A baby sometimes needs to be changed more than seven times a day. So that parents and babies do not have to do without comfort, we have compiled a comprehensive checklist for you here. This will tell you which features a changing mat should have and what is particularly important when choosing one.
Below you will find specific product recommendations from which you can easily choose the right changing mat after reading the checklist.
- Changing pads come in different sizes.
- The most common sizes are 70 x 70 cm, 70 x 80 cm or 80 x 75 cm.
- To find out which size is the right one, you should measure the place where you want to change your baby beforehand.
- Make sure that there is still enough space on the shelf to put utensils such as wet wipes, creams and more.
- Changing mats with a padded head and side protection not only provide more comfort but also more safety. Even if your baby is kicking wildly, it is very well protected from injury. Your baby lies with its legs facing you, so you have eye contact the whole time.
- Alternatively, there are changing pads that have a wedge-shaped form. Your baby lies safely in a hollow in the middle and cannot roll out. This variant is also used by many mothers for so-called”cross diapering”. This means that you stand sideways to your baby.
- Changing mats are almost always made of plastic. As all parents should know, PVC with plasticizers contained in it can have a harmful effect on the baby’s health.
- It is important that the changing pad is made of material free of harmful substances. You can recognize this by the PE or PP label.
- A washable changing mat with a foam core has the advantage that it is very easy to clean.
- Plastic is quite cool on the skin, but with an appropriate cover made of soft and washable fabrics, the perfect comfort of your baby is ensured.
- Active babies quickly ensure that the cover of the changing pad can tear. Especially if the product is not exactly high quality.
- A quality changing pad will protect your baby from germs and bacteria settling in cracks.
Table of contents
Recommended Changing Pads
We have compiled the best and most interesting changing pads. You can find the list with our product recommendations here.
Tip: You can find practical diaper changing backpacks in our guide to diaper changing backpacks.
The Best Sellers Of Changing Pads
In a list of bestsellers we have compiled the most popular changing pads for you.
Tip: Are you well equipped for diapering? Here is our guide to changing tables.
Current Offers On Changing Pads
You can find the best current offers on changing pads in this list.
Changing Mat Advice
Which changing mat is the right one for me? – Find the right model with me!
A suitable changing mat, is usually only a small additional purchase to the changing unit and actually bought quickly. However, I recommend that you do not buy any model too quickly. Above all, the choice of material is crucial, but also the dimensions and design are relevant.
You are type A: Plastic Changing Mat
Changing mats made of plastic are very practical and easy to clean, as they are easy to wipe clean. So you don’t have to put the changing mat in the washing machine if something goes wrong. But how big should the changing mat be? Do you want a pad with standard dimensions that fits on any standard changing table, or would you prefer a smaller pad so that you still have room on the sides for wet wipes?
Type A – My recommendation
I recommend the overlays from Zöllner, Roba and Geuther. The Geuther pad is ideal if you want to save space. With its dimensions of 73×54 cm, it leaves enough space on the sides for your changing utensils. However, the plastic pad is slippery and cool, so you should still put a towel underneath. The same applies to the changing mat from Zöllner. If you value a little more comfort, but still want the changing pad to be easy to clean, the Soft pad from Roba is ideal for you. At 18 euros, it is not only the cheapest variant of my recommendations for type A but also shines with its comfort. This is due to the PU-coated surface, which ensures that the changing mat not only remains cuddly soft but also easy to clean.
You Are Type B: Cloth Changing Mat
My Recommendation
If you prefer to clean the changing mat in the washing machine and you don’t mind long drying times, you are type B. I recommend the changing pad from Schardt and the one from Prolana because these fabric pads are especially comfortable. You don’t have to put a towel underneath for diapering because these two overlays are also so cozy and soft. The pad from Schardt has a removable terry cloth cover, so you don’t have to wash the whole pad if something goes wrong.
