Do You Need a Changing Table for Your Baby?

Preparing for a new baby means making countless decisions about what essentials to include in your nursery. When it comes to changing tables, some see them as must-haves for organization and convenience, while others wonder if it’s just another piece of furniture that’s going to take up space and collect dust.

Continue reading to find out whether a changing table is a necessity or a nice-to-have item for your baby’s room.

When preparing for a new baby, parents often wonder if a changing table is a must-have baby nursery item. 

A changing table is a standalone piece of furniture with a built-in changing mat or topper on top; it can also include shelves or drawers below, for storing nappies, wipes, lotions, or creams and other changing supplies, keeping everything you need at arm’s reach.

Many parents find changing tables incredibly convenient. A designated diaper changing area can make the process smoother and more organized. 

With all the supplies in one place, you can quickly grab what you need without searching through different drawers or baskets. The height of a changing table also helps reduce back strain, as you won’t need to bend over a bed or the floor to change your baby’s diaper.

However, changing tables can be bulky and take up significant space. If your baby’s room is small or you live in a compact apartment, finding room for a dedicated changing table might be challenging. In these cases, a traditional changing table might not be the best fit.

An excellent alternative to a traditional changing table is a multifunctional dresser. Dressers combine storage space with a changing station, offering a space-efficient and budget-friendly solution. With ample storage for diapers, clothes and other baby items, these dressers can easily transition to regular storage once diaper changes are no longer needed.

At Nurture&, we offer a wide variety of dressers that can fit in any space. By getting the Dresser and removable changing topper combo, you’ll be able to create a modern diaper changing station that'll grow with your child by just removing the changing pad or topper.

Whether you choose a changing table or an alternative like a multifunctional dresser , the most important thing is finding what works best for you and your family. While not essential, a changing table rarely feels like a waste of money since it’s helpful for organizing diaper supplies and containing messes.

A changing table is one of those pieces of nursery furniture that can improve your quality of life, especially if you’re a new parent and are still trying to get the hang of things. Some of the advantages of a changing table are:

A changer provides an organized space where you can keep all your diaper-changing supplies, such as diapers, wipes, diaper bags, and more, in one convenient location. This organization can make the diaper-changing process less stressful, as everything you need is within arm’s reach.

Changing tables help contain and manage diaper messes, keeping them confined to one area. This can protect other surfaces, such as your bed or the floor, from potential stains and germs, ensuring a more hygienic environment for your baby and the rest of your household.

Changing tables are specifically designed for diaper changes, featuring raised edges to prevent your baby from rolling off and straps to secure them in place. These safety features can provide peace of mind, knowing your baby is less likely to fall during a diaper change. Even though changing tables are safe for your baby, that doesn’t mean that they can be left unattended when they are on the changing table.

Many changing tables come equipped with extra shelves or drawers, which gives you additional storage space for baby clothes, towels, and other essentials. This added storage can help keep your nursery tidy and ensure that all necessary items are easily accessible.

Changing tables are typically set at the right height to be comfortable for adults, reducing the need to bend over or kneel on the floor. This ergonomic design can prevent back pain and make diaper-changing more comfortable for parents and caregivers.

Even though they offer many benefits, there are some cons you should consider before buying a changing table. These are:

One of the disadvantages of a changing table is the amount of space it takes up. If you don’t have much space, a traditional changing station may not be for you. You can look into other options like a wall-mounted changing station or a multifunctional dresser.

Changing tables can be a significant investment, especially if purchased as a standalone piece of furniture. While they offer many benefits, the cost might not be justifiable for all families, particularly if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.

Changing tables are primarily used during the baby’s first few years. Once your child outgrows diapers, the changing table may no longer be necessary, making it a less practical investment in the long run. However, if you opt for a dresser that doubles as a changing table, the dresser can continue to be used as a regular piece of furniture.

Unlike portable changing pads, a changing table is stationary and it can be a hassle to move it from one room to another. This lack of mobility might be inconvenient if you prefer to have your diaper-changing supplies accessible in various places, such as your bedroom or living room.

It’s crucial to ensure that your changing table has adequate safety features to keep your little one safe. Here are the key safety measures every changing table should have:

Your changing table should be stable and sturdy . It shouldn’t wobble or tip over easily, even if your baby moves around a lot during diaper changes. Make sure to check that the table is well-built and has a solid base to prevent any accidents.

