Clean and disinfect the surface of the changing mat after every use with an antibacterial cleanser or wipes. Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm What we love

For hygiene reasons, buying a new changing mat is always recommended, rather than using a secondhand one. Are wedge baby changing mats better? And when it comes to changing diapers at home or at others’ homes, without a changing pad, you may be left with a nasty mess on your changing surface that isn’t easy to clean. 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. Anna suggests thinking about how you might use a changing mat when you are purchasing one. "Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to look for different features. If you would like a very soft changing mat, you could look for one with a removable cover. If you're looking for something to use at home, you can even buy a play arch to use over the changing mat to keep baby entertained during nappy changes." For foam pads: Cotton or polyester pad covers can be washed as usual in your washing machine, but avoid doing the same with the mat itself, as you’ll likely destroy it. Instead, thoroughly wipe it down, and allow it to air dry to prevent any staining. You could also try vacuuming the pad.The best changing mats you can buy in 2023 1. Olli Ella Reva Baby Changing Basket: The best changing mat for style Efficiency is key. Anna suggests "You may want to get a changing table for the nursery, to set up a station for nappy changing with everything you need in one place, or if you're out and about a lot you will probably want to get a portable changing mat and set up everything you need in your changing bag to make it comfortable and convenient to change baby on the go."

Many changing bags come with a mat included in the price. You can also buy travel changing mats that fold into a very small pouch. 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.Having a changing pad can save furniture and other items from the contents of your baby’s soiled diapers. 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.

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. A changing mat will provide a clean, comfortable surface for you to change your baby on. It will be easy to wipe clean if any spills occur (which they will), and will support your baby while you get down to business. Of course, changing mats should be easy to clean. Trust us, accidents will happen. So look for a change mat that’s either wipe-clean or has a removable cover or liner that is washing-machine friendly.

6. Best changing mat with anti-roll sides: Mama Shack Anti-Roll Changing Mat

Non-skid bottoms: Babies are wiggly creatures, which can be dangerous if they’re being changed on a higher surface. Consider a changing pad with a non-skid base, especially if your changing pad doesn’t include a safety belt. It is important to keep your changing pad clean and sanitary. Any time that it becomes soiled, you should clean it with warm water and mild soap. You can also use a disinfectant wipes to clean the surface of the pad. Be sure to let the pad dry completely before using it again. You should also wash the change mat cover in the washing machine regularly. 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 Get a splash mat changing mat for the floor as it's safer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user babydreamer1) Our verdict