Most newborns get through an average of 10-12 nappies a day, so you can certainly expect nappy changes to be a major part of your daily routine with a new baby.
While you may have a changing table or comfortable ‘wedge style’ changing mat at home, changing your baby while out and about can be a little more unpredictable. Taking a travel changing mat with you on your travels can ensure simple and stress-free nappy changes, even in the absence of adequate baby changing facilities.
What is a travel changing mat?
Travel changing mats are small and lightweight changing mats that can be folded up into a compact carry-along package and can easily be stashed inside your changing bag or in the basket of your pushchair. Changing mats are a convenient option for day trips with your baby without needing the bulk or weight of a full-sized option.
Travel changing mats are also a hygienic option for changing your baby at service stations, airports or simply when visiting friends and family where you don’t have your changing mat to hand. They are generally made from wipe-down fabrics which are quick and easy to clean and some have built-in storage too, providing a small amount of space for your essentials such as nappies and wipes.
What to look for in a travel changing mat?
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right travel changing mat for you.
- Material: What is it made from? Whilst cotton can be soft and gentle against your baby’s skin, wipe-down fabrics are far easier to keep clean, with the ability to simply wipe down after use. Some changing mats are relatively thin, whilst others are padded or cushioned and may even include a small support pillow for additional comfort. Whilst comfort for your baby is important, the thinner fabrics are often more lightweight and tend to fold down more flat - handy if you’re particularly limited on space.
- Size: How big is the travel changing mat? Is there plenty of space for your baby and/or toddler to lie down? Does the changing mat fold or wrap to a smaller compact size for packing in your bag or suitcase? Does it have a carry handle or strap for portability?
- Storage: Does the travel changing mat include any storage? If you’re hoping to leave your full changing bag at home, it can be helpful if the travel mat offers the capacity to store at least a couple of nappies and wipes. Some have elasticated pockets, some have zipped areas and others even have integrated wipe dispensers - all of which can make a practical and convenient choice.
Our pick of the best travel changing mats:
- Best overall: Storksak Organic Travel Baby Change Station - £35, Mori
- Best budget: Bambino Mio Baby Changing Mat - £13.49, Amazon
- Best travel changing mat with storage: Lekebaby Portable Nappy Changing Mat - £13.99, Amazon
- Best wipe clean travel changing mat: John Lewis ANYDAY Travel Changing Mat - £20, John Lewis
- Most stylish travel changing mat: Avery Row Travel Baby Changing Mat - £36, Avery Row
- Best classic travel changing mat: Mabel & Fox Retro Florals Travel Changing Mat - £15.99, Mabel & Fox
- Best padded travel changing mat: Mama Shack Travel Changing Mat - £16, Mama Shack
- Best cotton travel changing mat: Mushie Portable Changing Mat - £28.49, Amazon
- Best waterproof travel changing mat: Splash About Baby Neoprene Changing Mat - £12, Amazon
- Best changing bag alternative: Skip Hop baby girls Pronto Changing Station - £44.80, Amazon
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Storksak Organic Travel Baby Change Station
Best for: Great all-rounder
Material: Organic cotton with water resistant wipe clean lining made from recycled materials
Folded dimensions: H20cm x W30cm x D5cm
Unfolded dimensions: L56cm x W35cm
Storage: Concealed mesh wipe dispenser pocket and zipped back pocket
This stylish unisex travel baby change station from Storksak Organic is more than just a fold-out changing mat. A convenient change station for changes on the go, the Storksak is designed with busy parents in mind.
We love the one-handed quick-release velcro strap that allows you to open it up quickly and easily, even when holding the wriggliest of babies. Made from soft organic cotton with a wipe-down internal lining, the memory foam padding ensures your baby stays calm and comfortable during nappy changes. The changing mat can even be completely removed thanks to the velcro tabs around the edge.
With ample built-in storage, it makes a convenient alternative to your changing bag, with a concealed mesh pocket wipe dispenser and a spacious zipped compartment for housing your nappies, cream and spare clothing. If your pushchair basket is full (potentially with another supply of nappies), you can even attach the Storksak handle to your pushchair for easy access without taking up space.
Whilst it’s not the cheapest option on our list, the Storksak offers premium fabrics, a stylish design and the ultimate convenience. Best of all, if the changing mat gets grubby, you can simply pop it in the washing machine for a full refresh.
