Bumbo Changing Pad review

The pad is fairly unique to the market in the UK and aims to ease the nappy changing experience and keep mess to a minimum.

Tested by:

Megan is a parenting blogger and mum-of-two. She tested the changing pad at home with her 9-month-old son Billy.

First impressions?

The Bumbo Changing Pad is a really attractive piece of baby kit that comes in a number of colour ways. I reviewed a Changing Pad in Aqua and have grown quite attached. I love the bright shade and minimalist design, but also the fact that - as per Bumbo’s trademark - the changing mat is ergonomically shaped to ensure maximum comfort for baby. It’s the first changing mat I’ve seen with straps!

Does the Bumbo Changing Pad feel durable?

I’ve been using the mat ever since my youngest son Billy turned six months (at the time of review he is nine months old) and have had no problems whatsoever with the quality and durability. Although there weren’t any instructions in the box detailing which products are best to clean it with, I’ve been wiping the Bumbo Changing Pad down with baby wipes and using an antibacterial wipe to clean it more thoroughly. So far, even Metanium - the most potent of nappy rash creams - has failed to stain it!

Best features of the Bumbo Changing Pad?

By far my favourite feature is the pad’s curved sides, which pose a challenge for even the most determined wrigglers mid-change. The Bumbo Changing Pad also features a ‘restraint belt’ that can be secured across baby’s waist to encourage them to stay in place. Billy is definitely an escape artist and, while these features aren’t designed to completely secure him from rolling off the mat, they’ve certainly helped keep him still (they’ve also allowed me to bend down for a brief second to retrieve items Billy has thrown on the floor, because he loves to do that).

The Bumbo Changing Pad’s curved sides and slightly sloped design also encourage liquids to flow away from baby, but not off the mat. ‘Wet accidents’ are therefore contained and easy to mop up. As there aren’t any grooves in the foam, it’s really simple to clean.

How comfortable is the mat for your baby to use?

Super-comfortable – it feels so soft and springy to touch. Billy is even happy to continue lying and playing on the Bumbo Changing Pad after he has had his nappy changed (someone pointed out this would also be a good mat for baby massage). An added bonus is that the mat isn’t cold on the skin (an annoying feature of so many standard changing mats!).

What is the sizing of the Bumbo Changing Pad like?

When I first saw the mat I was a bit confused by its length - it seemed too short. In hindsight, it isn't designed to fit the entire length of your baby, just head to bottom. I do wonder if Billy will fit so well on the Bumbo Pad in nine months' time (he's currently 9 months and the mat is recommended for babies up to 18 months).

Is it portable?

Technically you could take the Bumbo Changing Pad anywhere but it’s a lot more cumbersome than a standard changing mat so it hasn’t left my house. We use the pad at home, placed on top of a granite countertop in our utility area and it stays in place very well.

Is the Bumbo Changing Pad value for money?

Depending on how you view it, a changing mat is a changing mat and you can find lots of alternatives at a fraction of the price. To put the Bumbo Changing Pad into context, I wasn’t able to find a more expensive changing mat available in the UK - Schnuggle’s Squishy Baby Changing Mat is the next most expensive at £54.99 (although, admittedly, it didn’t look as nice or have features like the restraint belt). However, as I mention in this review, it has lots of great features.

Where can I buy the Bumbo Changing pad?

You can buy the Bumbo Changing Pad from Amazon, Kidly and Uber kids.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Bumbo Changing Pad is a stylish, comfortable and practical changing station at a high-end price point. It’s very much a luxury item, but fast becoming my favourite daily-use baby product.

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