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!