7 Best High Chair Mats of 2023

Written by Sarah Claywell

Published on February 7, 2023

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• These 7 high chair mats of 2023 are parent approved, tried, and true!
• Quick cleanups are possible with the help of a good highchair mat.
• Consider the material, price, design, washing method, and grip before making your purchase. 

Getting the floors wiped down after a messy mealtime is anything but easy. Both my babies are prone to throw food every which way, and with nothing to protect the floor, I’m left to wipe clean every surrounding inch. That’s where the highchair mat sold me—no more mopping up spills or sweeping crumbs. The highchair mat catches it all! 

While you could use other items from around the house like a towel or a drop cloth, you’ll end up washing those more regularly, still stuck in an endless cleaning cycle, just in the form of laundry instead. Why bother when there’s a much better way? 

Don’t waste any more time distracting your little one while you work to wipe up the remnants of their messy meal. It’s time to grab a high chair mat! Here are the 7 best high chair mats you can’t miss that’ll help you keep a clean surface all year long!  

Our Choice: Moonsea Mealtime Highchair Mat

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You won’t find another highchair mat constructed quite like the Moonsea Mealtime High Chair Mat. With a 3-layer design including a waterproof membrane, your floors will stay protected, and you won’t find it bunching up as its bottom layer has an anti-slip material. Personally, I found the anti-slip silicone dots on the bottom held up well despite some negative reviews. 

The 2 sizing options fit both small and large spaces, both of which can be wiped down or thrown in the wash for a more thorough clean. As if that wasn’t enough, they offer a replacement or money-back guarantee if you’re not in love with it.

Despite all the positives, some reviewers weren’t happy, especially with the fact that not all their stains would come out of the mat, even after a wash. Others didn’t like that liquid seemed to soak in through the mat even though it’s supposed to be waterproof. 

Having tested it myself, I can tell you that liquid will soak in, but the waterproof membrane is on the second layer, not the first. The first is just a printed fabric. Even after liquid went through that top layer of my mat, it did not soak through to the bottom—so in my eyes, it did its job!

Material: Microfiber Polyester | Dimensions: 46″ x 42″
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Best in Pattern: Bumkins Splat Mat

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A best seller for high chair mats, the Bumkins Splat Mat catches all the food and liquid on its tough, waterproof fabric. Liquid literally beaded up on mine right away, so it immediately got my attention. It’s machine washable and folds up small enough to store in your diaper bag which is a plus. Its fun patterns are just the cherry on top!

While it’s certainly a contender for first place, it does have its downfalls. Many parents said they had issues with the mat bunching up since it was too lightweight. Though I didn’t experience that (I feel the weight of the high chair took care of both complaints), I will say it’s very thin. I’m unsure of how it’ll fair after repeated wash cycles.

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 42″ x 42″
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Best in Safety: Paw Legend Washable High Chair Splat Floor Mat

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The Paw Legend Washable High Chair Splat Floor Mat takes extra care in regard to safety with its anti-slip backing, extra grips, and reinforced stitching. It also earns some major points for its thick material, which comes in a generous size. A polyester mat with stylish designs, it’s a solid contender for containing messes at toddler mealtimes.

One of the main draws of a highchair mat is the easy cleaning and though you can wipe this one clean and even throw it in the wash, you can’t dry it. For many parents, that was a huge drawback. Also, stains tend to show easily on light designs, and some reviewers felt the picture was deceiving when it came to sizing.  

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 53” X 53”
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Best in Size: ReignDrop Baby Splat Mat

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Offered in a larger size than most in either a square or round shape, the ReignDrop Baby Splat Mat is a great addition to large eating spaces. This waterproof splat mat is also stain and oil-proof! Retaining its clear and inconspicuous look, it’s perfect for families who want a mat that fits seamlessly into their home. 

The major complaint with these splat mats is that they can’t be put into the washer or dryer. Its material is also thinner than desired and is reported to make an unpleasant noise when it’s stepped on or moved. 

Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 54″X 54″
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Best in Versatility: WOMUMON Splat Mat for High Chair

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The WOMUMON Splat Mat for High Chair is a great choice if you plan to use your mat in more than one way. Reviewers say this splat mat in particular works well for messy play, picnics, and even as a tablecloth. Its laminated one-layer design makes it lightweight and compact as well. 

Unfortunately, some say its one-layer design is a flaw as it makes the mat too thin and almost transparent. Oil stains may be hard to remove too, and this mat is also said to wrinkle up after cleaning. 

Material: Polyester | Dimensions: ‎51″ x 51″
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Best in Affordability: Nuby Floor Mat

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Similar to the ReignDrop mat, the Nuby Floor Mat has many of the same attributes at a more affordable price. A new and improved edition, this waterproof mat holds its shape while blending into your home’s design. Parents also loved the size, commenting it’s big enough to do the job but not too big that it takes up too much space.  

Even so, parents weren’t impressed with the creases that seem to stick around even after long-term use. Some say it doesn’t always lay flat either. As with the Reigndrop mat, it’s not machine washable as many other mats are, so that’s a disadvantage worth weighing. 

Material: Vinyl | Dimensions: ‎2″ x 5″ x 8″
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Best for Health: Cairn Vegan Leather Splat Mat

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A modern and neutral highchair mat, the Cairn Vegan Leather Splat Mat is made of luxuriously soft material that’s good for more than just catching food. A stain and water-resistant material, it is thoughtfully made without toxins, PVC, phthalates, and lead.  

Though it does wipe clean, you can’t put it in the washer which, for some busy parents, might be an inconvenience. Some reviewers also voiced their concern with the quality of the leather, unsure of how it will hold up over time. 

Material: Faux leather | Dimensions: 38″ x 38″
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What to Look for in a High Chair Mat

By now, we know the benefit of a highchair mat is cleanliness itself, but how can you be sure you’re picking the right mat for your needs? Consider these points below before making your purchase. 

• Material: Each mat comes in a different material, from vinyl to leather, all with their own advantages. Likewise, some are toxin-free, and others are more questionable.  
• Design: Do you want a fun design for your children to enjoy? Maybe you’re looking for something that goes unnoticed and fits into your home’s decor. 
• Price: The cost of these mats ranges from very affordable to something of an investment. Weigh the price alongside reviews to decide what’s worth it. 
• Gripped backing: Some mats account for slipping and bunching with gripped backing, while others rely on high chairs to hold them in place.

Washing method: How would you like to be able to clean your mat? If you already like to clean high chair straps, cushions, and the like in the wash, grab a washable mat too. Keep in mind not every mat can be put through a wash and dry cycle, and that’s a major issue for some parents.