In it’s simplest form, a changing table is a piece of furniture. It’ll become one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home. You’ll spend a lot of days (and nights!) there, making sure your little one is cared for. Below, find the best baby changing tables. There are options for every lifestyle and nursery design. Whether you are looking for a traditional stand alone changing table with storage underneath or a minimalist design, I’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
What to look for in a changing table
When rating changing tables, I looked for a variety of options that would fit different lifestyles. When choosing one, you want to find one that is:
- Multi-functional
- Sturdy and safe
- Fits your space and style
- Long-lasting. For many, you can use them as long-term pieces of furniture in your home for toy, book, or clothing storage, even after your child is out of diapers.
TL;DR
- Cutest rustic-style changing table
- Most customizable storage
- Best changing table top (can be put on existing furniture)
Best Traditional Changing Tables
Below find a variety of options for a stand-alone, traditional baby changing table. These have:
- Storage options to maximize your space.
- Fixed holders for the changing pads.
- Why it’s wonderful: This dresser/changing table combo can easily be years for many years in your child’s room.
Pros
- Sturdy piece of furniture that you can keep long after your child is out of diapers!
- Comes in 3 colors: white, espresso, and black.
- Dresser drawers make storage easy and clean-looking!
Cons
- Reviewers note that it takes a while to assemble.
- Why it’s wonderful: This is an affordable, sturdy option that matches a lot of nursery decor.
Pros
- Affordable and sturdy.
- Comes in 6 colors: white, espresso, espresso cherry, dark chocolate, grey, black.
- Shelves underneath are great for flexible storage.
Cons
- Reviewers note that the paint on this design will chip off with use.
- The included changing pad is very thin, and revierwers recommended purchasing one separately.
Find the best changing pad for this table here.
Best changing tables for small spaces or minimalist living
These changing tables are perfect if you’re trying to keep the “baby stuff space” to a minimum. These are either:
- Portable
- Able to attach to per-existing furniture in your home (dressers)
Magic Mom Hack
It is important to “baby-proof” your changing table by mounting it to the wall. Some furniture may come with mounts, or you can purchase them separately (see FAQs below for more info).
- Why it’s wonderful: This eye-catching piece has unique sliding doors to reveal storage shelves.
Pros
- Perfect to match a rustic-themed nursery.
- Longevity: this piece of furniture could easily be used throughout your home once the baby has outgrown the need for the changing table function. You can store books or toys on top.
- Comes with drawers and shelves, which is unique for a changing table!
- Top is large enough to fit standard changing pad and wipes container.
Cons
- Would require baby proofing of sliding doors once child was mobile.
- Why it’s wonderful: This rustic-style changing table is extremely customizable- you can choose the color, size, and underneath storage arrangement to fit your needs.
Pros
- Customizable: color (paint and stain), size, underneath storage arrangement!
- Can fit any size diaper trash can underneath.
Cons
- Shipped by freight companies, so you need to pick it up at the closest freight center to you.
- Why it’s wonderful: This design comes in a hard-to-find mid-century modern style.
Pros
- Stunning mid-century modern design.
- Includes 4 large storage drawers.
- Longevity: Can be used in any room in your home as a piece of storage furniture after your baby outgrows the need for a changing table.
- Fits standard changing pads, and has a designated space for wipes, diapers, etc. right next to the pad.
- Available in 1 color: Walnut.
Cons
- Relatively high cost, compared to other options available.
- Lengthy shipping times.
Why it’s wonderful: This homemade changing basket and pad is portable and stunning.
Note that this one comes with a changing pad and the basket (with an option for a sheet, too).
Pros
- Handmade of natural grass.
- Available with a fitted foam pad or Pad, Pique Liner, and waterproof sheet.
- Multiple colors available. Contact seller for more information.
- Lightweight and easy to move from room to room.
Cons
- Cannot be secured to tabletop/dresser.
- These are made to order and are shipped from Ghana, so you'll need to order it ahead of time.
- Not standard size, so the pad will not fit standard covers.
- Why it’s wonderful: This changing station fits on most dressers (including IKEA ones), and can be folded up when it’s not in use.
Pros
- Attaches to most dressers! Comes with hardware necessary to attach it.
- Can be folded up when not in use to save space.
- Made from eco-friendly birth plywood.
- Customizable wooden designs available for the back panel (car or stork).
- Longevity: Once your baby outgrows this changing table, it can be used to store books, photo albums, etc. It can also be transformed into a table, which can be used until your child is approximately 4 years old!
- 2 available colors: white and birch.
Cons
- Does not come with dresser, so you need to use one that you already have, or purchase one separately.
- Why it’s wonderful: This changing tray is extremely customizable. The seller will work with you to fit it to a dresser of your choosing (dresser not included).
Pros
- Customizable: color, size, child's name.
- 6 colors available: Expresso, jackbean, English chestnut, classic grey, natural, golden oak.
- Back has a lip on it so you can attach it to a dresser of your choice (hardware and holes not included).
Cons
- Does not come with dresser, so you need to use one that you already have, or purchase one separately.
Magic Mom Hack
If you’re short on space, another option is to use a portable crib with a changing table attachment. I love this one. These can easily be folded up once you’re done using them to save space. They also make great options for grandparent’s houses.
- Why it’s wonderful: This changing table folds up for compact storage!
Pros
- Foldable.
- Has wheels to make moving it easer, and brakes to keep it in place.
- Adjustable hight.
- Includes storage basket and storage shelf.
- Rated to hold children up to 30lbs. Some reviewers noted that they were pleasantly surprised by it's sturdiness-- it has a steel frame.
- Has a giraffe growth chart on the bottom that you can use to measure your little one! Note: it is in cemtimeters.
Cons
- Can't be mounted to the wall.
Baby changing table FAQs
How can I baby-proof my changing table?
There are two baby-proofing considerations for changing tables: (1) anti-tip protection (2) drawer protection.
- Anti-tip protection
You can (and should) attach your changing tables to the wall. Your child will inevitably pull on it, and it can be a tipping hazard.
Some dressers may come with the hardware you need to attach it to the wall. Or, you can purchase it separately.
If you’re buying an after-market one, you’ll need:
- The actual mount. This is the one we used with my son’s changing table.
- A drill. You’ll use a drill to attach one end to the dresser, and one to the wall. This is the one we use and love.
- Dry-wall anchors. You can either attach it to the studs, or use dry-wall anchors (which are not included, but can be purchased here).
- Drawer protection
Depending on what kind of drawers your changing table has (if any), there are there are different options available to prevent young children (or peeking family members. ha!) from getting inside or pinching their fingers.
Here are some options:
- Magnet locks (these are invisible from the outside)
- Strap-locks (can be used on doors or drawers)
- Corner covers (can be used on dressers)
What else do I need to set up my changing station?
- Changing pad and cover. Check out my comprehensive post about the best ones here.
- Diapers, diaper creme, and wipes.
- Storage baskets. I stored my son’s clothes in the shelves under the changing table for a while, then a mix of clothes and toys, and later used it for diaper storage (when we were buying them in bulk) and his clothes.
I wish you all the best as you design your nursery! I’d love to see which one you chose. Share a photo of it on the Mom Jean Magic Facebook and Instagram page! @momjeanmagic
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