All about the changing mat - the ultimate guide
The portable changing mat is one of those accessories you underestimate… right up until the first time you have to change your baby on a park bench. Compact, cushioned and washable, it turns any surface into a clean, comfortable changing space. Here's how to choose the right one — and why it deserves a place in your changing bag.
What exactly is a portable changing mat?
It's a compact, foldable version of the classic changing mat, designed to slip into your changing bag and come along on every outing. Where a fixed mat stays put on the chest of drawers, the portable version unfolds in two seconds flat at the park, at a friend's house or in a restaurant loo.
What to look for
Size
Check that it slips into the dedicated pocket of your changing bag while still giving you enough surface to lay baby down comfortably. The best ones fold up small and unfold large.
Comfort
A soft, padded surface makes all the difference to baby, especially for changes on hard or cold surfaces.
Care and cleaning
Go for a model with a removable, machine-washable insert: it's the detail you'll wish you'd paid attention to after the first nappy leak.
Durability and fabrics
A changing mat stays with baby for several years: choose hard-wearing fabrics certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100, free from substances that could harm baby's delicate skin.
Why you'll want one
A portable changing mat brings three things together: the comfort of a soft space for baby, the convenience of an accessory you can carry anywhere, and the hygiene of a clean, washable surface wherever you happen to be.
Frequently asked questions
What size portable changing mat should I choose?
It depends on the dedicated pocket in your changing bag. Measure it before you buy for a perfect fit, and go for a mat that folds up small and unfolds wide.
How do I clean a changing mat?
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a mild soap, and machine-wash the insert if it is removable. Leave it to air-dry.
Do all changing bags have a pocket for the mat?
No. Check that there is a dedicated pocket before you buy. Crocrobō Paris changing bags include a slot designed for the Paul portable changing mat.
The Paul changing mat, matched to your bag
Our Paul changing mat comes in corduroy and in prints, with a removable machine-washable insert and a built-in pouch for nappies and wipes. Made in Europe, vegan and OEKO-TEX certified. Build your kit around a well-designed changing bag and its matching accessories. Wild chic, by Crocrobō Paris.
