The XXL baby water mat from NouBaby made a very good impression in our test. The background of the water mat reflects a sea background. There are 8 different toy fish in the inner chamber. These sea creatures can be played with once the water mat has been filled. The inner chamber of the water mat is filled with 6-7 litres of water. The water mat can be filled with warm or cold water. If there is a small hole, it can be patched with one of the six patches supplied. Unfortunately, not all of the water can drain away, but some water always remains in the mat.
It would also have been desirable to include a telephone number.
Advantages
Phthalate and BPA free
✅ playfully promotes baby’s development
✅ With 6 repair stickers
✅ Suitable for hot and cold water
✅ Space for two babies
Disadvantages
❌ No telephone customer hotline
❌ a water residue remains in the mat
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, items were packed compactly | 100 points |
| Product labelling | CE labelling available | 100 points |
| Miscellaneous | High-quality packaging, also suitable as a gift | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The XXL baby water mat from NouBaby was delivered together with other products in a single shipping box. The shipping box was compact and the individual products had little room to move around. The remaining space in the shipping box was therefore filled with recycled paper filling material. The product packaging was undamaged and in perfect condition. Both the shipping carton and the product packaging were easy to open without tools.
The product packaging is blue, matching the colour of the water. The water mat is printed on the packaging to illustrate the colour.
It should be emphasised that only recyclable, renewable materials (paper/cardboard) were used for the packaging. Overall, the NouBaby water mat makes a very good impression.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Water mat with six repair patches, instructions and tips | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Contact information | can be found on the product box and on the back of the water mat | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In addition to the baby water mat, there are also six self-adhesive repair patches in the product box.
The instructions for use are very detailed and written in German. The instructions for use are coloured blue to match the product. Fish and sea creatures also adorn the instructions. In addition to the written instructions for use, there are also illustrated instructions for use that illustrate the respective application. In addition to the instructions for use, there is further information on care and cleaning as well as customer service. Contact details are provided on the product packaging. These include the company name, address and an e-mail address. Unfortunately, there is no telephone number. The customer is kindly advised to contact customer service if they have any questions or problems.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | High-quality appearance | 100 points |
| Processing | Clean processing | 100 points |
| Stability | Particularly tear-resistant | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | free from phthalates and BPA – no other details | 80 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The XXL baby water mat from NouBaby is round and essentially consists of two separate chambers. The water mat has a diameter of 100 cm. The outer chamber is approx. 8 cm wide. The background of the water mat reflects a sea background . In the middle is a sunken ship surrounded by lots of colourful fish and other sea creatures. A pirate’s treasure is hidden among the water plants. Two divers are searching for this treasure. There are 8 different foam toy fish in the inner chamber. These can be played with once the water mat has been filled.
The four self-adhesive patches supplied measure 7 cm x 5.5 cm. These can be cut to the size of the damaged area if required. The patches are transparent so that the design is not affected.
The baby water mat is free from phthalates and BPA. The eco-PVC material makes the mat particularly tear-resistant.
Otherwise, the water mat makes a very good visual impression in the test and has no processing defects.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | 3-4 litres of water, simply hold under the tap | 100 points |
| Utilisation | Suitable for cold and warm water | 100 points |
| Drain | Water cannot be drained completely | 85 points |
| Cleaning | Easy cleaning by hand – water should be changed every seven days | 100 points |
| Total | 96 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We really liked the baby water mat from NouBaby in the test. It is easy and quick to use. The first positive thing we noticed is that the mat does not emit any unpleasant or chemical odours. To put the water mat into operation, we first wiped it with a wet cloth.
The inner chamber of the water mat is filled with 6-7 litres of water. This is best done under the tap. Alternatively, you can also use a watering can or a bottle. Once the water mat is filled, the outer edge is inflated. There is a valve on the back for this purpose. The water mat has a normal non-return valve, as known from conventional air mattresses. This means that the inflated air remains in the mat. However, this makes inflation a little more strenuous.
Once the water mat is filled with water and air, it simply needs to be turned over and placed on a soft surface. The water mat is now ready for use – only use under adult supervision. Draining the water is also easy. Simply open the valve on the back. Unfortunately, not all the water can drain away, but there is always some water left in the mat. Even after two days, the mat is still damp inside.
If there is a small hole, it can be repaired with one of the four patches supplied. The patch is glued to the cleaned and dry hole. A waiting time of at least 30 minutes must be observed before the next use.
The water mat can be filled with warm or cold water. In summer, cold water can be filled in to refresh the baby. In winter, warm water is recommended so that it is pleasantly warm for the baby.
If used continuously, the water should be changed about once a week to prevent mould and bacteria from forming. When not in use, the water should be drained. During this time, the cap should remain open. A little vinegar or a small chlorine tablet can also be added to the water. As the baby does not come into contact with the water, this is harmless.
The water mat itself can be washed by hand. This means it can be cleaned quickly after playtime.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | reasonable price/performance ratio | 85 points |
| Rating cut | 4.4 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 70 points |
| Total | 78 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.4 stars, often complaining that the washing mat emits an unpleasant odour. However, we cannot confirm this. Another criticism is that not all the water can be drained. Many customers like the fact that babies can stay in a prone position for longer and lift their heads better after a short time. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the handling was good.
Prices of up to €34.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €7.99. With a price of €26.99, the XXL baby water mat from NouBaby is currently in the middle price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of the product.
Overall result
| Weighting | Points achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 10% | 100 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 95 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 96 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 78 points |
| Total | 93 points |