A changing table should have a 2-inch (5-centimeter) guardrail on all four sides. These guardrails act as a barrier to prevent your baby from rolling off the table. It’s a simple but essential feature that significantly enhances safety.

The surface of the changing table should be slightly concave, meaning it should dip down in the middle. This design helps keep your baby in the center of the table and reduces the risk of them rolling towards the edges.

Safety straps are designed to secure your baby and keep them in place during diaper changes. Always fasten the safety strap snugly, but comfortably around your baby to prevent any falls.

It’s essential to stop using the changing table once your baby reaches a certain age or weight. Most changing tables are designed for infants up to about 30 lb , or until they become more mobile and difficult to manage on an elevated surface. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines.

At Nurture&, we prioritize your baby’s safety and comfort. Our dresser collection is not only stylish and functional, but also incredibly safe. Here’s why:

• Exceeds ASTM safety standards: Our products meet and exceed the rigorous ASTM Safety Standards, ensuring they are designed and tested for the utmost safety.

• Non-toxic materials: We only use non-toxic materials in our products, ensuring a safe environment for your baby.

• Prop 65 compliant: Our furniture complies with California’s Prop 65 regulations, which means our dressers are free from harmful chemicals.

• TSCA Title VI compliant: Our products meet the TSCA Title VI standards for formaldehyde emissions, ensuring they’re safe for indoor use.

• No fire retardants: We don’t use any fire retardant chemicals in our products, providing a safer environment for your child.

When preparing your baby’s room for the first time, setting up the changing table properly is crucial for smooth and stress-free diaper changes. Having everything within reach ensures you never have to leave your baby unattended.

Whether you’re a new parent or looking to update your nursery setup, our changing table checklist will help you create a comfortable and safe space for your baby during diaper changes:

• Diapers: Whether you choose disposable or reusable diapers, you’ll need plenty on hand, especially in the early days when you might use up to 10 a day. Keeping a good supply close by ensures you’re always prepared for a quick change when your baby goes potty.
  
  

• Baby wipes: You’ll use many wipes to clean up soiled diapers, so look for wipes that are nourishing, moisturizing, high in water content, and free of irritating ingredients, such as alcohol and fragrances. Having a pack or two readily available will make diaper changes easier and more efficient.
  
  

• Diaper change cream: Diaper creams help treat and prevent rashes, which can occur if your baby’s sensitive skin is exposed to a dirty or wet diaper for too long. Not all creams are the same, so it may be necessary to try several until you find the right one for your baby’s skin.
  
  

• Changes of clothes: Diapers are usually effective at containing everything, but there can occasionally be poop explosions. Having a couple of sets of baby clothes near the changing table will allow you to easily change outfits when accidents happen. This ensures your baby stays clean and comfortable.
  
  

• Baby lotion: Babies have sensitive skin that’s often prone to dryness, especially in the colder months. A moisturizing baby lotion will help keep their skin soft and smooth. Keeping a bottle of baby lotion on the changing table can do wonders for your baby’s skin health.
  
  

• Bibs: These are useful for protecting your little one’s clothes from food spills, drooling and messes, keeping them clean and dry. Having a few bibs on hand at the changing table allows you to quickly swap out dirty ones, keeping your baby fresh throughout the day.

The length of time you use a changing table will vary depending on your child's development and your personal preferences. 

Generally, you can use a changing table from birth until your little one is about two to three years old, at which point most children transition from diapers to learning to use the toilet on their own.

However, every child is different and some may be potty -trained earlier or later than others. Also, some parents may continue to use a changing table beyond the toddler years for other purposes, such as dressing or organizing clothes.

Using a desk as a changing table is a good option if the desk is sturdy enough to support your baby's weight. Ensure the top surface securely holds the changing pad to prevent slipping or falling. 

If the desk has shelves or drawers, you can use them to store diapers, wipes, lotions, and other essentials for easy access during diaper changes. This setup can be practical and convenient as long as safety measures are maintained.

Using a changing table comes with inherent risks, so it's crucial to ensure safety measures are in place. Opt for a firm table with a safety strap or harness. Keep all changing essentials within easy reach before placing your baby on the table and always stay with them, keeping a hand on them to prevent falls.

Avoid overloading any side pouches or compartments to prevent tipping, and teach older children to stay away from the table. A well-designed changing table creates a safe and convenient space for diaper changes, making the daily routine more comfortable.

Deciding whether to use a changing table ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, space, budget and how you prioritize convenience and organization.

If you need a good dresser with the best changing topper, Nurture& has the best options. Check out our collections!