Choosing the best baby changing mat of 2020 | Elephantine Me
Our top recommendations for different types of baby changing mats.
Newborns are a heavenly present. Congratulations if you’re having, or already had one. But like it or not, they’re a poo factory too! Young babies need changing 10-12 times a day... You’ll be doing it a lot!
Though it’s not mandatory, investing in a baby changing mat can drastically improve your and your baby’s life. Some people use blankets and towels, but having an easy-to-clean waterproof baby changing mat is unbeatable, not to mention the cool designs and the decoration touch it adds.
That’s why we’re going to review the best baby changing mats available in 2020. Let’s go!
TL;DR - Quick Overview
- Our Top Pick: Lekebaby Baby Nappy Portable Changing Mat
- Safest Baby Changing Mat: L.A.BABY 4 Sided Changing Pad
- Easiest to Clean Baby Changing Mat: Bumbo Changing Pad
- Best Disposable Baby Changing Mat: Disposable 40x60cm Standard Baby Changing Mats
- Best Washable Baby Changing Mat: Bambino Mio Change Mat
- Best Clean Hands Baby Changing Mat: iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad
Our top baby changing mat recommendations
After a long and thorough market research, we’d like to present to you the “best of the best” of choices, alongside their reviews. Here you go...
Our Top Pick: Lekebaby Baby Nappy Portable Changing Mat
Lekebaby offers a portable fashionable 29 x 20 cm clutch that’ll be easy to take anywhere without anyone knowing what it is. When unfolded, it expands to a 55 x 55 cm changing mat plus 29 x 40 cm multiple pockets.
This product is not about fashion only, though. The changing mat is equipped with a built-in-pillow to be placed under your baby’s head for safety and comfort.
Also, when you finish changing, simply unzip the waterproof changing pad from the clutch portion, wipe it with a damp cloth, and zip it back up when it dries.
Additionally, its overall capacity is more than enough. You’ll have an external zip pocket for your personal belongings, an internal zip pocket for the baby changing supplies, and an internal mesh pocket to hold up to 4 nappies.
What We Like:
- Fashionable
- Waterproof removable baby changing mat
- Wide storage capacity
- Free from lead, BPA, and phthalate
What We Don’t Like:
- The front clasp doesn't close easily when the clutch is stuffed
Safest Baby Changing Mat: L.A.BABY 4 Sided Changing Pad
Some parents worry about the safety of their curious wiggly babies during changing, especially if they’re using a dresser top instead of a sided changing table.
L.A.Baby came up with a solution. You can safely use this pad on a dresser top after securing the two attachment straps with screws to the back of your dresser. For additional safety, the pad’s bottom has a non-slip surface.
For the actual changing process, you’ll have a seamless experience with the 76.2 x 40.6 cm waterproof surface of this pad. The product is also equipped with an adjustable belt to gently secure the baby inside the pad.
The surface is made from non-toxic vinyl that is safe for your baby’s delicate skin.
What We Like:
- Extra-safe
- Fits any surface
- Adjustable belt
- Non-toxic
What We Don’t Like:
- The surface is textured, which might not be the easiest to clean.
Easiest-to-Clean Baby Changing Mat: Bumbo Changing Pad
Changing for your baby is never predictable, it can get messy leaving a burden to clean. If you don’t like to spend too much time cleaning, then the Bumbo pad is your perfect choice.
This pad is manufactured from a soft non-toxic rubber material that’s 100% waterproof. This material is perfect in the long run as it has the least probability of harbouring mould and bacteria.
The changing surface measures 71.4 x 45.7 cm. Its borders are contoured with a higher level on both sides to be safe for the baby and comfortable for you. It’s also supplied with an adjustable restraining belt to limit the baby’s movement.
Additionally, you can safely put this pad on whatever surface you like thanks to the bottom non-slip surface.
What We Like:
- Easy to clean
- Soft on baby’s skin
- Contoured border
- Adjustable restraining belt
- Non-slip bottom
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users reported surface micro-erosion after months of use
Best Disposable Baby Changing Mat: Disposable 40x60cm Standard Baby Changing Mats
These mats are perfect to use in public areas where you don’t want to carry sophisticated large mats. It’s also useful to use when your baby’s poo is unstable or excessive, not to ruin your primary changing mat.
The product comes as a pack of 30 mats, each measuring 40 x 60 cm. The mat is lined with an embossed fluff pulp that absorbs fluids easily and rapidly, protecting any underneath fabric from being ruined.
What We Like:
- Affordable price
- Excellent absorption
- Practical for emergencies
What We Don’t Like:
- Not eco-friendly
Best Washable Baby Changing Mat: Bambino Mio Change Mat
Bambino has made this mat for parents who prefer to regularly wash their mats instead of just wiping them.
It comes as a 21 x 15 cm foldable sheet. The padding is manufactured from polyurethane and lined with polyester. So under function, it’ll be waterproof to some extent. This will allow you to use it for a whole day before having to wash it.
For convenience, it’s machine washable and dryable. It also comes with a wide variety of colourful designs, ensuring that your baby will stay distracted while you do your cleaning.
What We Like:
- Machine washable and dryable
- Foldable
- Lightweight (159 gm)
- Attractive designs
What We Don’t Like:
- Not completely waterproof
- May stain after a few months of use
Best Clean Hands Baby Changing Mat: iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad
Changing can be messy, you accept this as a fact over time. But what you can’t accept is when your curious baby gets his wiggly hands in this mess, endangering his/her health and wellbeing.
