How to Find the Right Changing Pad for On the Go and at Home

Finding the right changing mat for your everyday life can be very simple. Basically, there are stationary models for use at home and portable ones for on the go. Pay special attention to skin-friendly materials, easy cleaning options, and the right size for your baby and your diaper bag. With the right changing mat, you’ll save yourself stress both on the go and at home, providing your baby with a safe and cozy place during diaper changes.

Why is choosing the right changing mat so important?

The changing mat is much more than just a piece of fabric or a pad. It is a central place for baby care that should offer your child comfort, hygiene, and protection. Especially during diaper changes—an intimate moment between you and your baby—a good mat provides calm and a sense of security.

The requirements at home are often different from those on the go. At your changing table at home, comfort and stable, soft padding are often priorities. When changing your baby away from home, flexibility, a compact size, and especially cleanliness count most, in order to protect your child from germs on unfamiliar surfaces.

No matter where you change diapers: As parents, we want safety, cleanliness, and closeness for our baby. A well-thought-out changing mat can support exactly that and make diapering easier for you in any situation.

What types of changing mats are there?

Photo by @ammenmaerchen

The selection of changing mats is large. To give you a better overview, they can generally be divided into two main types: those primarily intended for use at home, and those specifically designed for on the go. Both have their specific advantages.

Changing mats for at home

Changing mats for your home changing station are often designed to offer your baby maximum comfort. Many models have a raised edge to help prevent rolling off and thick padding for a soft lying surface. They are often made from a foam core covered with a wipeable film. Additional fabric covers can make the surface even more comfortable and are usually removable and washable.

These firm mats are ideal for changing units or special changing tables, as they provide a stable and secure base. They are available in many designs, allowing you to choose one that visually matches your nursery decor.

Portable changing mats for on the go

When you’re out and about with your baby, you need a changing mat that is practical and hygienic. Portable models are the solution here. They come in various versions:

• Foldable mats: These can be folded or rolled up small and fit in any diaper bag.

• Models with integrated compartments: Some mats offer small pockets for diapers, wipes, or a small cream – so you have everything essential right at hand.

• Lightweight and stylish designs: Modern changing mats for travel are often made from lightweight materials and come in attractive designs.

A big advantage here is a wipeable surface that you can easily clean after changing on public toilets or in the park. This ensures your baby always lies on a clean area. Such a mat easily fits in the car, diaper bag, or even a larger backpack.

Comparison: Changing mat at home vs. on the go

 

Even though the Judes changing mat is primarily designed as a mobile solution, parents keep telling us that they surprisingly often use it at home as well. The main reason is its flexibility, especially if there isn't space for a permanent changing table in the apartment. Compared to a thick, large, and firm mat, a mobile version like Judes can be stored much more easily. Even when children have outgrown the changing table age and it may already have been put away, a mobile mat proves to be extremely practical for changing on the floor or sofa.

What should you look for when buying a changing mat?

To ensure you find the right changing mat for you and your baby, there are some key criteria you should consider when making your purchase:

• Size: The mat should be large enough so your baby can lie comfortably on it, even as they grow. For travel, it's important that it doesn't take up too much space when folded.

• Padding: Comfortable padding provides comfort, especially on harder surfaces. However, it shouldn’t be so thick that the mat becomes impractical.

• Surface material: The material should be skin-friendly and pleasant for your baby. Wipeable surfaces are practical for quick cleaning. Go for natural materials if this is important to you.

• Freedom from harmful substances: Especially for products that have direct skin contact with your baby, being free from harmful substances is a must. Certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 provide peace of mind. This label ensures that all components of an item have been tested for harmful substances and that it is harmless to health.

• Washability: Small and larger accidents are normal during diaper changes. A mat that is easy to clean or fully washable is therefore worth its weight in gold.

In addition to these basic aspects, there are further considerations that can help you make the perfect choice.

Typical questions when buying:

• How big should a changing mat be? Ideally, the lying surface should be about 60x70 cm to 70x80 cm. When on the go, it should fold down compactly.

• Do you need two changing mats? It can be practical to have a firm one for home and a mobile one for outings. However, a high-quality and versatile mat can fulfill both purposes.

