Baby food splash mat
9 Splat Mats that will Save Your Floors
Because no mom has time for mopping after every meal.
By Sara Goldstein Updated September 12, 2022
Gathre
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There's no getting around it. From the early days of starting solids to the toddler mealtimes that follow, things can be messy. And while a bath can easily take care of the puree they manage to smear all the way up to their hairline, the same cannot be said for your floors. The answer? A splat mat.
Designed to keep all kinds of surfaces from suffering the wrath of a hungry kiddo who wears half of what they're fed, splat mats are generally made from water-resistant material that can be wiped down or tossed into the washing machine.
Related: Everything you need for starting solids with your baby
And highchair mats don't just come in handy for mealtime! They're a great tool to keep on hand for sensory play and arts and crafts or even as a picnic blanket.
The problem is, a lot of times they're just...kind of ugly. Sure, you can fold it up and stash it out of view between meals, but why make more work for yourself? Instead, snag yourself an option that complements your style instead of competing with it.
To help you out, we've rounded up some of the most functional and stylish splat mats out there. From super cheap fabric mats that always come in handy to versatile faux leather versions that last forever, here are our top picks!
Our favorite splat mats
House of Noa
• $89
We’re longtime fans of the gorgeous playmats from House of Noa, so we needed no convincing when they extended into highchair mat territory. Similar to the styles we fell in love with, the highchair mats are muted and minimal, and at first glance, you’ll think you’re looking at a beautiful heirloom carpet or stylish tile floor.
They wipe clean and are available in both round and square options.
And while they’re definitely on the pricey side, if you want a splat mat that enhances your space rather than cramp your style, they’re our top pick.
Bumkins
• $12
There’s no better bang for the buck than the splat mats from the mess masters at Bumkins. The super affordable fabric mats are not only Amazon’s choice for splat mats, they’ve also racked up nearly 4K 5-star ratings from parents who call it a “savior” and a “must-have.” And while these aren’t as large as the others on this list, they’re durable, easy to clean and machine washable as well.
Gathre
• $55
Similarly, the mats from Gathre are a pricey pick–but one we think is worth the splurge.
For one thing, their high-quality faux leather mats are just beautiful. They come in tons of muted colors and patterns that go with literally any decor. But more importantly they’re just so. darn. versatile. Need to protect the dining room floor? No problem. Headed on a picnic? She’s ready. Hosting a birthday party or spreading out the finger paints for an afternoon art session? Throw it on the table. When it’s time to clean up, just give it a wipe. It’s seriously the world’s prettiest drop cloth and you may wonder how you ever kept things tidy without it.
Wander & Roam
• $79
Wander & Roam also offers a gorgeous collection of faux leather play mats. Their limited edition prints are always designed with an overall home aesthetic in mind, blending in just perfectly instead of screaming “a baby lives here!!” They’re easy to clean and generously sized so they’re bound to come in handy long after your little one is done hurling food from their high chair.
Wildcubz
• $26.99
If your babe is regularly dining at grandma’s, the travel-friendly splat mat from Wildcubz is a great option. The three-ply fabric mat repels spills and is machine-washable when a simple wipe just isn’t enough. It’s got a silicone dot backing to keep it from slipping and easily packs up into an included wet bag when you’re done.
Little Wallaby
• $22.90
Come for the bold botanicals, stay for the reasonable price tag. Similar to the Wildcubz option, this fabric mat from Little Wallaby is made to be wiped down easily and tossed into the washer when necessary. It also features anti-slip silicone dots on the underside and can be used on the floor or as a table cloth.
And if you love it enough to buy one for a friend, it comes ready to go in a sweet little gift box!
Linkidea
• $35.99
Like the Gathre mats, this faux leather splat mat is durable, stylish and equally versatile. The price is awesome, but the main trade off is that it’s only available in one color and two square sizes. It features a small grommet in the corner to hang it up after using or washing.
Prince Lionheart
• $14.49
A muted pattern and affordable price make this Prince Lionheart mat a great option. The circle shape provides plenty of coverage at mealtime but also makes a great floor mat for messy play.
WOMUMON
• $20.
99
Looking for just the basics? This simple waterproof cloth splat mat is easy to toss in the washing machine and can double as a table cloth as well.
Whether you're expecting in months or mere days, let Motherly guide you with our registry featuring curated collections of essentials for you and baby. Click here to check out Motherly's essential registry guide.
A version of this story was published May 27, 2022. It has been updated.
7 Best Baby Splash Mats (2022 Reviews)
Splash mats help contain floor messes during meals and craft times with your little ones.
But you want one that’s the right size for your space and won’t become a tripping hazard. You also want to ensure it does a good job of protecting surfaces and is durable enough to last throughout your child’s messiest days.
To save you time and effort, we’ve tested and compared all the top brands to find the best splash mats for every purpose, price point, and decor style. So, stash that mop, lay down one of these mats, and enjoy the sight of your sparkling clean floors — finally.