Changing Mat Info
Criterion No. 1: The Dimensions
My recommendations all have standard dimensions, which is why they will probably fit on any standard changing table. But if you want to be absolutely sure, you should first decide on a changing space and then on a changing pad. The pad should not be wider, or longer than the changing area. You can either choose a changing pad that fits perfectly on the lying surface, or a narrower one so that there is still space on the sides.
If you’re looking for a narrower changing pad, the Geuther changing pad is a good choice for you.
Criterion No. 2: The Material
Of course, it’s essential that you can clean a changing pad in an uncomplicated way. Depending on what you choose, this will be accomplished at different speeds.
Option 1: Changing Mat With Plastic Surface
Changing mats made of plastic are very useful, as they are water-repellent and can be wiped off quickly if something goes wrong. The only drawback is that they are not as comfortable for your baby as, for example, cloth pads. This is because the surface of the pad is usually very cool and smooth. You can solve this problem, however, by placing an additional towel or a collection cloth underneath.
My recommendation, the changing pad from Zöllner, is thickly padded and has a high-quality coating, so it is very durable.
Option 2: Changing Pad With Fabric Surface
Cotton fabric ensures that your baby is always very comfortable. You can also buy a matching fabric cover to your plastic changing pad, if you don’t want to use towels. Unfortunately, cloth changing mats are not very easy to clean, because you have to wash them in the washing machine and then dry them.
In my recommendation, the fabric changing mat from Schardt, a removable terry cloth cover provides a remedy, since only he must be washed.
Option 3: Changing Mat With Coated Fabric Surface
This is the compromise if you can’t decide between a plastic and a fabric-changing pad. Some products now have a waterproof cotton fabric. So they are softer, than the plastic alternative and still easy to clean. If that convinces you, then you should take a look at my recommendation, the changing pad from Roba.
Criterion No. 3: The Design
There are changing mats with the most diverse motifs and in different colors. Whether plain colors, with a small floral pattern or many animals – the changing pad must of course visually appeal to you! Do not forget that there are different models, each in different design variants. So you’re sure to find a changing mat that fits perfectly with the rest of your interior.
Especially beautiful and interesting, of course, is my recommendation, the changing mat Prolana.
FAQ For Changing Pads
Which changing mat suits you and your baby is individual. Some parents prefer wedge-shaped models, with a small depression in the middle. This offers additional protection against falling, but of course you should have your baby within reach at all times and keep an eye on him. The baby is changed sideways in this variant. Another option is a changing pad with a foam core. These have the advantage that you and your baby can maintain uninterrupted eye contact.
Which changing pad is right for you depends on your needs and desires. Most models are either 70 x 70 cm, 70 x 80 cm or 80 x 75 cm. Keep in mind that your baby will grow over time and you will need space for baby products.
There are a variety of changing pads, so you are also spoiled for choice when it comes to sizes. The most common variants have the dimensions 70 x70 cm, 70 x 80 cm or 80 x 75 cm.
You have to decide for yourself which changing mat is the best. Do you want to keep eye contact? Then you should choose a changing mat with a foam core. If you are more interested in side diapering, you can take a closer look at wedge-shaped models. These usually also have a small indentation so that your baby can only roll out with difficulty. To get a better overview and to be able to decide for a shape, you can take a look at our guide on the topic. This is equipped with product recommendations and a comprehensive checklist with all the important selection criteria.
Many parents are irritated because changing pads not infrequently have a rather cool plastic surface. However, this is the right side. To prevent your little darling from freezing, however, you should get a cover or place a towel or blanket between the child and the pad. Caution Fabric can make the matter a bit more slippery, so make sure (even more than usual) that your baby does not roll down and fall.
In addition to a baby, there is usually a place for care utensils needed for diapering. How many and what they are, depends on where the rest is stored, how large the remaining space and what you find most comfortable. If the surface of the changing pad is cool, you can use a towel or a small blanket. However, a special cover is better, as it can be attached and will not slip.
It is important: If you forget something, do not leave your baby alone to get the things – not even for a short time. This way you avoid bad falls and other accidents.
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