Comfortable Changing with the Right Changing Mat
In the first years of your baby's life, they'll spend a lot of time on the changing table – not just for nappy changes, but also for getting dressed or for skincare after bath time. That's why this space should feel especially cosy. A changing unit alone isn't enough to change your baby comfortably and safely, since most come without a padded mat. A changing mat turns the hard surface of the changing table into a soft, welcoming spot.
Comfort isn't the only benefit of a changing mat, though. Most mats are well padded, protecting your baby's back. They're also usually made from wipeable or washable materials, keeping the changing area clean and hygienic. That's why a cosy changing mat is a must-have on any baby essentials checklist.
Types of Changing Mats
Changing mats generally come in two types: mats for crosswise changing and mats for lengthwise changing.
Changing Mats for Lengthwise Changing
This is the classic, more familiar style of changing mat. Your baby lies with their feet facing you, allowing direct eye contact. These mats feature a practical changing dip and raised edges on three sides to help stop your baby from rolling off. Since they're often used with a standard changing table, they usually have a square shape.
Changing Mats for Crosswise Changing
These mats form a dip thanks to their wedge-shaped edges. Since your baby lies crosswise to you in the dip, there's very little risk of them falling off the changing table, offering extra security. Unlike classic changing mats, these are usually much narrower and take up less space – a big plus if you don't have a standard changing table, as they also work on regular tables, narrow dressers, or even on top of a washing machine.
Choosing the Right Material
Plastic
The padding in plastic changing mats is usually made from foam or polyester fleece. These inserts hold their shape well and mould nicely to your baby's body. For hygienic protection, they're coated with a plastic surface or PVC film (foil changing mats), making them water-repellent and keeping moisture from soaking into the padding. Thanks to this water-repellent surface, spills and stains can simply be wiped away with a damp cloth or rinsed off in the bath. That makes these mats especially easy to keep hygienically clean and quick to use again after a little mishap.
The downside of these mats: the plastic surface can feel cool and uncomfortable against your baby's skin, and particularly sensitive skin may even react with irritation. That's why these mats should never be used without a separate cotton or terry cloth cover. Some manufacturers now also offer plastic mats with a polyester-cotton surface blend, which feel much softer and gentler on the skin while remaining water-repellent.
Cotton
Cotton changing mats are a great alternative to plastic ones. With these mats, both the core and the surface are made from skin-friendly natural fibre. Thanks to the soft surface, babies feel much more comfortable on this mat than on a cool polyester one. However, since cotton isn't water-repellent, the whole mat needs a full wash whenever there's a spill. Cotton mats can be washed hygienically in the machine, but they're not suitable for the tumble dryer, so they take a while to dry and aren't usable during that time. If the cotton mat isn't smoothed out and pulled back into shape after washing, it can quickly lose its form. To protect the mat from stains and cut down on washing, it's a good idea to place a waterproof flannel underlay beneath it.
More buying advice on different types of changing mats in the Babyartikel.de magazine
Covers for Changing Mats
Removable covers are a useful addition to plastic changing mats, as they stop your baby from coming into direct contact with the cool PVC surface. They're usually made from cosy terry cloth or cotton, making them especially soft against delicate baby skin.
Terry cloth is one of the most popular fabrics for baby items. However, since covers need to be washed more often, terry cloth can become stiff and rough after several washes. That's why it should only be washed at 40°C to protect the delicate fabric. A sturdier alternative is a cotton cover, which can be washed thoroughly at 60°C. The fabric won't warp or shrink when drying.
Important Buying Criteria
Many people think you can't go too far wrong when buying a changing mat. Still, there are a few things worth considering before you choose one.
Size
Changing mats come in many different sizes. Standard sizes are 70 x 75 cm, 70 x 80 cm, and 70 x 85 cm, though there are also mats for much smaller changing tables (e.g. 50 x 65 cm) or extra-large changing units (75 x 85 cm). That said, size doesn't affect the quality of a changing mat.
The right size for your changing mat depends on the size of your changing table, so it's best to get the changing table first before looking for a matching mat. A well-fitting mat should completely cover the surface of the table. Smaller mats leave extra space for utensils but tend to slip around and offer less stability while changing. Mats that are too large can stick out past the side barriers, meaning your baby is no longer properly protected from falling.
Material
Whatever material you choose, make sure your changing mat is made from high-quality materials when buying. Various certifications confirm that the materials used are safe. Fabric changing mats, for example, should always be certified to Öko-Tex Standard 100. Öko-Tex-certified changing mats are safe for your baby's health and have been produced fairly and sustainably. For plastic mats, also look for low-emission materials free from plasticisers (phthalates).
More advice on the material of changing mats in the Babyartikel.de magazine
Changing mat cover: The size is naturally the key factor when buying a cover, and it needs to match the dimensions of your changing mat. That's why covers usually state clearly which mat sizes they fit. Covers are typically about 1 cm larger than the mat itself, making them easy to put on and ensuring a good fit.
Colours & Design
Changing mats come in countless colours and designs, from classic looks to colourful patterns featuring cute bears, bunnies, and other animals. A good choice is always a changing mat that fits in nicely with the rest of your nursery design.
Our Selection
You'll find a wide range of changing mats from well-known brands such as Roba, Rotho Babydesign, Alvi, Pinolino, Julius Zöllner, bébé-jou, Hauck, Lässig, Fillikid, Baby Fehn, Zamboo, Asmi, Schardt, Keeeper, Beaba, Diago, and many more.
For extra softness against your baby's skin, take a look at our muslin cloths & burp cloths. Afterwards, baby bodysuits & envelope bodysuits are practical too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Mats & Changing Pads