That’s why iZiv came up with this product. It’s a foldable clutch that extends to be a wide polyester changing mat. The trick is in the sides that fold up to form a loop around the baby’s upper body, in which you can hang toys to keep your baby in a busy joyful company.
They didn’t forget about your little one’s comfort. Toward the baby’s head, there’s a 6 cm thick cushion to comfort his/her delicate head.
The lining material is completely waterproof. But in case you’re not satisfied with wiping only, this mat is machine washable and dryable.
What We Like:
- Fashionable design
- Keeps baby’s hands clean
- Comfortable
- Machine washable and dryable
What We Don’t Like:
- Its material is not as durable as other mats
Things Every Parent Should Know
Purchasing the right product is only the first step. To actually make your changing experience easier, we’ve compiled a list of important tips that we think you should know.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Baby Environment
It’s inevitable. Your newborn may require 10-12 changes per day, so your changing mat will get dirty during one of those nappy changes, especially if your baby is the wiggly type.
But even the calm ones will cause some mess. And it doesn’t matter if you pay close attention, some fluids will still leak from the nappy to the changing mat.
You may already know that it’s incredibly important to keep the changing mat clean. But what may be shocking to know is that a bunch of serious illnesses can originate from baby’s faecal remnants, causing diseases to the baby and the whole household.
But before we tell you how to actually clean the mat, we’re going to walk you through some tips that will make the cleaning process less of a hassle.
1. Pick the right location
Pick a spot in which you consistently change for your baby. Having a specified place like a nursery or even a changing table is optimal.
But if you do it on the floor, especially in emergencies, do it in the same spot as much as you can. Then reserve this spot for the baby, regularly clean it, and don’t let your other children play inside it.
The most important tip, however, is to never use the kitchen counter for nappy changing. Because like we said, no matter how careful you are, some leakage will happen. Leakage means germs and bacteria, which are surely the last thing you want inside your family’s food.
2. Let the nappy help you
Babies often need time to fully empty their bowels. Therefore, if you notice that your baby needs changing, don’t start doing it right away. Wait a couple of minutes to make sure the nappy handled all the mess, instead of having to handle it yourself on the changing mat.
3. Account for surprises
Like it or not, explosive poo is quite common for babies, yet it’s totally normal if you’re wondering. The problem lies in the baby’s hands and legs that can touch and spread the poo everywhere else, or worse, go into his/her mouth.
That’s why you should always be ready with napkins or towels to instantly cover the mess and clean it after you finish.
4. Secure the nappy
It’s a no brainer. Refastening the tabs of the nappy helps to reduce possible leakage into your changing mat. However, you should give the nappy a quick inspection to reassure your baby’s health.
5. Use distractions
If you’re rushing to change for your baby who keeps moving, you’re more likely to leave unnoticed remnants. Hence, it’s a good idea to keep your baby’s favourite toy in reach during changing.
Alternatively, there are mats that loop around your baby giving you a place to hang toys from, we mentioned iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad as an example of this type.
6. Wash hands/legs
Before proceeding with cleaning the mat, it’s very important to wash the baby’s hands and legs, even if you didn’t see any clear contamination. Better safe than sorry!
7. Cleaning the changing mat
Congrats! You did the hard part. You now have to clean the changing mat before resuming your day. And again, you always have to clean the mat after each use, even if you don’t see clear remnants.
Start by wiping with baby wipes, we suggest Mama Bear sensitive baby wipes. You can also use disinfectant sprays if you prefer, we suggest Vital Baby sanitizing water.
Then wipe it off with a towel dipped in warm water, to clean any residuals.
Some mats are machine washable and dryable, while some aren’t. Make sure to check the product specifications before washing.
Should you use a changing pad cover?
Though your changing pad can suffice, using covers and liners provides extra perks.
Firstly, they reduce the possibility of contaminating or staining your changing mat, which extends its lifespan, giving you the best value for your money.
Secondly, the waterproof surface of most changing mats can be quite irritating for your baby’s skin. Having a cotton cover will surely feel a lot better.
If you think about purchasing them, check the size of your changing mat firstly to match it. For the universal mat size, we suggest changing pad cover set by Ely's & Co.
How to safely secure the baby changing mat
Although having a changing table is the perfect and safest choice, you can still secure the changing mat to your dresser top. That way, you’ll have both advantages of storage and changing platform in the same piece of furniture.
The easiest ways to secure the mat are:
1. Velcro
This is by far the most practical method. You can make sure the baby is safe and still be able to move the mat for any reason.
With glue, attach 4 pieces of velcro on the corners of the dresser top, then attach their counterparts on the bottom of the changing mat. It’s important to measure dimensions accurately for the velcro to align properly together.
Velcro can be found either online or at your local sewing store.
2. Non-Slip Mats
These are rubber sheets that can be put between the dresser top and the changing mat. It’s very practical and easy to put on/remove.
3. Straps
Some mats are supplied with attached straps that can be screwed to the back of the dresser. However, some people may find it impractical and destructive to their furniture.
The Verdict
A baby changing mat is a reliable investment for yours and your baby’s sake. Lekebaby Baby Nappy Changing Mat has a fashionable appearance, big storage, and a removable changing mat. These features have made it worthy enough to be our top pick.
Our second favourite is iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad. The practical feature of looping around your baby to prevent contamination is a valuable feature to have on a relatively cheap mat.
Whatever product you choose, you have to keep it clean to avoid spreading infections to your beloved family members.
To finish, we wish you and your baby a happy and healthy life!
Leave a comment