We’re Past Nappy-Free Playtime, But This Waterproof Playmat Just Solved a Whole Different Parenting Problem

Rudie Nudie started with one mum’s mission to make nappy-free playtime less messy. Years later, I’m discovering why these waterproof playmats might be just as useful for parents navigating toilet training, bedwetting and everything else children throw at us.

There are certain baby products you discover and immediately think, where on earth was this when I needed it? That’s exactly how I felt when the Rudie Nudie waterproof playmat arrived. At first glance, it looked like a beautiful, soft cotton playmat. Lovely colours, a gorgeous design and the sort of thing you’d happily leave out in the living room rather than frantically hide when someone knocks on the door. But underneath that soft exterior was the part that really caught my attention. It was waterproof.

Now, Rudie Nudie was originally designed for nappy-free playtime, which is a stage we’re well and truly past in our household. And I have to say, I wish we’d had one back then. The idea of letting a baby enjoy some nappy-free time without constantly worrying about what might happen to the carpet sounds like a parenting dream. But while I could immediately see why mums with babies would love it, I had a completely different problem in mind.

Could a Waterproof Playmat Double as a Mattress Protector?

You see, we’re at the nighttime toilet-training stage. And if you’ve been there, you’ll know that while your child might be doing brilliantly during the day, nighttime can be an entirely different story. There’s nothing quite like being woken in the middle of the night and realising you’re about to embark on the world’s least enjoyable bed-changing exercise. Sheets off, pyjamas changed, mattress checked, fresh bedding found, and all while trying not to wake the rest of the household.

So when I felt how soft the Rudie Nudie mat was and discovered that it was waterproof, I had a thought. What if I put it on the bed? After all, if it’s designed to absorb little accidents during nappy-free playtime, surely it could be useful for nighttime toilet training too. And the answer, for us, was yes.

The mat gave us an extra protective layer over the mattress without the feel of some traditional waterproof protectors. What I particularly liked was that it felt like a soft cotton mat rather than something clinical or plasticky. And because it’s machine-washable, cleaning it after an accident is straightforward.

I wouldn’t suggest replacing your fitted mattress protector altogether, particularly if you have a child who moves around a lot during the night. A loose playmat can shift, so it’s worth making sure it stays positioned appropriately and following the brand’s care and safety guidance. But as an additional layer for nighttime toilet training, I could immediately see the appeal. And suddenly, a product I thought we’d discovered a few years too late had found a completely new purpose in our house.

How One Mum’s Messy Playtime Problem Became Rudie Nudie

What makes Rudie Nudie even more relatable is the story behind it, because it started with another mum trying to solve an everyday parenting problem. Melbourne mum Jacqui Burton came up with the idea after her daughter struggled with tummy time. Her maternal health nurse suggested trying nappy-free playtime, as some babies are happier without the restriction of a nappy. There was just one fairly obvious problem. Babies don’t exactly give you much warning when they’re about to have an accident.

Jacqui found herself juggling disposable change mats, rugs and towels in an attempt to protect the carpet, creating even more washing in the process. As a mum already balancing young children and a corporate career, she started wondering why there wasn’t a soft, absorbent, waterproof playmat that could simply be thrown in the washing machine.

And when she couldn’t find one, she decided to create it herself. After researching materials, manufacturers and designs, Jacqui launched Rudie Nudie in 2018, introducing what the brand describes as Australia’s first waterproof, absorbent, soft cotton-top playmat.

What I love about this story is how familiar it feels. So many clever parenting products start with a mum standing in the middle of a mess, wondering why there isn’t an easier way to do something.

Why Is the Rudie Nudie Playmat Different?

For me, the biggest difference is that it doesn’t look or feel like a traditional waterproof mat. The cotton surface is soft, the designs are beautiful, and it’s something you could comfortably use in the nursery, living room or bedroom without feeling as though you’ve turned your home into a change station.

But the practical side is what makes it particularly appealing. The mats are designed to be absorbent and waterproof, can be machine-washed and are made to dry quickly. So rather than relying on disposable mats or constantly rotating towels, parents have something reusable that can cope with everyday mess.

And we all know there’s plenty of that. Rudie Nudie originally launched with a 90cm x 90cm playmat, which remains one of its bestselling products. The range has since expanded to include larger 130cm x 130cm playmats and 2m x 2m picnic rugs, including an umbrella-compatible option.

The brand also works with artists to create its colourful designs, which explains why these mats look a little different from the practical waterproof products we’re used to seeing.

It’s a lovely balance of something that looks good and actually has a job to do. Because as much as I appreciate beautiful baby products, I appreciate them considerably more when they save me from doing another load of washing.

From Nappy-Free Playtime to Toilet Training and Beyond

The more I looked into Rudie Nudie, the more I realised that families were finding all sorts of uses for the mats beyond their original purpose. For babies, they’re designed to make nappy-free playtime and tummy time easier to manage. As children grow, they can be used for messy play, craft activities, picnics, trips to the beach and toilet training. The brand also shares examples of families using them beneath highchairs, as dog blankets and when caring for sick children.

And after our own little mattress-protector experiment, I can understand why parents keep finding new ways to use them. That’s what I appreciate about products that grow with your family. Something that starts as a baby essential doesn’t necessarily have to be packed away the moment your child moves into the next stage.

For parents with newborns, I can see the attraction of being able to put a soft mat on the floor and enjoy nappy-free time without worrying quite so much about the inevitable accidents. For parents with toddlers, it might be messy play or toilet training. And for those of us dealing with nighttime accidents, it’s another practical layer between the child and the mattress.

The Australian Mum Behind a Global Parenting Brand

Jacqui’s idea has grown well beyond those early days of trying to protect her carpet. According to Rudie Nudie, within three years of launching, the business had generated $1.5 million in revenue and was shipping to 37 countries. The brand also received an Afterpay National Quarterly Growth Award in 2020 and has accumulated more than 1,600 five-star reviews.

It’s an impressive journey for a business that began with one mum looking for a way to reduce her washing pile. Along the way, Jacqui has collaborated with artists, expanded the range and built a community of parents who have discovered their own uses for the mats.

And perhaps that’s the part I love most. She didn’t set out to reinvent parenting. She simply noticed something that was making everyday life harder and wondered whether there was a better solution.

Our Verdict: Is a Rudie Nudie Waterproof Playmat Worth It?

If I were back in the newborn stage, I’d absolutely appreciate having a Rudie Nudie mat for nappy-free playtime. The combination of a soft cotton surface, waterproof protection and machine-washable convenience makes a lot of sense when you’re dealing with a baby who has absolutely no interest in keeping your carpet clean.

But what surprised me was discovering how useful it could be now, when we’re well beyond that stage. Our nighttime toilet-training experiment gave the mat a whole new purpose, and I love that it’s something we can continue using for other activities rather than packing it away once toilet training is behind us.

Would I use it as my only mattress protection? Probably not. But as an additional washable layer that can also be used for playtime, picnics and all the other messy moments that come with family life, I can see why so many parents have embraced the idea.

And while I wish I’d discovered Rudie Nudie when the girls were babies, I’m rather pleased it found its way into our household now. Because apparently, even when you think you’re finished with the messy baby stage, parenting has a wonderful way of introducing you to an entirely new kind of mess. For more information and to explore the range, visit Rudie Nudie.

Editorial Disclosure: Parenthood360 received a Rudie Nudie playmat for independent editorial consideration. Product provision does not guarantee coverage, and all experiences and opinions expressed are our own.