When you have a little one, diaper changes are part of your regular routine. Having a changing table in your nursery provides a safe place for you to change your child’s diaper. The best part? With a changing table, you can conveniently store all of your diaper supplies within reach. Read on to find the best changing table for your nursery.

Tip!

Once your little one is 1 year old (or 30 lbs.), you can safely change them on a towel or a changing pad on the floor.

The Best Changing Tables

When it comes to finding the best changing table for your needs, it’s important to understand the different types.

Changing Table: A changing table gives you a dedicated space to change your baby’s diaper. While simple in design, changing tables are built into the top of the design with an area to fit a changing pad securely. They commonly have shelves or drawers below the changing area to allow for extra storage. This is a great option for you if you have a large nursery with extra space for a dedicated changing area.

Changing-Table Dresser: If you have a small nursery or need extra storage space, opt for a changing-table dresser. The changing area matches the dresser, keeping the style consistent and fitting with your nursery. Most changing-table dressers are designed to remove the changing table after your little one has grown out of diapers, letting you keep and use the dresser throughout the years.

Crib With a Changing Table: Get the best of both worlds by opting for a crib with a built-in changing table. It makes for quick and easy diaper changes, letting your little one get back to sleep easily. The changing table is designed to be on one side of the crib and has built-in shelving or drawers, letting you store diaper necessities as well as extra crib sheets and accessories.

Changing-Table Toppers: While most changing tables have toppers built-in, you can turn your current dresser into a changing table by opting for a stand-alone changing-table topper. A table topper adds the changing area to an existing dresser or table. It has four small walls that fits a changing pad perfectly. The changing-table topper attaches to your dresser with straps, ensuring that the topper is secured onto the dresser.It’s an easy way to create your very own changing-table dresser with a dresser that fits your style and needs. Add in a changing pad so that your little one is comfortable during diaper changes.

Tip!

Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions before securing the table topper to your dresser to ensure your child’s safety.

Best Changing-Table Features

Changing tables often have different features that will help improve safety or ease for you and your little one.

GREENGUARD Gold–Certified: GREENGUARD Gold certification means that the changing table has met emission limits and standards for indoor use. It will not emit a significant amount of chemicals into the air, meaning that it is the perfect choice for your baby’s nursery.

Pad Included: Make life easy by opting for a changing table with a pad included, ensuring you have a comfortable place to change your little one. The changing pad sits inside of the changing-table topper or changing area and is held in with four small walls. Add a changing-pad cover to help protect your pad from accidents or spills.

Pad Safety Strap Included: Some changing-table pads include a safety strap to ensure your little one doesn’t wiggle off of the changing table. Gently place the strap around your baby to prevent accidents. If you have to look away for a moment, it is best to keep one hand on your child to help prevent unwanted accidents.

Tip-Over Restraint Included: Prevent unnecessary tipping by opting for a changing table with tip-over restraints included. The restraints help keep your child safe by anchoring your changing table or dresser to the wall. When your baby starts crawling or walking, you will not have to worry about your baby accidentally tipping over your changing table.

Removable Topper: Some changing-table dressers come with a removable topper, meaning you can remove the changing-table area after your child has outgrown diapers and leave the top of the dresser free. This is a great option to grow with your child throughout the years.

Assembled: Spend less time on the floor putting together furniture by opting for a changing table that is already assembled. It will not only save you stress but will leave more time to spend with your new baby.

Portable: If you find yourself traveling or visiting family often, opt for a portable changing table. It will give you a quick and safe place to change your baby’s diaper no matter where you are.

Best Changing-Table Storage

When you are looking for the best changing table for your nursery, it’s important to consider the different types of storage included.

Drawers: Use drawers to store items that you use most often, like extra diapers, wipes, or extra clothing. As your baby gets older, you can store more clothing items and extra toys in the drawers.

Open Shelving: A changing table with open shelving makes your supplies easily accessible. Keep your go-to items (like diapers and wipes) in the front, so they can be reached quickly without other items getting in the way. Once your little one starts to crawl and play, you can add some of their toys to the bottom shelves, letting them easily grab their favorite on their own.

Baskets: If you want items to be easily accessible but not easily seen, opt for a changing table with baskets. It keeps the area organized and tidy but still allows for quick access to diaper-changing items when you need them.

Cabinets: Cabinets let you store larger items and keep them out of sight, like extra toys, stuffed animals, or baskets. By using cabinets, your changing table will be organized and little hands won’t be able to grab anything during their diaper change.

Hamper: Make changing outfits easier by opting for a changing table with a hamper. Throw dirty or stained clothes into your hamper without having to walk away. It will make diaper changing quicker, so your baby can get back to playing.