What to Look For in a Baby Changing Mat (And Why It’s Worth Having One)

When you’re preparing for life with a new baby, it’s easy to get swept up in the big-ticket items — prams, cots, carriers. But some of the most useful things are the simplest. A good baby changing mat is one of them.

Not just a soft place to change nappies, but a small part of your day that helps things feel calmer, cleaner, and more manageable — wherever you are.

Why a changing mat really matters

Nappy changes happen often — and not always in convenient places. Whether you’re at home, at a friend’s house, or out for the day, a changing mat gives you a clean, safe surface to change your baby wherever you are.

The best mats are padded for comfort, easy to wipe clean, and made from baby-safe, non-toxic materials. They protect your furniture, your floors, and your sanity — and they make even the messiest moments feel a little more under control.

Foldable, portable, ready for anything

For families on the move, a foldable changing mat is an everyday essential. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into your changing bag and unfolds into a hygienic surface in seconds — perfect for park benches, car boots, or café baby change stations.

Also known as a travel changing mat or portable changing mat, these space-saving styles offer comfort without the bulk. Many come with soft padding and waterproof linings, so they’re as practical as they are portable.

Everyday practicality meets thoughtful design

Changing mats today aren’t just functional — they’re beautifully made too. Whether you’re drawn to a minimalist padded mat for the nursery or a printed folding changing mat that rolls up neatly on the go, there’s no need to compromise on style.

At Arlo’s Place, we choose designs that work with family life: wipe-clean surfaces, neutral colours, and soft organic fabrics that are kind to delicate skin. Some families even opt for more than one mat — a larger one for home, and a nappy change mat that travels everywhere with them.

The kind of essential you’ll use every day

Some baby products are nice to have. Others? You’ll reach for them again and again. A good baby changing mat is one of those quiet essentials — part of your daily rhythm, from the newborn weeks to toddlerhood and beyond.

Whether you’re changing a nappy, cleaning up after a snack, or getting your baby dressed, it’s the kind of everyday support that makes a real difference.