Our Top Picks
We love honesty! Mom Loves Best earns a commission through the following hand-picked links at no extra cost to you.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features
Best Design
Bumkins Waterproof
- Thin and portable
- Machine washable
- BPA-, PVC-, vinyl-, and lead-free
Check Price
Fold It To Fit
Bumkins Splat Mat
- Versatile
- Lab-tested, safe materials
- Can be wiped clean
Check Price
Best Multipurpose Mat
Wo Baby Waterproof
- Use on almost any surface
- Non-slip spill mat
- Waterproof
Check Price
Chic Chevrons
Prince Lionheart
- Fits smaller spaces
- Machine washable
- Non-skid backing
Check Price
Best for Big Messes
Children’s Factory
- Can be trimmed for custom fit
- Large and durable
- Can be wiped clean
Check Price
Kitchen Chameleon
Loodial Floor Protector
- Will match any decor
- Waterproof
- Great for small spaces
Check Price
Best Disposable Mats
Theo's Splat Mat
- Disposable
- Sustainable sourced material
- Includes 60 mats
Check Price
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- The Best Baby Splash Mats of 2022
- Do I Need a Splash Mat?
- How to Choose a Splash Mat
- How Do I Clean My Splash Mat?
The Best Baby Splash Mats of 2022
Splash mats are perfect for keeping your baby’s messes contained while protecting your carpet or floor.
At the end of the day, your little one might still need a bath, but at least you won’t have to mop the floor!
Here are seven great splash mats to consider.
1. Bumkins Waterproof Splat Mat
Best Splash Mat Design
Check Price
This 42-inch square mat is thin and portable, making it easy to use at home or on the go. We love taking this mat with us to protect embarrassing floor messes at the homes of our friends and family.
The design is cute, modern, and completely waterproof.
While the size will not protect your floors if your child tends to throw food, it is more than big enough to catch the typical spills that are the hallmark of toddler mealtimes. It is machine washable for easy cleanup, or you can wipe it off with a rag.
We appreciate that the material is free of BPA, PVC, vinyl, phthalates, and lead, which gives us peace of mind when our little one uses it as a play surface.
Pros
- Square design fits more spaces.
- It’s thin and portable.
- It is machine washable.
- It’s free of BPA, PVC, vinyl, phthalates, and lead.
Cons
- It cannot be machine dried.
- It’s not very large.
2. Bumkins Waterproof Splat Mat
Fold it to Fit
Check Price
This mat is a 42-inch square, which means it’s small enough to fit into a variety of spaces, and you can fold the edges under to fit an even tighter space if needed. The ability to convert its size makes it a good fit for apartments or smaller homes.
It’s thin and portable, and you can take it on the go. And the cute Super Mario design is entertaining for kids!
It’s made of polyester, which means it’s not easily wrinkled and it dries fast. It’s easier to fold than other 100 percent plastic mats, which is another reason it’s good to take with you when you’re traveling.
It’s also free of lead, PVC, BPA, and phthalates.
Pros
- Versatile square shape.
- Fun Super Mario design.
- It can be wiped clean.
- It has no PVC, BPA, phthalates, or lead.
Cons
- Smaller size isn’t great for big messes.
- The design probably doesn’t match your home decor.
- It doesn’t have a non-slip bottom.
3. Wo Baby Splat Mat
Best Multipurpose Splash Mat
Check Price
This mat has multiple uses, so you can protect floors, tabletops, and more.
The mat is made of 100 percent polyester and measures 51 × 51 inches. It’s free of lead, phthalates, and BPA. The back fabric has anti-slip silicone dots to prevent slipping on any surface. The water-resistant material is easy to clean.
We love this mat’s multipurpose design, which allows you to use it anywhere and for any activity. Put it on the floor underneath a highchair during meals, or spread it over a table for crafts. You can even use it outdoors at parks or playgrounds.
Your children will also love the bright and colorful sea creature designs.
Pros
- You can use it on almost any surface, including floors and tables.
- Anti-slip backing keeps the mat firmly in place.
- Fun design will delight kids.
Cons
- It’s water-resistant but not waterproof, so big spills may go through.
4. Prince Lionheart Multi-purpose Catchall
Chic Chevrons
Check Price
This cute mat is petite and fits small spaces. It can be wiped off with a sponge or tossed in the washing machine for easy cleanup, which is something every busy mom should appreciate.
While it can’t be machine dried, it air-dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting on the mat when your toddler wants to eat.
It has a non-stick backing to prevent the mat from sliding all over the floor, and it’s made of laminated cotton, meaning it is not as thick and bulky as plastic mats. We found it great to bring along grandparents’ houses and restaurants.
Pros
- It will fit in smaller spaces.
- It’s machine washable.
- It is portable.
- It has a non-skid backing.
Cons
- It will not cover the whole floor.
- It cannot be machine dried.
- It doesn’t dry as quickly as plastic mats.
5. Children’s Factory Rectangular Splash Mat
Best Splash Mat for Big Messes
Check Price
At 50 inches by 72 inches, this large splash mat will cover much of your floor. The large size may not fit all spaces, but you can fold the edges under or trim them to fit.
It’s thick and durable and doesn’t slip on hardwood floors. It’s versatile as you can use it as a tablecloth, under a high chair, or on a craft area floor.
To clean it, simply wipe it with a rag. That’s a big time saver for moms who don’t have the will or desire to deal with extra cleaning.
