Polyvinyl chloride – or PVC - contains chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be harmful to health in high doses, look for changing mats which are labelled as being made from non-toxic PVC or eco-friendly vinyl, free from phthalates and other toxins. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from real parents Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm What we love At Mumsnet, we know how important the right baby equipment is, and how an authentic recommendation from a fellow parent who's been in your shoes can be better than any expert opinion. That's why we obsessively research and review baby products to help you choose. Whether it's the best breast pump, the best baby bottles or the best changing bag you're looking for, you'll find honest, judgement-free advice from real parents right here.

I liked the changing mats. They had a cover on them that zipped off to be washed. They were a nice cosy material and not cold plastic for putting dd on (precious first born worries 😂) .” (Recommended by Mumsnet user MrsCaptainJakeBallard) Our verdict Obaby is a well established company that has exploded onto the nursery scene in 2002 with exciting and innovative products and reputation for quality, style and reliability. We were given a fold-up changing mat with compartments for wipes and nappies from JoJo Maman Bébé. It was used every single day when DS2 was little, and now is always in the changing bag. I have no idea how I survived without it for DS1!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BrioLover) Our verdict Washable portable changing mat (Bambino Mio is good)." (Recommended by Mumsnet user Theoverstretchedmultitasker) Our verdict Be sure to look at our wide selection of changing tables too. They are the ideal nappy changing station and are perfect before your baby is potty-trained. Our models come with storage space—perfect to keep hand towels and baby wipes handy. If you're a new parent then the idea of heading out and about with your baby might seem daunting at first—but with one of our baby changing bags, you'll have the perfect practical place to easily store all your little one's essentials. And with a portable changing mat included, you'll be able to make nappy changes on the move too.How do I clean it? – When a product is doing a messy, dirty job, it’s essential that it can be cleaned easily and frequently. Many mats can be wiped cleaned with a disinfectant spray or wipe. Fabric changing mats are more likely to absorb leaks and should be machine washable to ensure that they can be properly cleaned between uses. If you choose a fabric changing mat, you may need to consider purchasing two so that you always have one at your disposal while the other is in the wash. Does it offer special features? These days, many change mats are decorated with beautiful printed artwork. Some offer functional design features such as anti-roll wedge sides, which can be really useful, especially if you have a particularly wriggly baby. But the fact of the matter is that special features often add expense so if your budget is tight, you may well find that a basic change mat does the job perfectly well. Is a changing mat necessary? Changing mats are an absolute must-have for nappy duty, bath time and massage time. Ours are thoughtfully crafted with three raised sides for baby's comfort. Plus, it's generously stuffed with plush foam in the center to keep your little one comfy and supported. It fits most changing tables, but you can also stash it under the couch for nappy duty in a jiffy! Which changing mat is best? you can get neoprene swim changing mats that are good presuming [the] baby won't roll away!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter JessicaPeach) Our verdict I can honestly say just get one which is nicely padded and the ones with sloping sides are handy when they start rolling. They're called 'wedge' shaped.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Cherrybakewellard) Our verdict

Changing Basket Mat - suitable for most changing baskets, we recommend our natural seagrass basket for ultimate changing luxe! The best overall changing mat for babies is the chic and practical East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat with wedged sides for support and safety. What should I look for in a changing mat? This simple but effective Disney changing mat, measuring approximately 75 x 48cm, provides a perfect comfortable surface for baby during changing. This Disney changing mat features a wipe clean PVC cover and a foam filled interior with raised edges to prevent baby from rolling off. It is finished in a beautiful Dumbo design, which is the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the Disney Inspire nursery range. A changing mat isn’t necessary and the NHS advises that you can use a changing mat or a towel for nappy changes. However, whilst a towel may be comfortable for your baby, it is likely to absorb leaks and spills and will need machine washing between uses. For that reason, a wipe-clean, waterproof padded changing mat is likely to make your life easier in the early weeks and months of your baby’s life as well as reducing your washing pile and keeping other surfaces in your home - such as your carpets, if you tend to change your baby on the floor as the NHS advises is the safest way. Are PVC changing mats safe?We love ours, especially when little one pees mid change - the mat is angled, so it drains down and keeps them dry.” (Loved by Mumsnetter GemmaJen) Our verdict Get a splash mat changing mat for the floor as it's safer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user babydreamer1) Our verdict

When it comes to taking care of your little one, changing nappies is no parent's favourite task—a change mat is just what you need to get the job done. With our range of baby changing mats, you've always got a dedicated surface on which to change your little one. Choose from an array of attractive changing mat designs that are waterproof and wipe-clean. This simple but effective Disney changing mat provides a perfect comfortable surface for baby during changing. This Disney changing mat features a wipe clean PVC cover and a foam filled interior with raised edges to prevent baby from rolling off. It is finished in a beautiful Winnie the Pooh Dreams & Wishes design, which is the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the Disney Dreams & Wishes nursery range. Before we recommend new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s an awful lot of honest, impartial advice, don’t you think? Expert guidance In comparison to the average changing mat, the Shnuggle Squishy offers an altogether cosier nappy change surface. Constructed from a slab of soft, non-toxic foam, it’s warmer on a baby’s delicate skin than other change mats. As there’s no need to cover the mat with a towel or muslin, as you may find necessary with more basic changing mats, buying this high-end changing mat should reduce your washing pile and stop you spending money on extra towels. This padded foam changing mat is designed with wedge shaped sides to help your newborn feel more secure during nappy changes and to prevent an older baby rolling off altogether. Made from phthalate free PVC and filled with foam, this comfortable change mat is waterproof and wipe-clean. Suitable from birth, it features a grey and white alphabet print which should fit nicely into any modern nursery. It’s a great option and fantastic value for the price.

5. Best waterproof changing mat: Bambino Mio Swim Travel Mat

Can it be transported easily? – If you are in the market for a travel changing mat, you’re likely to want a compact, lightweight foldable style. If you’re looking for a padded changing mat for your home, you may want to consider how easy it is to carry around your house between rooms where you’ll use it most.