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Choosing and maintaining early years changing mats

Changing mats form part of a wider intimate-care routine, so selection should consider hygiene, condition and the working space. This guide helps early years teams organise materials and review practical arrangements. It should be used with the setting’s care procedures, staff training and the guidance applicable to its location and children.

Schools Direct editorialUpdated 2 min read

Review the whole changing space

Check where clean supplies, waste, handwashing facilities and spare clothing are located. Staff should be able to prepare the necessary items before beginning care. The changing area needs to support supervision, dignity and safe access; choosing a mat alone cannot resolve an unsuitable layout or unclear staff responsibilities.

Select a suitable surface

Choose a mat intended for the task, with a cleanable cover and instructions that match the proposed cleaning routine. Inspect edges, seams and padding. A patterned design may be pleasant, but condition and practical cleaning matter more. Keep the mat stable on its intended surface and follow the equipment’s use instructions.

Make cleaning and inspection routine

UK Health Security Agency guidance for children’s settings advises cleaning changing mats after each use and at the end of the day, checking for tears weekly and discarding mats with damaged covers. Apply the setting’s infection-control procedure, including suitable hand hygiene and safe waste arrangements, rather than improvising products or mixing cleaning chemicals.

Support calm, respectful care

Explain the routine to children in an appropriate way and follow individual care arrangements agreed with families and relevant staff. Keep personal supplies identifiable without displaying private information unnecessarily. Provide clear handover notes through the setting’s approved system. Review whether the setup accommodates the children and adults using it, including access needs. Record defects promptly and remove unsuitable mats from use. A simple stock and inspection record helps ensure a replacement is available before an essential item fails during a busy care period.

Action checklist

  • Review supplies and handwashing access
  • Check the intended cleaning method
  • Inspect covers and remove damaged mats
  • Follow individual intimate-care arrangements

Common questions

Can a torn changing mat remain in use if it is wiped?

Damaged covers can compromise cleaning; the cited health-protection guidance advises discarding mats when the cover is damaged.

Sources and scope

Source titles are provided for reference. Check the current original guidance and your school's circumstances before making a policy or compliance decision.

  • Schools Direct editorial — Original teaching activity and resource planning notes. Checked 1 November 2026.
  • UK Health Security Agency — Preventing and controlling infections in children and young people’s settings. Checked 1 November 2026.

See how we prepare and maintain our guidance.

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