Stay Prepared Anywhere: Our Picks for the Best Portable Change Mats

2. Bambino Mio Grab and Go Change Wallet

Baby change wallet with great capacity in a slim stylish package

The Bambino Mio Grab and Go is the most deluxe of all change mats, this stylish baby change mat barely even looks like a change mat at all, and it is ideal for cloth nappies users since it has a generous internal pocket to store cloth nappies.

On the outside, the durable fabric has a cool denim appearance that looks like it might house an iPad rather than nappies. On the inside, cute hummingbirds in a repeating pattern hide marks that an older toddler might make.

The large cushioned mat is extra soft on your baby’s bottom, and water resistant covering makes this mat easy to wipe down to keep clean and looking gorgeous.

Apart from the style, what we particularly love is the quilted cushy padding, which is really the perfect thickness to keep babies comfy without being too bulky when folded to a thickness of approximately 4cm.

The size of this mat means it has enough space to hold approximately four nappies, or two and a light jumper. The pad is extra-wide when fully unfolded, to help you avoid contact with the more suspect public toilet change tables.

The top zipped pocket has easy access to your baby wipes whether the change mat is open or closed. The interior pocket at the bottom cleverly keeps nappies between your baby’s legs for easy access, while also being protected by the mat.

Bambino Mio also sells a matching change bag that this change wallet is designed to fit into.

3. Skip Hop Pronto Signature Changing Station

The multi-feature all-rounder is the perennial favourite of city mums

The ever-popular Skip Hop Pronto portable baby change mat is the one we see out in the wild the most, and with good reason.

Attractive patterned designs make this change station easy to find when you need it quickly, without being garish in public.

The pockets inside are very large, enough to take two nappies and a light jumper, as well as the provided wipes case. There’s an adjustable clip that can tighten the fold somewhat smaller, but if you fill it to capacity it’s unlikely to fit inside a nappy bag.

With an easy clip at the corner, it can attach to a pram, or the strap of your nappy bag or backpack instead.

The way that the clutch folds is designed to support baby’s head on the most cushioned section, or if you prefer, the changing pad section can be unzipped to detach it from the rest of the supplies, and it’s a cinch to wipe down.

Honestly, I once accidentally machine-washed one of these and it came out bone dry, so I can personally attest that this thing is completely waterproof, including the stitching!

4. KeaBabies Changing Station

Go hands-free with this slim changing station packed with functional features

One for the busy mum or dad, we love the KeaBabies Changing Station for those looking for a hands-free option that doesn’t skimp on the features. The long, adjustable strap can attach to your pram, wrap around your hand or arm, or even over your shoulder like a handbag for multiple carrying options.

Slim and lightweight, folding down to a thickness of only 3cm, it’s small enough to fit into your nappy bag for longer outings yet still unfolds to a generous size with wide wings for extra coverage.

Holding up to four disposable nappies, it also has a decently sized zippered section that will hold a packet of wipes as well as a couple of other small pieces such as tubes of cream, dummies or bibs.

The waterproof surface is easy to quickly wipe down as needed, but for bigger messes it’s also handily machine washable and even tumble dryer friendly (low heat only). For this, the change mat surface unzips from the zippered compartment.

This change mat also features a cushy built in pillow area for bub’s comfort and to protect his little head from bumps if you’re changing him on a hard surface. The body of the mat is fully filled with foam for comfort, though it isn’t quite as thick or lush as other options on the market.

There’s also a handy external front pouch you can use to store your keys or phone, making this an excellent take-all for short trips or when you don’t want to lug around a full nappy bag.

5. Suessie Diaper Changing Station

The best portable change mat from Australia that’s big and begging for the beach

The Suessie is an excellent all-rounder from Sydney’s Bondi area, and the best choice for mums who want all the features in a huge portable change mat large enough to use on the sand.

This totally waterproof change mat is the largest in our top 10, unfolding to a maximum size of a whopping 95cm, so you can be sure that you’ll get great coverage no matter where you choose to change the baby outdoors.

With large size comes extra storage, and this clutch can take quite a lot. The large internal zip pouch should hold a light change of clothes, while the mesh pocket could separately hold up to four nappies.

Two external zip pockets are fully accessible while open or closed, to store your keys, wallet, and phone, and some sunscreen and a rashie for bub.

Two internal stretch bands allow you to stow your wipes for super easy access. It’s worth noting though, that these bands stretch out quite far for a full large packet, so a wipes packet that’s nearly empty will be able to slide out and need to be moved to the zip section.

The change mat is unzippable from the clutch, so if you don’t need the mat, the clutch on its own can hold your supplies at only a third of the size of the two together.

Naturally, all those features and the super-large size does leave this change mat a little on the bulky side. You’ll want to keep this one in the car, or as a light replacement for your regular nappy bag.

6. Bambino Mio Change Mat

This cute little mat is popular for its small size, softness, and adorable designs

The Bambino Mio is an adorable change mat that is an easy pick for mums that just want a tiny backup in the handbag for a short walk around the block.

Easily the smallest of our picks at only 60cm in length, this mat may not cover babies over 6 months old from head to toe, it’s really more designed just to catch accidents in the nappy area.

Happily, that small size also means it folds down smaller than the others. With a hook-and-loop fastener, this light and compact change pad would fit even into a small handbag.