Pros
- It is large.
- You can trim it for a custom fit.
- It’s durable.
- It can be wiped clean.
Cons
- It’s not very portable.
- The material is not specified.
6. Loodial High Chair Floor Protector
Kitchen Chameleon
Check Price
This circular splash mat will match any decor because it’s transparent. It’s made of 100 percent vinyl plastic, so it wipes off easily, and its smaller 47-inch profile will fit more spaces than some of the larger mats.
The circular shape makes sense to use under high chairs as kids tend to throw food in a radius, but at the same time, this design limits its use to feeding. It may not be the best for messy play or arts and crafts.
It is made of thick plastic to avoid tears and is completely waterproof to protect flooring or carpets from spills. That’s a benefit for moms who have babies who think dropping their cups from their high chairs is the best game ever.
Pros
- It will match any decor.
- It’s waterproof.
- It fits in smaller spaces.
Cons
- The plastic may crease if folded frequently.
- It may be too small to catch all the messes.
- It may not be the best option for arts and crafts.
7. Theo's Disposable Floor Topper
Best Disposable Splash Mats
Check Price
If you and your family love to travel, these adorable disposable mats will keep messes to a minimum. Whether you’re trekking across the country or spending a weekend with relatives, bring these mats along to make cleanup easy. When you’re done, simply throw them away.
Each one is generously sized at 47 × 29 inches and is light and thin for transport. All of the mats are made from sustainable-sourced materials.
You get 60 mats in each set. Outside of travel, they’re also great for group functions and parties. Simply place them under high chairs or an activity station. You can also use them as table covers.
If you’re a busy mom with busy kids, these mats can help simplify your life and keep you focused on what matters most.
Pros
- Disposable mats drastically cut down on cleaning time.
- Sustainable sourced materials.
- Each pack includes 60 mats.
Cons
- A bit thin.
Do I Need a Splash Mat?
A splash mat (also known as a feeding mat or drop cloth) is a piece of waterproof fabric or other waterproof material that goes under a baby’s high chair or play area. It protects the floor from food, stains, and other messes.
A splash mat can help you save time, energy, and sanity by reducing the need to clean after mealtime spills or play sessions (1). It allows your child to experience the joy of eating messy foods like spaghetti without you worrying. You can sit back and enjoy the cuteness overload.
It can also help protect your floors and carpets from permanent damage, including stains and water.
Splash mats are helpful:
- Under high chairs at mealtimes.
- Under art easels.
- As tablecloths or underneath the table during play dough sessions.
- Beneath sensory bins.
- Under indoor water tables.
- As a clean surface for a baby to play on a dirty floor.
- Under your child’s seat at a restaurant to avoid leaving a large mess.
- When traveling, it can help your child identify their designated play space.
How to Choose a Splash Mat
When purchasing a splash mat for your baby, you should consider these points:
Use
How will you use your splash mat? Will it be used in the playroom under the art easel or the kitchen under the high chair? This will influence both the size and aesthetics of the splash mat you need.
Size
Measure the space you’d like to cover. Splash mats come in all different sizes, so you’re bound to find one that will work for you.
Decor
If you will use your splash mat most of the time, it’s going to become part of your decor. Choose a style that suits your tastes to keep it consistent.
Cleaning Instructions
Do you want to be able to hose your splash mat off in the backyard, toss it in the washing machine, or wipe it off with a sponge? Make sure the cleaning instructions align with your desires.
Weight and Thickness
If you’re using your splash mat at home, the weight may not matter much. But if you’re planning to use it on the go, pay attention to its storage size, weight, and material thickness, so you don’t end up with a splash mat that takes up your entire diaper bag.
How Do I Clean My Splash Mat?
Splash mats are made to resist water and spills and can usually be wiped clean. However, for an occasional deep clean — or for serious messes you don’t want to deal with — many mats are machine washable. If you do this, it’s best to wash it on cold to prevent damage to the waterproof plastic.
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It is very important for all parents that their child grows up healthy and active, and this, first of all, depends on proper and nutritious nutrition, which is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Therefore, to make it easier for you to prepare healthy and nutritious meals for your child, manufacturers of children's products recommend purchasing specially designed devices that have a lot of useful functions, properties, and are also very compact and high quality.
Steamer-Blender
Compact and a great helper for parents of small children, as it can be used to prepare healthy food for steaming, as well as grind food to a puree state, which is very important when feeding babies, especially if this is the first food. Now the Philips Avent steamer is very popular , which is easy to use and the whole cooking process takes place in one jug. First, steamed products are cooked in this jug, and then, lifting and turning the jug, the cooked products are crushed to the desired consistency;
Multifunctional cooking devices
These devices not only steam and grind healthy food, but also perform functions such as cooling, heating and sterilization. Among such devices, manufacturers such as: Philips Avent, Miniland and Badabulle are popular;
Milk formula maker
With this device, you can prepare milk for your baby, the desired consistency and temperature, in less than 2 minutes. Also, this machine kills all bacteria in the water during the preparation of milk formula, is easy to use, easy to clean and suitable for all types and volumes of bottles.