Buy now £35.00, Mori
Bambino Mio Baby Changing Mat
Best for: Budget-friendly
Material: OKEO-TEX Standard 100 polyester
Folded dimensions: 20cm x 15cm
Unfolded dimensions: 43cm x 60cm
Storage: n/a
You may be familiar with the eco-friendly Bambino Mio brand from their bold and bright range of reusable nappies, but they also have a selection of convenient travel mats too, retailing at less than £15. With a simple folding design secured by a handy velcro tab, they’re ideal for popping inside your changing bag for a compact and portable nappy changing option when travelling or outside of the home.
Made from sustainable materials, the super soft surface is lightly cushioned for your baby’s comfort and if your baby has a tendency to wee the moment you remove their nappy, the absorbent padding can help mop up any little accidents that may occur.
Whilst this option doesn’t have any built-in storage, these striking designs are easy to wash, dry quickly and offer great value for money with a budget-friendly price tag.
Buy now £13.49, Amazon
Lekebaby Portable Nappy Changing Mat
Best for: Storage space
Material: Water-resistant polyester
Folded dimensions: 22×35cm
Unfolded dimensions: 63 × 35cm
Storage: Three inner pockets and a zipped outer pocket
If you’re looking for a portable changing mat that can house all your essentials without taking up valuable space in your bag or pushchair, the Lekebaby Portable Changing Mat is an excellent choice.
A number one bestseller on Amazon and with good reason, the Lekebaby Portable Nappy Changing Mat features four generously sized storage areas. As well as the zipped pocket on the outside, there are also three interior pockets including a mesh pouch, a pocket suitable for a handful of nappies and a large wipe pocket with a convenient wipe dispenser. The mat is a good size, offering good longevity and plenty of space for your baby as they grow.
The padding on the large fold-out changing mat is relatively thin, but you’ll find extra cushioning at the top, creating a soft and comfortable pillow to rest your baby’s head. When full, this fold-up changing mat is inevitably a little more bulky than some, however, we love the convenient carry handle, which can be suspended from the handlebar of your stroller with ease.
Buy now £4.99, Amazon
John Lewis ANYDAY Travel Changing Mat
Best for: Wipe down fabrics
Folded dimensions: H30 x W20 x D4cm
Unfolded dimensions: L93 x W54cm
Storage: Three small storage pockets (one with zip)
If hygiene is your top priority, you’ll love the wipe-down fabric on the John Lewis ANYDAY Travel Changing Mat, which allows you to wipe down or spray with a baby-safe antibacterial after every use.
With three small storage pockets, there is more than enough space to pop in a supply of nappies and wipes for a day trip out with your baby. Whether you opt for the velcro tab pocket, the interior mesh pocket or the flat zipped pouch to the outside, it’s easy to organise your essentials so that they’re always close to hand when you need them.
The unfolded dimensions may sound generous, yet the size of the detachable changing mat on this design is actually relatively small, so that’s worth bearing in mind if you have a baby in the taller percentile. Some reviewers also found that it also became worn quite quickly, so it may not offer the longevity of some of the more costly designs.
Buy now £20.00, John Lewis
Avery Row Travel Baby Changing Mat
Best for: Luxury design
Material: 100 per cent GOTS organic cotton with recycled polyester filling
Folded dimensions: 26 x 20cm
Unfolded dimensions: 70 x 50cm
Storage: None
If you want the practicality of a travel changing mat but don’t want to sacrifice style, then the stunning Avery Row prints will certainly catch your eye.
Made from soft and snuggly cushioned organic cotton with a water-resistant lining, this fold-up changing mat has a simple press stud which pops open to create a spacious and comfortable base for your baby to lie on during nappy changes.
It’s worth noting that there is no integrated storage in this design, yet we love the ease of use and the muted colour palette, with coordinating muslins and wash bags in the range as an added bonus. Best of all, you can throw the entire thing in the washing machine on a delicate cycle to get it fresh, clean and ready to use again in no time.
Buy now £36.00, Avery Row
Mabel & Fox Retro Florals Travel Changing Mat
Best for: Classic design
Material: Non-toxic PVC
Folded dimensions: 34cm x 16cm x 5cm
Unfolded dimensions: 60cm x 34 cm x 1cm
Storage: None
Whilst all singing dancing changing mats with enhanced features and a variety of storage pockets can be helpful, it’s often the most simple designs that are effective when looking for fast and efficient nappy-changing solutions on the go.