• What is hygienic? Wipeable surfaces are good for quick cleaning. Washable fabric mats, ideally at 60°C, provide thorough hygiene.

A specific tip when it comes to material selection, which goes beyond OEKO-TEX, is about the feel and your baby’s acceptance. While OEKO-TEX guarantees freedom from harmful substances, the haptics of the material is also important. A mat that feels cold is often unpopular with children. Soft, breathable materials, on the other hand, that don’t stick to the skin and don’t cause sweating, are preferred by babies. This makes diaper changes more pleasant and easier for everyone involved.

Overview: Buying criteria for changing mats

Care and Cleaning of Changing Mats

Proper care of your changing mat is essential for hygiene and thus for protecting your baby’s sensitive skin. Many messes can be wiped away directly with a damp cloth from wipeable surfaces. For a more thorough cleaning, many mats or their covers are machine washable. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions—ideally, they should be washable at 60°C to reliably kill germs.

Wipeable models made from plastic film are quickly cleaned, but sometimes may be less breathable. Washable fabric mats, especially those made from natural materials, are often very skin-friendly and breathable. When washed regularly and properly, they also offer excellent hygiene.

Regular and thorough cleaning protects delicate baby skin from irritation and infections. At Judes, we use OEKO-TEX certified fabrics for our products. This means they are tested for harmful substances and remain skin-friendly and gentle on baby’s skin even after frequent washing.

Why the Judes changing mat is the best choice for you

If you’re looking for a changing mat that is practical, sustainable, and beautiful at the same time, then the Judes changing mat is just right for you and your baby. When developing our changing mat, we placed special emphasis on functionality, high-quality materials, and true everyday practicality.

Here are the advantages of the Judes changing mat:

• Plastic-free and sustainable: The exterior is made of 100% organic cotton (certified organic), and the inside consists of recycled polyester (PUL for waterproofing), which is OEKO-TEX certified. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to many conventional mats.

• Handcrafted in Europe: Our changing mats, like all our products, are made under fair conditions in Europe (Turkey, family business).

• Usable on both sides: You can use both sides of the mat. One side is cuddly soft, the other is water-repellent.

• Practically foldable: It can be easily folded and secured with an attached strap – perfect for on the go.

• Optimal size: At about 70x50cm, it offers plenty of space and is still easy to handle.

• Hygienically washable: You can simply wash the Judes changing mat at 60°C in the washing machine.

Imagine you’re out and need to change your baby on a public toilet—with the Judes changing mat you can instantly create a clean, familiar space. But even at home on the sofa or the floor, the Judes changing mat is a practical helper.

Many parents tell us how much they appreciate the softness of the organic cotton and the easy handling. You’re doing something good for your baby's skin and the environment. It’s the perfect complement to our sustainable cloth diapers and helps you keep diapering easy, healthy, and sustainable.

When developing the Judes changing mat, size was an important aspect. It's comparatively large because we want it to be used throughout the entire diapering period. At the same time, the challenge was to design it so that it can still be folded small, fit easily in a backpack, and not become too heavy. This balancing act between sufficient surface area and good portability was a key point.

A particularly clever detail that highlights the practicality of the Judes changing mat is its versatility. Thanks to its size, it can be used for more than just a changing mat.

"The Judes changing mat, because it is so large, can be used for more than just changing. Children can play on it, and you can even use it as a small picnic blanket.” - Tamara from Judes Family

This flexibility makes it a true all-rounder for family life.

Conclusion: Finding the optimal changing mat for every situation

In summary: The right changing mat is an indispensable companion in everyday life with a baby. It should be safe, hygienic, comfortable, and easy to handle. Consider where you primarily want to use it—at home, on the go, or both. Look for materials that are free from harmful substances and gentle on the skin, as well as easy cleaning options. Sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important factor for many parents.

If you’re looking for a solution that combines all of these aspects, and is stylish and thoughtfully designed, the Judes changing mat is a reliable choice. It offers your baby a soft, safe, and hygienic place no matter where you are, and supports your desire for a more sustainable family life. Discover the Judes changing mat now and, to match, our sustainable Judes cloth diapers.

Do you have further questions about choosing the right changing mat or would you like to share your experiences? We’d love to hear from you!