When a baby is on its way, the expectant parents and their loved ones have a lot on their plate. There are doctor appointments and ultrasounds to go to, but the shopping and showers are also high on the priority list. Cribs, sliders, strollers…all of these are essentials for most parents as they make life a little easier after the little one comes along.
One of the chores that new parents usually find especially difficult is that of changing diapers. In the first few weeks, especially if the baby’s their firstborn, there are bound to be a lot of accidents, spills, and running short of essentials. Plus, changing an increasingly active baby can be quite challenging. For all these reasons and more, a changing table should absolutely e on your baby registry.
While there are several factors to keep in mind when searching for the perfect option, we feel like a changing table with some drawers makes the most sense. This way, you’d be able to keep all the diapers, wipes, and clothes in a convenient space where they’d be easily accessible without making the room unsightly. Let’s now have a look at how we can choose just the right changing table for our needs, and then check out the top 5 options parents can try out:
How Much Space Do We Need?
Before deciding on any kind of changing table, we need to see how much space we can spare. When you’re setting up a nursery, there’s a lot to fit in. You have the baby’s rib, a slider or rocking chair for yourself, some sort of ottoman or footstool, and some shelving for the toys and books. With this in mind, do you have a place set for the changing table or not? If you’d be sharing a room with the baby, that narrows down the available space even further.
Fortunately, most changing tables are only for a temporary setup. After all, it’s not recommended to use a changing table after the baby turns one year old or thereabouts. After that age, the activity and weight of the baby means that it’s safer to change them on the floor. If you’re going for a changing table with drawers, this means that it can likely convert to a dresser for yourself or your children after the baby doesn’t need it anymore.
If you’re setting up a separate nursery, remember that a changing able usually takes up the same amount of space as a standard bookcase. However, with drawers and/or cupboards inside this pierce of furniture, you’d actually be expanding your storage space. In that case, you might stow away some of the toys inside a couple of drawers so the changing tale can have plenty of room.
Factors to Consider
Here are the most important factors to consider before choosing a changing table for your baby:
- Height: Changing tables don’t have standard sizes. This is actually good, as parents might be of several different heights. You can choose a table height that corresponds to the height of whoever changes diapers the most. It’s especially good for a mother who’s gone through a C-section to have a changing table. They can have everything they need on hand and not have to bend at the waist every time they have to change a diaper.
- Versatile features: A changing table that converts into a dressers, shelf, or table will be a much better investment in the long run.
- Price Range: Baby items can be expensive, and most changing tables are no different. They can run from $100 to $500 and even higher, so see if your budget allows for one. Changing tables aren’t completely necessary, though one with storage space will certainly ease up your routine a bit.
- Ease of Cleaning: Changing tables are liable to get dirty pretty quickly, so you want them to be easily cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. Plastic is one of the best options for this, but there might be some wooden options that won’t fade quickly.
- Safety: It goes without saying that a changing table should be sturdy and safe for a baby. Some models have a sort of railing around it so that the baby can’t begin to roll off the edge. In any case, no baby should be left unattended while they’re on a changing table. Some models might also have tethers and braces to secure it to the wall. If they don’t, a hardware store in the area might have what’s required. Finally, make sure that there are no loos parts or sharp edges where the baby can grab and possibly hurt themselves.
- Non-Toxic Paint: The paint finish on any changing table should not be harmful for baby or anyone else.
While all these factors might seem like a lot, there are several models on the market that might fit the bill. There are also other aspects of changing tables to consider, so let’s have a look at these before moving on to the best types of changing tables with drawers:
Type of Changing Table/Factors | Storage | Stability | Portability | Suitable for a small space | Disadvantages |
Traditional | Usually has shelves, room for baskets, large capacity overall | High | None | Yes | Has a relatively narrow changing place |
With Wheels | Decent amount of storage; shelves, baskets, and boxes will have to be closed so that contents don’t fall out | Average | High | Yes, can be moved when necessary | Uses mostly plastic material, which might not be very sturdy |
With Baby Bath | Relatively less storag | High | Usually not | Suitable especially if parents don’t have a bathtub already | Wouldn’t be useful when the baby’s older |
Wall-Mounted | Small storage compartments, if any | High | None | Can fold away to create space or be used as a desk or table | Might loosen with regular use |
Simple Changing Unit | Potential for a lot of storage; wide surface area and accessible drawers | Very High | None | Yes | High cost of installation |
1. Best Classic Changing Table: South Shore Traditional Changing Table
If you’re looking for a traditional kind of table with dresser-like drawers, this dark-toned model might be just the thing. Along with the sleek look, the rounded edges and front panel are also great for the baby’s safety. Best of all, there are four drawers, two open storage compartments, and a detachable shelf. There’s even an illusion drawer and knobs to make this a lovely addition that’s not too conspicuous. When you’re done with the changing phase, simply remove the top and use the whale thing as a dresser.
Specifications
- Color: Espresso
- Material: Laminated Particleboard
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 32.25 x 39 inches
- Age Range: Newborn to 30 pounds weight
- Item Weight 80 pounds
Key Features
- Includes drawers in different sizes
- Includes illusion drawer
- Front panel
- 5-years limited warranty
Pros
- Traditional look and style
- Convertible design
- Neutral design that will look good in any room
- Ample storage space
- Safety features like contoured edges to keep baby from harm
Cons
- No accessories (like a changing bad or straps)
- Requires assembly with tool and at least two people
2. Best Minimalistic Changing Table: Babyletto Gelato 3-Drawer Changer Dresser
This changing table is built on clean lines, so it’ll probably blend right in with any decor you have in mine. Along with the three drawers, there’s also a removable changing tray and a storage cabinet. The adjustable shelf inside the cabinet makes organization even easier. There are also mechanized stops in the drawers, so children and toddlers wouldn’t be able to pull it all the way out. Overall, this is the model you need if organization and no clutter are among your main priorities.
Specifications
- Fits a 31″ x 16″ changing pad
- Material: Metal
- Product Dimensions 33.5 x 19.25 x 35.27 inches
- Item Weight 104 pounds
Key Features
- Minimalist design
- Customizable with more knobs and feet in different colors
- Stop mechanisms on drawers
Pros
- Easy to blend with rest of furniture
- Anti-tip kit included for extra safety
- Removable tray to enhance invent
- Safety straps included
- Sustainable design with base made from sustainable sources
- Paint is non-toxic, phthalate, and lead safe.
Cons
- Some complaints about white chip marks after delivery
- No changing pad included
3. Best Convertible Changing Table: DaVinci Autumn 4 Drawer Dresser
This changing table has four drawers, but it’s also able to serve as a regular dresser after the baby is a little older. If you’re looking to get the most out of your investment, this option actually combines two functions into one item. There’s a removable changing tray, so the unit will also be a dresser for your toddler when they get too big for the table. You also won’t have to worry about any marks from the tray, as its attachment is at the back, not the top of the dresser.
Specifications
- Available in espresso, white, or slate shades
- Four drawers
- Dimensions: 35 x 19.13 x 36.5 inches
- