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? Size: First off, how big is your nursery? If it’s on the smaller side you might want to consider getting a cot top changer that you can simply place across the cot, or a well-made changing mat or pad that can be put on top of another piece of furniture (an added bonus of these is that you can also move them from room to room with you). There are also foldable options out there, which can be hidden away when needed. 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."

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 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. Clean and disinfect the surface of the changing mat after every use with an antibacterial cleanser or wipes. You'll be changing your baby's nappy several times a day, so having a clean, soft and comfortable surface is a must.Molly: I think that this product should win as the slight incline of the mat is great for babies with reflux and has saved me lots of time on laundry as my baby is no longer bringing up feeds when I am changing him! The incline is the main feature of the changing mat that I love, alongside the colour and soft foam, as this not only looks great in my living room but is very comfortable for my baby to lay on. The only downside to this product is that it is quite large and cannot be folded down so storage is a bit of an issue and I end up shoving this down the side of the sofa to keep out of the way when the mat is not being used. Prior to using this mat I used a small travel mat that I could fold up and keep in my nappy caddy, which saved on space, which I now no longer use, but cannot store this mat in the same way. What changes would you make to this product?

Get a splash mat changing mat for the floor as it's safer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user babydreamer1) Our verdict You'll need one changing mat in the nursery and also a smaller pad or mat that you can pop into a bag if you need to travel with your baby. You can shop for a changing mat or pad in all types of baby-friendly colours such as blue or pink, but if you are buying one before your baby is born, look for a gender neutral pattern and colour, such as grey or beige stars or spots. 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 To adequately test each changing mat, it’s used for changing a lot of nappies, of different aged children. For newborns, we consider the comfort and support a changing mat delivers, to keep seemingly less-robust newborns warm and safe during changes. For slightly older, wriggly children, safety is a priority, and so we assess how well toddlers fared on anti-roll change mats. In addition, we consider how easy a changing mat is to keep thoroughly clean, and how long they’re likely to withstand daily use without splitting or falling apart.

Super soft mat made from warm-to-touch foam for the most comfortable and safe nappy changes, baby massage, and tummy time. With a waterproof, no leak surface, the Squishy is easy to clean. The head end is slightly inclined which makes it not just more comfortable for the baby rather than being laid flat but can also help babies with reflux and colic - all leading to a less stressful changing time for mum and baby. The sides are raised for safety and being inclined, 'little accidents' easily flow away from the baby's body keeping them dry and comfortable. Fits cot top changers too!