We were given a fold-up changing mat with compartments for wipes and nappies from JoJo Maman Bébé. It was used every single day when DS2 was little, and now is always in the changing bag. I have no idea how I survived without it for DS1!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BrioLover) Our verdict Before we recommend new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s an awful lot of honest, impartial advice, don’t you think? Expert guidance of stuff into your nappy bag. But, if you regularly use public transport and are out and about on foot a lot, a compact design may be the best changing bag for you to ensure that you are not carrying around anything too bulky on your travels. When choosing a baby changing bag, there is no need to limit yourself to just one. Many use their baby changing bag instead of a handbag when they are out with their baby. So, just like a handbag, you may want to have a choice of changing bags to use depending on where you are going, how long you will be out of the house, and even what you are wearing.

Material: What is it made from? Whilst cotton can be soft and gentle against your baby’s skin, wipe-down fabrics are far easier to keep clean, with the ability to simply wipe down after use. Some changing mats are relatively thin, whilst others are padded or cushioned and may even include a small support pillow for additional comfort. Whilst comfort for your baby is important, the thinner fabrics are often more lightweight and tend to fold down more flat - handy if you’re particularly limited on space. Does it offer special features? These days, many change mats are decorated with beautiful printed artwork. Some offer functional design features such as anti-roll wedge sides, which can be really useful, especially if you have a particularly wriggly baby. But the fact of the matter is that special features often add expense so if your budget is tight, you may well find that a basic change mat does the job perfectly well. Is a changing mat necessary?We also asked writer Becca Heyes to test a selection of changing bags and let us know her thoughts. As a mum to a boisterous two-year-old and a three-month-old baby, Becca was able to offer insight into what makes a really great changing bag that will grow with a family and last for years to come. Over the course of three months, Becca rigorously tested a shortlist of 15 bags before narrowing them down to favourites, some of which we included on this list. We combined all of this research to choose a selection of products that we think offer something for everybody. How we tested: Some changing bags come with removable straps and added fixings so that the bag can be secured to the handle of the pushchair. If you would rather hang your bag on the pushchair than After thoroughly testing each bag, we then scored them on several criteria, including comfort, aesthetics, value for money, practicality and cleanliness.

How do I clean it? – When a product is doing a messy, dirty job, it’s essential that it can be cleaned easily and frequently. Many mats can be wiped cleaned with a disinfectant spray or wipe. Fabric changing mats are more likely to absorb leaks and should be machine washable to ensure that they can be properly cleaned between uses. If you choose a fabric changing mat, you may need to consider purchasing two so that you always have one at your disposal while the other is in the wash. Before you can choose the best baby changing bag, you need to know what makes a nappy bag good and what you should look out for when shopping. Here are the features that make a good changing bag: Durable Choosing the best baby changing bag is vital, but what you put into your bag is also crucial. Here are the essential items to pop into your changing bag to make days out with your baby a breeze: The best overall changing mat for babies is the chic and practical East Coast Nursery Wedge Changing Mat with wedged sides for support and safety. What should I look for in a changing mat?

What to look for when choosing a changing bag

Worn on the hip with a long crossbody strap. Our tester found that leaning forward could sometimes cause the bag to swing around in front. Get a splash mat changing mat for the floor as it's safer.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user babydreamer1) Our verdict

Changing bags that can be worn as crossbody bags are a practical choice for busy parents. Crossbody bags are convenient if you are someone that is often rushing around, as the bag will be balanced across your body, and the strap won’t slip off your A changing mat isn’t necessary and the NHS advises that you can use a changing mat or a towel for nappy changes. However, whilst a towel may be comfortable for your baby, it is likely to absorb leaks and spills and will need machine washing between uses. For that reason, a wipe-clean, waterproof padded changing mat is likely to make your life easier in the early weeks and months of your baby’s life as well as reducing your washing pile and keeping other surfaces in your home - such as your carpets, if you tend to change your baby on the floor as the NHS advises is the safest way. Are PVC changing mats safe? Looks for added extras - is there a perfect-fit changing mat included or do you need to buy one separately? Machine-washable: No – wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge | Size: 70 × 46 × 10cm What we love nappy explosions and other messy situations, your changing bag will contain everything you need for these situations. When is it useful?you can get neoprene swim changing mats that are good presuming [the] baby won't roll away!” (Recommended by Mumsnetter JessicaPeach) Our verdict Buying a changing bag with matching accessories will ensure that you are coordinated and save you money as you won’t need to buy these items separately. Accessories such as a changing matand Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi ut blandit risus. Donec mollis nec tellus et rutrum. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Ut consequat quam a purus faucibus scelerisque. Mauris ac dui ante. Pellentesque congue porttitor tempus. Donec sodales dapibus urna sed dictum. Duis congue posuere libero, a aliquam est porta quis. While one bag may look more attractive than another at first glance, real-world testing offers a better insight into how practical a bag truly is – especially how it performs in those spontaneous ‘we-never-could-have-predicted-this’ moments (always more likely to occur when you add a runny poo to the equation). It’s specifically designed with a single stroller in mind — with customized clips and measuring the width of the average stroller. Yet if you need to step away from the wheels, a detachable strap and carry handles allow you to wear it over your shoulder or across the body, or you can carry it tote style.