There are several Olli and Ella baskets available, but we loved the contrast between the natural seagrass and the recycled plastic white weave on the Reva. It added a little interest to our nursery. We appreciated that it held our wiggling babe securely as we changed them – as well as all our changing essentials – so everything was to hand and secure. 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? 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. How you wash your changing mat will depend on the kind you have and the material it’s made from. Most manufacturers will clearly outline any laundering instructions.

There are lots of different types of changing mats. There are mats that go onto a changing table, mats that fit on to the top of a cot (these must always be removed when not in use and when your baby is in the cot) and also foldable changing mats for travel. If you need something more portable for travel, you can also buy thinner mats that fold up so they're little enough to be popped into a bag for days out with your baby or longer periods of travel. 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. First, install the pad correctly according to the instructions. Anchor the pad to the surface securely using any provided fasteners, and test it thoroughly to make sure it’s secure.Make sure you have everything you can bring your Baby Changing Mat wherever you go with you with a Baby Changing Bag from Mamas & Papas. A padded, waterproof changing mat or pad is an essential product that every parent needs when it's time to change their baby's nappy. We all know little ones can be rather wiggly during nappy changes. The raised sides are designed to help keep them in the centre of the changing mat to slow them down making the process smoother at changing time. We always recommend never leaving baby unattended on a high surface. 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

Having a changing pad can save furniture and other items from the contents of your baby’s soiled diapers. Anna Marikar, mum of four and writer of the blog In The Playroom Opens a new window explains the benefits of using a changing mat. "Using a changing mat is the easiest way to change your baby at home or on the go, and in a comfortable hygienic way. Most changing mats are wipeable, or have removable washable covers so this means you're fully prepared to deal with any explosive nappies." Which type of changing mat should you buy? You may like pretty designs, but be warned, a baby changing mat has to be practical as well as good-looking and needs to be able to withstand a lot of mess! You might be wary of buying unnecessary items for your baby, but a soft and comfortable changing mat or pad will be used several times a day!Straps: Some changing pads include straps for fastening it to the changing surface. This can be beneficial if your changing pad will be in a permanent location such as a changing table. Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm What we love 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 A changing mat will become part of your essential baby kit. You might even find you want one mat in your baby’s nursery, one downstairs, and another in the changing bag itself… even one at grandparents’ houses.

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. For plastic, contoured pads: Simply wipe down using antibacterial wet wipes, a little detergent, or even a weak solution of bleach after each diaper change. Consider keeping a small spritz bottle in a diaper caddy to whip out when you’re finished.However you should NEVER leave your baby unattended when changing their nappy, even if you think they aren't mobile at all. The average baby requires more than 2,000 diaper changes in their first year alone. Many of these diaper changes will take place when you’re out and about, and public changing tables are rarely cleaned well (1). Often, when you most need it, a changing table just isn’t available. Fit: You may already have a changing table or a baby crib with one built-in, so you need to make sure the pad you’re looking at will fit the surface it’s being used on. You also want to ensure full surface coverage when changing a messy diaper. If you hope to be able to use your changing pad until your baby is a toddler, look for a minimum length of 33 inches and a width of at least 17 inches.

Most changing pads can be used on their own, or they can be placed on top of a baby changing table . Some baby changers come with built-in changing pads. If you are using a changing pad on its own, you will need to find a flat surface that is at a comfortable height for you to use. 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? Belts: A safety belt can come in handy if you have a busy baby or toddler who doesn’t like diaper changes. It will give you peace of mind that your baby won’t escape and potentially get hurt when you’re cleaning them up.Clean and disinfect the surface of the changing mat after every use with an antibacterial cleanser or wipes. Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's nappy to help prevent the spread of bacteria. Our essentials spotted print baby changing mat will make those nappy changes simple. With a wipe-clean PVC design, you don't need to worry about those little accidents and spills, and the reversible design means you can choose the side that suits your décor. We've designed our changing mats with smooth edges, with no scratchy bits or tags that'll irritate your baby's delicate skin. In addition to its practical features, our essentials spotted print baby changing mat offers a host of benefits that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. We understand that as a parent, you value convenience, which is why our baby changing mat is designed with portability in mind. It's lightweight material makes it easy to transport from room to room, allowing you to have a dedicated baby changing station wherever you go. Whether you need to change your baby's diaper in the nursery, living room, or even while traveling, our baby changing mat ensures that you're always prepared. And because they fit all of our Mamas & Papas dresser and cot top changers, it makes the perfect finishing touch for your nursery.