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 surprisingly easy. Basically, there are stationary models for home use and mobile ones for on the go. Pay particular 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 save yourself stress both on the go and at home, and provide your baby with a safe and secure place for changing.

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 of baby care that should provide your child with comfort, hygiene, and protection. Especially during changing, an intimate moment between you and your baby, a good mat ensures calmness and security.

At home, the requirements are often different from those on the go. At your home changing table, comfort and a stable, soft padding might take precedence. When changing your baby on the go, flexibility, a compact size, and above all cleanliness, to protect your child from germs on foreign surfaces, are important.

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

What types of changing mats are there?

Photo by @ammenmaerchen

The range of changing mats is vast. To give you a better overview, they can be roughly divided into two main types: those primarily intended for home use, and those specifically designed for travel. Both have their specific advantages.

Changing mats for at home

Changing mats for home changing areas are often designed to provide your baby with maximum comfort. Many models have a raised edge to prevent rolling off and thick padding which is extra soft to lie on. They often consist of a foam core covered with a wipeable film. Additional fabric covers can make the lying surface even more comfortable and are usually removable and washable.

These firm mats are ideal for changing tables or special changing stations, as they provide a stable and secure base. They are available in many designs and can be chosen to match the nursery's decor visually.

Portable changing mats for on the go

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

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

• Models with integrated compartments: Some mats offer small pockets for diapers, wipes, or a small cream – so you have all the essentials to hand.

• Lightweight and stylish designs: Modern changing mats for on the go are often made from lightweight materials and are available in attractive designs.

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

Changing mat comparison: at home vs. on the go

 

Even though the Judes changing mat is primarily designed as a mobile solution, parents frequently report using it surprisingly often at home. A main reason for this is the flexibility, especially if the apartment might not have space for a fixed changing table. Compared to a thick, large, and firm mat, a portable version like the one from Judes can be stored much more easily. Even when children have outgrown the changing table age and it perhaps has already been dismantled, a mobile mat proves to be extremely practical for changing on the floor or sofa.

What should you consider when buying a changing mat?

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

• Size: The mat should be large enough for your baby to lie comfortably, even as they grow. For changing on the go, 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 should not be so thick that the mat becomes unmanageable.

• Surface material: The material should be skin-friendly and pleasant for your baby. Wipeable surfaces are practical for quick cleaning. Pay attention to natural materials if that 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 assurance. This label ensures that all components of an item have been tested for harmful substances and that the item is safe for health.

• Washability: Small and large accidents are normal during diaper changes. A mat that is easy to clean or fully washable is therefore invaluable.

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

Some more questions to consider when buying:

• How large should the changing mat be? Ideally, a lying surface of about 60x70 cm to 70x80 cm. They can become quite compact when folded, which is useful for on the go.

• Do you need two changing mats? It can be practical to have a fixed one for at home and a portable one for on the go. However, a high-quality, versatile mat can fulfill both functions.

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

A specific tip for material selection that goes beyond OEKO-TEX concerns the lying feeling and the acceptance by the baby. While OEKO-TEX guarantees freedom from harmful substances, the tactile sensation of the material is also important. A mat that feels cold is often reluctantly accepted by children. On the other hand, soft, breathable materials that don't stick to the skin and prevent sweating are preferred by babies. This makes changing 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 crucial for hygiene and thus for protecting your baby's sensitive skin. Many mishaps can be immediately removed from wipeable surfaces with a damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, many mats or their covers are machine washable. Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions; ideally, washability at 60°C is recommended to reliably kill germs.

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

Regular and thorough cleaning protects delicate baby skin from irritations 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 to baby's skin even after frequent washing.

Why the Judes changing mat is the best choice for you

If you are 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 real everyday usability.

These are the advantages of the Judes changing mat:

• Plastic-free and sustainable: It is made from 100% organic cotton (kbA) on the outside and recycled polyester (PUL for the moisture barrier) on the inside, which is OEKO-TEX certified. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to many conventional mats.

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

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

• Practically foldable: It can be easily folded and secured with a sewn-on band – perfect for on the go.

• Optimal size: With approximately 70x50 cm, it offers ample space and is still handy.

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

Imagine you are on the go and need to change your baby on a public toilet – with the Judes changing mat you can quickly create a clean, familiar space. But also 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 are doing something good not only for your baby's skin but also for the environment. It is the perfect complement to our sustainable cloth diapers and supports you to make changing times simple, healthy, and sustainable.

A key aspect in the development of the Judes changing mat was its size. It is comparatively large because we want it to be usable throughout the entire changing period. At the same time, the challenge was to design it so it can still be folded small, fits easily into a backpack, and is not too heavy. This balance between sufficient area and good transportability was a central point.

A particularly clever detail that underscores the everyday suitability of the Judes changing mat is its versatility. Thanks to its size, it can serve not only as a pure changing mat.

"Because the Judes changing mat is so large, it can be used not only as a changing mat. 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 in 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. Pay attention to materials that are free from harmful substances, skin-friendly, and easy to clean. Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important for many parents.

If you are looking for a solution that combines all these aspects, is stylish and well-designed, then the Judes changing mat is a reliable choice. It provides your baby with a soft, safe, and hygienic place wherever you are and supports your desire for a more sustainable family life. Discover the Judes changing mat now and complement it with our sustainable Judes cloth diapers.

Do you have any questions about choosing the right changing mat or would you like to share your experiences? Feel free to write to us!