The UK-designed Mabel & Fox Travel Changing Mats come in a wide range of colours and patterns, with a simple fold-out surface that can be conveniently wiped down after use.
Lightweight and portable, yet filled with soft cushioned nursery foam, they’re comfortable and supportive for your baby whilst being spacious enough to use from birth to toddler. We love the newspaper-style fold which can easily be stashed into your changing bag or buggy without taking up valuable storage space.
Buy now £15.99, Mabel & Fox
Mama Shack Travel Changing Mat
Best for: Cushioning and support
Material: Non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free fabric
Folded dimensions: 35 x 20 x 3cm
Unfolded dimensions: 60 x 34cm x 1cm
Storage: None
Designed for simple and straightforward nappy changes, this well-cushioned travel changing mat may have a pocket to store your nappies, but there are no fiddly zips or velcro to contend with as a result. Thanks to its thick foam interior, it provides superior comfort and support for your baby - so you don’t have to rush when getting your baby clean.
With a compact, flat and lightweight design, it can easily be popped into a changing bag or tucked into your pushchair basket before rolling out at the service station or changing room when needed. It can even double up as a comfortable playmat during your family’s visits to the park.
We love the modern monochrome print and the non-toxic, BPA and phthalate-free fabric which is both wipeable and waterproof, making it quick and easy to clean, whatever your baby may throw at it.
Buy now £16.00, Mama Shack
Mushie Portable Changing Mat
Best for: Cotton fabrics
Material: 100 per cent cotton
Folded dimensions: 23 x 16.5cm
Unfolded dimensions: 68.58 x 35.56 cm
Storage: None
Made from super soft 100 per cent cotton with a cosy, quilted design, this portable nappy changing mat makes nappy changes almost relaxing for your baby, providing a comfortable place to lie whilst you get them clean and dry.
Machine washable and quick drying, the cotton is also water repellent, so it’s far easier to clean than you might expect.
We love the spacious design of this play mat that provides lots of space for your baby to stretch out during nappy changes, but in just two colour choices, the muted colour palette may not be to everyone’s taste.
Buy now £28.49, Amazon
Splash About Baby Neoprene Changing Mat
Best for: Waterproof fabrics
Material: Neoprene
Folded dimensions: Unspecified
Unfolded dimensions: 41.5cm x 69cm
Storage: None
If you’ve ever taken your baby swimming during your travels, you’ll know that getting them clean and dry quickly can be quite a challenge, especially as they’re so sensitive to the cold.
Made from 3mm thick neoprene, these non-slip changing mats are ideal for nappy changes on the go - from changing room floors, to on a sun lounger or even during a day out at the beach. Simply rolling out as and when required, the compact ‘yoga mat style’ roll can then be secured with the velcro tabs before popping into your swimming bag ready for the journey home.
The naturally sanitising fabric can not only help stow away bacteria, but it’s also quick and easy to wipe down after use. Neoprene also retains heat, making a warm and comfortable base for your baby that won’t upset them when they leave the warmth of the pool. Available in four different shades, you can even coordinate with your baby’s swimwear - adorable!
Buy now £12.00, Amazon
Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station
Best for: Changing bag alternative
Material: Polyester
Folded dimensions: 22 x 28 x 2.5cm
Unfolded dimensions: 54.6 x 0.6 x 91.4cm
Storage: Front zipper pocket and mesh pocket
Last but not least, if you’re willing to spend a little more, this Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station makes a great alternative to your changing bag, with plenty of storage including a wipes case, mesh pocket and a front zipped pocket to the exterior.
With a modern monochrome zig-zag design, we love how the translucent wipes case helps you keep track of your supplies, and that there’s enough space to house a good stash of nappies and creams. The carry handle makes it lightweight and portable, but it can also be attached to your pushchair for a hands-free alternative.
With an extra wide removable changing mat, it’s spacious and be used with older babies, even including a cushioned head area with a ‘pronto pillow’ to keep your little one content and comfortable when they lie down. The only downside, the fastening clip is a little harder to open one-handed than options such as the Storksak Organic.
Buy now £44.80, Amazon
Verdict
Whilst it’s a little more costly than some, we feel the Storksak Organic is worth the investment. With a modern unisex design, significant storage space and the ability to use one-handed, it offers quick and convenient nappy changes outside the home. The soft organic cotton is both comfortable for your baby and easy to clean, making travelling with your baby simple and stress-free.
