Changing Table vs. Dresser: Which is Better for a Baby?

If you are a new parent or you’re expecting a new addition to your family, you may be looking at setting up a diaper changing station in your baby’s room. Dedicated changing tables and nursery drawer dressers are a great piece of furniture to set up your changing station, but choosing between them can be a headache.

Continue reading to learn the factors you need to consider when buying one of these baby essentials.  

Most parents today prefer the combo of a dresser with a changing pad or changing table topper over a standalone changing table.

Baby dressers are more versatile and practical, while changing tables only serve one function, and they become useless once your baby is consistently going on the potty chair.

If you get a standalone changing table, you’ll still need some place to store your baby’s belongings. This makes baby dressers with a changing station a space-saving and cost-effective option for new parents.

Most people find it easier to customize baby dressers to make them fit different  decor styles , while changing tables can end up clashing with the rest of the room if you decide to change the theme of your nursery.

Dressers also offer more storage space, versatility and durability than a changing table. A dresser is a smart investment that will save you a lot of money and hassle in the future.

A baby dresser is a must-have furniture for any nursery. It provides storage space for baby clothes, diapers, toys and other essentials, and it can double as a diaper changing station.

These are the features you should look for when buying your ideal baby dresser:

• Size and shape: Measure your space and consider the height, width and depth of the dresser before you buy to make sure it fits the available space. You should also try to get a baby dresser that matches the rest of your nursery furniture.

• Materials and quality: High-quality baby dressers are durable, sturdy and safe. Wood with a smooth finish is the best material for a dresser that will withstand years of use. You should also make sure that your dresser is water-resistant to prevent damage from spills and bladder accidents.

• Drawers: They should be spacious and easy to close and open. You’ll need a dresser that can store all your baby’s items, from baby clothes to toys and diaper bags, so you don’t have to invest on additional storage solutions. 

• Accessories and extras: To increase functionality and style, other accessories and nursery furniture—like changing trays, changing pads, changing mats, mirrors, night lamps, nightstands, cribs, and bookcases—should match your dresser.

A baby dresser is more than just a piece of furniture. It is an investment in your baby's comfort, safety and happiness. If you’re looking for the best nursery dresser in the market, look no further, The Dresser was made for you.

Our premium dresser arrives fully assembled, is made from non-toxic, sustainable wood, comes with extender panels, and you can get a matching changing topper or changing pad.

Nursery dressers are multifunctional pieces of furniture that not only provide extra storage space in your nursery, but you can also place a removable changing topper or changing pad on top of the dresser, and turn it into a changing table/dresser hybrid. But is it a more convenient option than a changing table?

• They need more space: Baby dressers may take up a lot of space in your nursery. However, if you plan ahead, you won’t have to sacrifice adding other items you want in your nursery, such as a rocker or glider, or a baby bouncer.

• Heavy and difficult to move: They can be very bulky, since they are usually made from heavy materials, such as wood and steel. You might have a hard time with it if you want to rearrange your nursery or move to a different house or apartment.

Traditionally, baby changing tables have been considered essential items in any baby’s nursery. When buying a changing table for your little one’s room, there are some things you need to consider:

You need to make sure that your changing table is baby-safe. It should be sturdy, stable and secure. Some of them even include safety straps or belts ro prevent your baby from falling off. You also need to ensure that the changing table is safe for your back. They tend to be 36’’ to 42’’ tall to prevent you from crunching over the table.

Choose a changing table that doesn’t take up too much room in your nursery. Some of them include shelves underneath to keep extra diapers and other baby gear at arms reach. These shelves should be easy to open and close so your baby isn’t at risk of falling while you’re usign them.

Free-standing changing tables are easy to store, they usually have height adjustability, and they can be used as bookshelves when you no longer need them. However, they take up too much space and are not very stable. Wall-mounted changing tables take up less space and tend to be sturdier, but you sacrifice height adjustability and there’s not much use for them when you no longer need them.

Most changing tables are free-standing, but some are mounted to cribs. You can also find a bassinet and changing station combo.

Changing tables function as a place to both change your baby and store items. Many come with a safety strap to keep your baby safe. Remember that even if you buckle your baby onto the changing station, it is never safe to leave them unattended.

A changing table is a piece of furniture designed to make diaper changing easy and comfortable for parents and babies. But is it really worth buying one? Let’s look at some pros and cons:

●Convenience: A changer allows you to change your baby’s diaper at a comfortable height, without having to bend over or kneel on the floor. Some models even provide a bit of storage space for baby essentials, so you don’t have to run out looking for them while your baby is on the table.

●Multiple styles: This piece of furniture can match your nursery decor. You can choose from various colors, materials and designs to suit your taste.

●Safety: A changing table can help you avoid injuries by preventing your baby from rolling over with the safety straps and raised edges that some models have.

●Expensive: Changing tables can be quite expensive depending on the brand, quality and added features. 

●Takes up a lot of space: Changing tables are bulky and heavy items that require a dedicated space in the nursery. They are difficult to fit in small baby rooms, and they may limit the placement of other furniture or accesories.

●Lack of longevity: This piece of baby furniture is designed for a specific purpose and age group. Once your baby outgrows diapers, a changing table becomes obsolete and you’ll need to get rid of it or think of ways to repurpose it.

●Cluttered room: They can make your nursery look messier over time, especially if they have open shelves filled with baby items. Also, they may attract dust and germs since they can be hard to keep clean.

A changing table topper can be a convenient addition to a dresser, The advantages of using a changing table topper include:

• Safety: Provides a designated, secure space for changing your baby with raised edges to prevent rolling.

• Organization: Often includes compartments for diapers, wipes, and other essentials, keeping everything within reach.

• Versatility: Can be removed when no longer needed, allowing the dresser to be used for regular storage as your child grows.

If you choose to use a topper, ensure the changing surface is safe and stable, and always supervise your baby during changes.

The ideal height for a dresser to be used as a changing table is between 32 and 42 inches. This height range is ergonomically friendly for most adults, preventing excessive bending or reaching, which can cause strain. It’s important to consider your own height and comfort, as well as ensuring the dresser is sturdy enough to support the changing topper and your baby safely.

The weight of dressers can vary widely based on size, material, and construction. On average:

• Small Dressers: 50-100 pounds

• Medium Dressers: 100-150 pounds

• Large Dressers: 150-250 pounds

Solid wood dressers tend to be heavier than those made from composite materials. Always check the specifications of the dresser to ensure it can be safely moved and handled.

Changing tables are worth the investment for several reasons:

• Convenience: A changer allows you to change your baby’s diaper at a comfortable height, without having to bend over or kneel on the floor. Some models even provide a bit of storage space for baby essentials for easy access.

• Multiple styles: This piece of furniture can match your nursery and house decor. You can choose from various colors, materials and designs to suit your taste.

• Safety: A changing table can help you avoid injuries by preventing your baby from rolling over with the safety straps and raised edges that most models have.

Shop the baby furniture essentials you need to care for your baby on Nurture&.