Changing Tables That Add Serious Storage and Ease to the Nursery
Changing Tables That Add Serious Storage and Ease to the Nursery
A great changing table can really save your spine. As someone who has had one child and did not use a changing table, and had another child and did use a changing table, I can tell you with all the seriousness I have in me — get the changing table. It makes life so much easier. But which one should you get? There are a few basic versions for you to choose from: independent changing table, changing table dresser, and the changing table attachment for the playard (playpen).
What to Consider
The major differences between the three types of changing tables are size, duration of use, and height. Within those differences are a bunch of other little things like storage, materials, cost, and whatnot. The one defining factor they all have is that whether you're using a dresser or a standalone, it will, at some point, be absolutely carpeted with infant excrement, so it cannot afford to be precious. This is not a job for your grannie's heirloom dresser, unless, maybe, you really disliked that grannie. Let me break down your choices for you.
Independent Changing Tables
These are basically little more than shelves that has a space for a changing pad on the top of it. They generally have low runners on either side that act as a bit of a safety barrier or bumper, but don't let those fool you, you can never walk away from your baby when they're on the changing table.
These changing tables have a short lifespan, for the most part. While you can use them as shelves later on, it's pretty apparent that they were once changing tables. And aesthetically, that's fine when you have a nursery, but a little awkward when your kid gets older. That being said, they're reasonably durable, come in a bunch of materials, and they're usually pretty affordable.
Changing Table Dressers
Quickly becoming the most-popular type of changing table, changing table dressers are exactly what they say they are: dressers with changing tables on top. Sometimes, it's just a top that can be affixed to a dresser, but sometimes, it's a dresser designed to have a removable changing table top. They're both great, but the latter tends to be a bit taller and therefore easier on your back. There are options for hardwood, particle board blended materials, flat-pack furniture, and changing table dressers with white-glove delivery.
The changing tables that affix to the top of dressers are usually made of wood, and they have a lip that settles around the top of the dresser, holding it in place, giving it additional stability than just the joiners provide. Makers like Pottery Barn Kids, and Babyletto lead the pack, making durable, beautiful furniture that your child can use for years to come.
Playard Attachments
There are playards that have built-in changing tables on the top of the base. They are removable, and easy to clean. The one drawback is that these really only work if you're interested in the playard as a whole. They're a bit lower than the dresser or the independent changing table, but they offer a value that others cannot. They tend to have lower weight limits, so you need to look out for that, but they can be a great option.
How We Chose
I took a varied, in-depth approach to determine which changing tables should make the list. First, I put together several of them, both my myself and with my husband. Then, I had real life parents test them out, noting on their durability, ease of use, and learning their overall opinions. I made sure that products in each category were tested, in a range of materials and prices.
On the other hand, there are a few changing tables that made this list because they were suggested to me over and over again by parents who use and love them, and are willing to sing their praises. In these cases, I checked the ratings listed for both the table itself, the manufacturer, and the retailer to make sure they deserve a place on the list.
The changing tables below are truly the best of the best.
1) Portable Baby Changing Table
Forstart
amazon.com
$79.99
I cannot tell you how many parents suggest this changing table. It's a portable, easy-to-move, lightweight changing table with tote bag storage and bottom shelf. It has lockable wheels, an easily cleanable surface, safety strap with buckle, and it folds up in a cinch. The weight limit on the top piece is a whopping 80 pounds, so if your baby is a bit bigger, you can still use it!
Did I forget to mention it's under $80? It's not a piece of furniture you'll have forever, and it's not meant to be. It's utilitarian and simple, doing everything it needs to do.
2) 2-in-1 Changing Table and Storage Unit with Changing Pad
Delta Children
amazon.com
$109.99
A changing table that isn't a dresser, but almost doesn't look like a changing table when you remove the pad? Sign us up!
Delta Children really hit it out of the park, making a shelf and bin hybrid beneath the changing table top (that comes with the pad, by the way.) When you're done using it as a changing table, it really does make a nice bookshelf and toy bin. It's made of engineered wood and comes in three, nontoxic finishes.
A good size at ?37.9 x 21.6 x 6.8 inches, it's a sturdy piece of furniture with plenty of room for stuffed animals, a laundry bag, or even extra blankets.
3) Jenny Lind Changing Table with Pad in White
DaVinci
amazon.com
$149.00
There's a good chance that this is what you think of when you're thinking of a changing table. The classic Jenny Lind changing table. The spindles, the shelves, the glossy white finish. It's basic, beautiful, and really wonderful to have.
The DaVinci changing table is made of solid sustainable New Zealand pinewood and TSCA compliant engineered wood, and finished with lead and phthalate free paint. It's ?36.25 x 19.25 x 39.99 inches, so slightly larger than some independent changing tables, and it comes with anchors to attach it to the wall to prevent tipping. The pad is not included with this one.
4) Stovall Changing Table
George Oliver
wayfair.com
$139.58
Green is one of the hottest colors in interiors right now. (My entire living room is green, so I'm here for this trend.) The George Oliver Stovall changing table is a beautiful mix of green and natural wood in a midcentury modern style. Yes, it's a changing table, but hear me out — after baby is older, you could oh so easily make this a bar cart. The shelves are tall enough for it.
But, as a baby changing station, it's fab. It's solid wood, the changing pad is soft, but easy to clean, and it has a safety strap and buckle. The sky is the limit for styling, but I love the idea of getting some cute baskets or bins to hold the necessities, giving it a chill, cool vibe. The whole thing is 33.75 x 33.75 x 17.75 inches, so it will fit in a smaller space.
5) Scoot 3-Drawer Changer Dresser with Removable Changing Tray
babyletto
amazon.com
$399.00
Another mid century modern pick, and from one of my favorite baby brands out there, the Scoot 3-drawer changer dresser is one of those rare, versatile pieces of furniture that will work in most rooms of your home.
It's one of the few made of Greenguard Gold certified materials. In the case of Babyletto, it's New Zealand pine and engineered woods with zero-VOC finishes. The changing table tray is removable, and without the tray, it's 19 x 34 x 39 inches, making it a great size for a small dresser or nightstand as the child gets older. Alternatively, if your baby is sharing your room, it's such a neutral style that you could put it in your bedroom, filling it with diapering necessities, and then when baby is older, filling it with your own things.
6) Camden 6-Drawer Dresser
Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn
$1499.00
You want a dresser, but something more traditional? Something that you don't need to put together yourself? Hello, Pottery Barn Kids. The Camden 6-drawer hardwood dresser with changing table topper is as beautiful as it is functional.
It's a large, taller dresser that screams "classic elegance" but has the durability you need for children's furniture. In fact, it's crafted with solid poplar wood, sap gum, beech wood, MDF and engineered wood. That does mean that it's a bit on the heavier side, but remember, you can get white glove delivery and have someone else figure out how to get it in the room.
Every bit of this dresser is top-notch. From the dovetail joinery, to the buttery smooth gliding drawers, to the Greenguard gold materials, this is an heirloom piece. It just so happens that the finish can take a lot of cleaning, which it needs to do.
It comes with a tip kit to prevent it from falling over, and the top removes really easily. You'll love this dresser.
7) Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard - Driftwood | Grey
More than just a comfy spot to change dirty diapers, a changing table also serves as a useful storage unit in the nursery, and beyond. Check out these nine trusty tables for every budget and style.