve rounded up the best baby splash mats available in the UK to keep your little one’s messes at bay. From funky patterns to chic styles, you won’t want to put these adorable baby splash mats away…

Things to consider when buying a baby splash mat:

Size

• Flexibility

• Sustainability

• Fun

• Material

According to Kevin and Suze Patel, there are a number of factors parents need to consider before purchasing a baby splash mat. “When it comes to buying a splash mat, consider its size; does it fulfil your needs, for example, will it cover enough of your floor during playtime?

“Similarly, think about whether the splash mat is portable and easily transferable. f you’re often on the move or planning an upcoming holiday then as with any product, flexibility is key.

“Meanwhile, it’s important to find a splash mat that’s sustainable and boasts equally fun designs. If your little one engages with the mat and actually enjoys using it then you can avoid any tantrums if they don’t, for any reason, like sitting on a floor cover of sorts.”

Evaluating the material of a baby splash mat is important before purchasing. Plastic splash mats will crease if they’re folded regularly, whilst more lightweight materials can be trimmed for a custom fit if needed.

Suze adds, “In any instance, choose a material that’s durable and easy to clean – after all, its purpose is to make your life easier!

“Another helpful hack? A non-slip underlay is invaluable, it’ll stop your splash mat from moving around unnecessarily, keeping it secure and in place no matter what your tot gets up to.”

What are the benefits of baby splash mats?

1. Manage cleanliness

2. Easing worries in public

3. Creates an identified play solace

4. Aesthetically pleasing

There are countless benefits to splash mats; the most obvious of course is that they help you to manage your baby’s mess and keep things clean.

But baby splash mats can be helpful outside of the house too. “They can also be incredibly useful when taken out of the house, easing your concerns in restaurants for example," adds Kevin.

“Meanwhile, they help to teach your child about cleanliness, create a clearly identified play space and generally make your tot’s playtime less stressful. Plus, if you go for a cute design, they can have the simultaneous benefit of making your baby’s playroom or bedroom look even lovelier!”

Stephanie Anthony is the deputy digital editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 7 to 2 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us
How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.