How can I reuse or recycle a baby changing mat?

baby-changing-matWe’ve had an email from Jess:

What can I do with a baby changing mat made from foam?

Like with all baby stuff, my first thought is to pass it on if you can – they’re usually used for such a short period of time that they tend to stay in pretty good condition. Pass it on through a baby group, a charity shop, Freecycle/Freegle or something like an NCT nearly new sale.

Aside from that, changing mats are just flat wipe-clean foam cushions so could be useful in lots of situations. If the covering is completely sealed & waterproof, a small child might prefer to sit on it in the bath rather than the hard surface of the bath itself. If the covering is punctured or just water resistant, it’d still be splash-proof, so you could fold in half and use it as a kneeling mat for you while bathing Junior, or it could be used as a bathmat when they get out. Similar, it would be great as a kneeling mat/cushion in the garden.

Any other suggestions?

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7 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle a baby changing mat?”


  1. Bobbie says:

    With hardly any improvement my kitties would love laying on this.

  2. Alice says:

    They’d probably be quite good for insulation.

    Cut them up to line the inside of a hay box (instead of hay), or use them to block up any gaps in the lagging around a hot water tank.

  3. Carmen says:

    I use the baby changing pad for my dogs. I made cases using old fleece nightgowns or sheets and cover. It came with a fitted terry cloth cover that I continue to use. I can remove all for washing. Changing pad is large enough for 65 lb dog.

  4. Regina says:

    These can be used when your little one is old enough to play with play-dough, paint or anything messy while sitting on the floor or at their play table. Which reminds me, I used to use old vinyl tableclothes for play-dough when my daughter and a friend or two was at our house for a play date.

  5. Christy says:

    Unless it is organic cotton, I wouldn’t reuse because polyurethane foam most likely has flame retardant chemicals…

  6. Claudia Carver says:

    These make great ground mats for hikers – keeps your bottom dry when you stop for lunch. I bought a small slim one at a second hand store and store it in my knapsack – always there when needed on a hike. Much cheaper than a “proper” hiking mat – and the little ducks and geese are more fun than plain black or gray.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Superb! Normally I by no means read whole articles but the way you wrote this details is merely incredible and this kept my interest in reading and I enjoyed it.



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