The Background:

The NappyMat idea came from a mum's need to let her October born baby have nappy-free time, but due to living in a very drafty old house this was rarely practical during the winter months. Bex Smith, creator of the NappyMat, felt sure there must be some product around that would help make this more possible, without her baby becoming cold. After some fruitless searching she set about creating the first NappyMat, and as well as keeping her baby snug, she discovered some more great benefits from having this most simple of inventions.

The inspiration for Nappymats!

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Benefits include:

  • Allows close bonding skin to skin contact for feeding, yet contains accidents
  • Contains wee accidents while changing
  • Great coverall for nappy free time
  • Ideal for baby massage
  • Easily washed and dried
  • Compact, folds to fit easily in a changing bag for taking to massage classes or for changes on the move
The NappyMat very quickly became an invaluable part of Bex' baby "kit" - in use daily both at home and when out and about. After being asked where her unusual, practical mat came from, on more than a few occasions, Bex decided to make them commercially. They are now being made in a small workshop on the Isle of Wight for both retail and wholesale markets.

Features include:

  • Organic cotton absorbent top layer, backed with a water-resistant coloured fleece, making them both luxurious and funky.
  • Snap fastenings for alternating between a flat changing mat and a loose-fitting nappy to contain all those inevitable wee accidents.

User Feedback:

"The mats arrived safe and sound thank you so I thought I'd just give you some feedback on their use so far. The colours are great and the mats lovely and soft. I've used them at home to save her weeing on the sheepskin rug after bath time, and I've used them at baby massage where the poppers came into their own as she decided she wanted feeding part way through!"

Nappy-free Time:

Babies like being naked. They love lying around with no clothes on or, at least, no nappy on. Having the nappy off is also very good to prevent and treat nappy rash. Skin to skin contact is very important in order to promote bonding. It is lovely to feed a naked baby against our skin. However, wee accidents can happen when the nappy is off. The NappyMat is ideal for nappy free time due to its loose fitting. They feel like they have no nappy on as the air still flows freely around their little bottom and the fleece acts as a little blanket when the weather is a bit colder or during the first few weeks.
Mrs M N Reimundez RN, RM BA(hons)

Baby Massage:

Baby massage provides a lot of benefits for both parents and their baby. It helps parents to become more confident about handling their baby, to relax together with their baby; it promotes bonding and the nurturing instinct, it helps them feel closer to their baby; it also helps them learn to read and respond to their baby’s non-verbal language. Baby massage teaches babies that they are valued and loved; it promotes relaxation which can improve quality of sleep; it can reduce the discomfort of colic, wind, constipation and congestion; it helps strengthen the baby’s respiration, digestion etc. Baby massage gives parents the chance to spend quality time with their baby. It can also help with Postnatal Depression. I teach baby massage at the hospital where I work as a midwife as well as practising on my own baby.
The NappyMat is very useful as she is naked. Having her on the nappymat both protects me from possible accidents and keeps her warm during the colder times of the year as the cotton fleece can act as a little blanket.
Mrs M N Reimundez RN, RM BA(hons)
See our article with hints and tips on doing infant massage

Using a NappyMat:

It couldnt be simpler to use your NappyMat - lay it out flat and use as a changing mat. Wrap it around baby's bare bottom and fasten the snaps for the loose-fitting "nappy" to catch those inevitable wees! Baby is now free to wriggle, have a cuddle or feed, while your clothes and carpets stay clean and dry!

Please be aware the NappyMat is not intended to replace the need for nappies, neither is it intended to be super absorbent.

The fleece is only water-resistant, to ensure maximum breathability, so wet will pass through if left on baby for any length of time.

***Never leave baby unattended***

Care Instructions:

Before use, your NappyMats will need a pre-wash to remove any residues from manufacturing and to fluff up the fibres to ensure maximum absorbency.
When wet the NappyMat can be washed at 60°C, using non-biological detergents only.
DO NOT use fabric conditioners/softeners or bleach as these are both potential skin irritants for your baby, and will reduce the effectiveness of the product.
The NappyMat can be dried on an airer or the line very quickly and easily, or it can be done on a very low temperature tumble.
If your mat is backed with strong coloured fleece please wash separately for the first few washes to ensure no colours run.
    The Nappymat