Rather than a waterproof wipeable surface that will repel little wees, the Bambino Mio mat has an absorbent quilted padding that lines the inside of the mat, allowing this change mat to be both super soft to lie on, and to hold accidents inside to be washed later.

These pads are machine washable and can be tumble dried, but because they work by absorbing rather than repelling the wee, you might want at least two for when the first one is soiled. But with designs this cute, you might want at least two anyway.

7. JJ Cole Changing Clutch

The small travel change pad that looks like a purse

This sweet little change clutch by JJ Cole comes in a range of designs and looks more like a small purse than a change mat.

The entire unit itself is quite small when folded, only 24x14cm, yet folds out to a decent 48x70cm round mat.

The clutch pocket holds a small wipes packet and one or two nappies, perfect for a walk around the neighbourhood shops. That said, this clutch is unlikely to be suitable for all-day picnics, you’ll likely keep this in the nappy bag for longer outings.

JJ Cole also sells a matching nappy bag that this change mat is designed to fit inside.

8. iZiv Baby Changing Pad

For those who just want a simple affordable mat with extra storage

The iZiv Baby Changing Pad is a folding change mat that is lightweight and simple, yet it unfolds to be quite large, with enough room to store essential items.

Slim and flat when folded, the waterproof polyester will slide easily into any nappy bag or backpack, and also has a loop on the side to hang from a pram.

For storage, the clutch features large zippered and mesh internal pockets to keep several nappies, creams or wipes, and an adjustable strap and clip to contain the extra bulk inside.

The foldable changing pad unzips and detaches from the clutch, to keep messes away from the nappies and clothes in the mesh pocket.

9. iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad

The smart changing mat that keeps your baby’s hands away from mischief below

The iZiv Portable Clean Hands Changing Pad is a clever changing pad with wings designed to fold out and around your baby’s arms, trapping his arms near his toys and keeping his grabby little hands away from the mess!

The Velcro used to bring the wings together is smooth, and will grasp together firmly without scratching bubba’s arms or attaching to your clothes.

The mat even has a couple of toy rings sewn in to attach your baby’s favourite fiddling toys to, definitely a great way to distract determined babies away from your work.

The extra material used for the wings does mean the changing pad folds up into a pretty bulky clutch, so you’ll want to keep it on or under the pram, rather than in the nappy bag.

10. Isoki Change Mat Clutch

An affordable slim clutch with three pockets

The ISOKI change mat clutch is our top budget pick for having three separate pockets, something hard to find in the most affordable options.

The sufficient internal pockets have enough room for wipes and nappies, while a smaller external zip pocket on the front will keep your keys and rings safe from prodding any soft baby bottoms.

Even better, the ISOKI folds up surprisingly thin, at only half a centimetre thick when closed. This means not only can you keep it under the pram or in the nappy bag easily, you can slide it into your laptop section if you’d rather just take your backpack to the park.

When looking for a portable nappy change mat that’s going to suit your needs most closely, you should consider the size, carry capacity, and where you plan to take it.

Size 

The entire point of the clutch is to organise your necessities into a convenient travel change pad, but the size will determine what kind of convenience you’re going to get.

If you have an extremely large mat, you can always rely on having a surface large enough for your baby whether in contained spaces like the shopping centre baby rooms, or open spaces like the park. Large mats also usually mean more space inside for your essentials.

On the other hand, a small mat will take up less room in your bag, be more convenient to carry whilst holding your baby, and be faster to clean.

Capacity

Similarly to size, capacity is a trade-off between convenience of speed and weight and convenience of extra supplies.

An important question to ask yourself is, “Do I want to take the clutch instead of the nappy bag, or inside the nappy bag?” Inside the nappy bag, you’ll want a light, small, foldable changing pad that just keeps a nappy and a few emergency wipes.

Another consideration is your baby’s propensity to spit up. Some babies spit up at every feed, and if this sounds like you, you’ll want the largest capacity to bring some spare clothes, bibs, and a terry towel, if you can fit it.

To replace your nappy bag on shorter outings though, you want the capacity to at least take a light change of clothes and a couple of nappies and a plastic bag, in case your baby has an overexcited vom or sudden poop-splosion!

Outdoors, indoors, or office?

When it comes to portable change mats, style and functionality often go hand in hand. While some mats prioritise elegance and professional appearance, they may sacrifice important features. For example, if you're dropping off your baby at your workplace's creche, you don't want to be fumbling with a cluttered bag spilling out toys and nappies from your chic clutch in front of colleagues and clients. It's important to find a balance between practicality and fashion to ensure your baby's changing needs are met without compromising your personal style.

However, if you plan on spending long days at the beach or in areas with lots of sand, dirt, or dust, a sleek and small change clutch may not be the most suitable option. In these situations, it's best to opt for the largest mat you can find, with the largest capacity to accommodate wet bags and clothing changes for those messy outdoor areas. A larger mat will also provide ample space for your baby to move around comfortably during diaper changes, making the experience less stressful for both you and your little one.

If you're mostly going to be out and about in shopping centres, cafes, and plazas, you'll want a portable change mat that keeps your essentials within fast and easy reach. The mat is likely to sit mostly in your pram, or attached to the pram handle. Since shopping centre change tables or public fold-down change trays are relatively contained, a large mat isn't really necessary. Instead, your priority will be convenient access to your necessities in a cramped bathroom. For this, you'll be looking for a mat that detaches from the clutch, so you won't need to awkwardly cram your pram against your legs.