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So Many Baby Changing Tables To Choose From - Let Us Show You What's What.

Baby Changing Tables Step-By-Step:

• The Types and Styles of Baby Changing Tables.
• Available Changing Table Finishes.
• Factors To Consider When Evaluating a Changing Table.
• Safety
• Convenience Features
• Budget
• Changing Table Pads.

After choosing your baby's crib, choosing from among the many available changing tables is, arguably, the most important decision that you will make regarding the baby nursery.

Changing your baby's sweet bottom will soon become a big part of your day. Add to this, changing clothes, cutting nails, brushing hair, wiping sticky eyes and checking up baby's nose, not to mention tickling, kissing and nibbling that bare tummy and toes, and you may as well camp out at the baby changing table for the first few months.

Of course, you will still need to feed baby, and, if you are lucky, you may get an hour or two of sleep.

Seriously though, your baby's changing table will be very, very well used over the next 18 months or so.

So how do you know which type will be best for you?

With the large range of styles and brands currently available, making a decision on the best changing table for your baby can leave you feeling somewhat overwhelmed and confused.

I hope to alleviate that feeling with the information on this page.

Read on to take a look at your options when it comes to a baby changing table...



Baby changing tables can be divided into three basic categories:

• Open front
• Dresser
• Space Saving Options

Each is available in various styles and finishes, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Different brands bring their own individual look to each of these styles. Which one you prefer, will depend on your personal taste.

Brands differ in terms of price, quality, safety standards and warranties, as well as distribution methods.

Higher prices are usually due to the quality of materials used and the extent to which the baby changing table has been handmade.

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Open Front Baby Changing Tables

These come in various styles and finishes. Some are completely open, others have open space with a few drawers or cupboards. Baby goods are stored either directly on the shelves or in baskets slotted into the space.


There are also corner models available that save floor space but unfortunately do not provide optimal storage.

The big advantage of the open changing table is its appearance. You can color co-ordinate your baskets to go with the rest of the baby nursery and make it look really pretty.

The disadvantages are, that in reality it provides less storage space than a dresser, is less sturdy, and crawling babies have a predictable habit of pulling baskets onto the floor and tipping everything out. It really is just too much temptation.

Also, if your have cats, you know they just love baskets!

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Dresser Baby Changing Tables

These tables come in many different styles, but there are basically three types.

Dresser with fixed changing table.
In this category you will find dressers with varying numbers and sizes of drawers only; dressers with drawers and doors and dressers with drawers and a raised tower section. (Handy for keeping that waste bin close at hand but out of the way.)


Dresser with optional changing facilities.
One of the following would be attached to the dresser, to be removed later when you no longer need it: a changing tray, a contoured changing pad or a hutch (shelves).


Dresser with a flip top.
The jury's out on the issue of safety with these models. Some say that the extra weight of the top flipping forward makes the table unstable. Others say that this is one of the safest tables because it affords your baby the largest changing area, thereby reducing the likelihood of a fall.

If you decide to go for one of these, I would suggest that you check for the alleged instability. Even if you are satisfied that flipping the table out will not result in instability, make sure that you strap the changer to the wall to prevent the possibility of tipping.


The advantages of a dresser baby changing table are that it is sturdier than the open front, it has more storage space, baby goodies are tucked out of sight, and in the case of the dresser with optional changing facilities, it can be converted to a dresser when you no longer need a changing table.

Space Saving Baby Changing Tables

If you are really short of space in your baby nursery, one of the following options may work for you:


Crib 'n changer combo
This is probably the best space saving option. Because the changing table is attached to the end of the crib, it takes up less space than a separate furniture item. Unlike some of the options below, you still have storage space.

With some models, the changing table is detachable and mobile, and can convert to a nightstand. An added bonus: the price of the combo is less than the price of a similar crib and changing table bought as separate items.




Corner open front
This is a great option for using up the left over space in those awkward corners.



Folding open front
Folding baby changing tables can be stored under or behind the crib when not in use. Check for stability though, and keep your changing supplies nearby.




Crib mounted table
Make sure you have a flat surface or shelf next to the baby crib for your basket of changing supplies. (Do not hang a shelf above the crib - it could fall on baby.)



Wall mounted table
This humble option is not the most attractive, but it is a fantastic space-saver. You could always hang a wall hanging over it when it's not in use. Be sure to have a flat surface or shelf nearby for your basket of changing goodies.




Portable mat
With this option baby can be changed on the floor, a bed or any flat surface. Store your changing goodies in a basket near the mat so that you can move them around with it.


Visit our space saving furniture page, for other useful space saving ideas...

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Other Changing Tables

Other, less common options include:

• The changer 'n bath combo.
• The changer with slide out steps.
• The mobile changing table.
• The hand painted changing table.
• The designer changing table.
• The organic changing table.

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Baby Changing Table Finishes

Changing tables are made of either wood or metal and come in a wide variety of finishes.

Iron changing tables are made to match their corresponding baby crib, but they really aren't very practical. If you have decided on an iron baby crib, you do not have to be tied in to an iron changing table. Wood and metal go beautifully together, and the combination will make for an interesting, eye-catching baby nursery.

Whether wood or metal, there are way too many finishes to mention here. The finish you choose will depend mainly on the baby crib you have chosen for your cutie-pie.

See baby crib finishes for more information...







So, what should you be looking for
in a changing table?

Safety Features

This is your first priority. Babies can easily roll off of an unsafe changing table. Such falls have resulted in serious head injuries in the past. Click here for detailed baby changing table safety guidelines.

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Convenience Features

Look out for:

• Enough storage and organization space.
• A comfortable height - just above your waist. (Changing tables vary from around 33 to 40 inches in height.)
• Enough elbow room. You don't want to be all cramped up when you're trying to change baby, especially if he's crying!
• Space on top of the table for your waste bin, as well as, your wipes warmer if applicable.
• Mobility. Some changing tables come with casters. Look out for this if mobility is important to you. Check that at least two of the casters are lockable.
• A changing table that can be converted into a dresser, if you plan to use it in a toddler's room later.

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Quality Baby Changing Tables and Your Budget

The price of a baby changing table can range from as little as $80, to around a thousand. (Even more if you include the hand painted models).

If your budget is tight, there are numerous options available for discount changing tables. Check out our discount baby furniture page and follow the pointers there. Also bear the following in mind:

• You can buy a portable baby changer for as little as $40, although it obviously does not have the benefit of storage space.
• Open front changers are less expensive than dressers.
• Wood is markedly less expensive than iron in most cases.
• Crib 'n changer combos are less expensive than buying a similar baby crib and changing table separately.
• In the case of some suppliers, baby nursery sets are steeply discounted in comparison to buying each item individually.
• If you intend to buy a portable/travel crib, remember that many of these come with a bassinet feature. Consider using this as your changing area.

Baby Changing Table Pads

Changing table pads are available in a few different models, the most readily available being:

• Laminated or cloth covered.
• Contoured on 2, 3, or 4 sides.
• Steep extra safe contour.

It's best to look for a laminated pad for easy cleaning, with contours on at least three sides for safety. Use a terry toweling cover to keep baby warm and snug.

And that’s about it for baby changing tables!

So…what are you waiting for? – Happy hunting!!

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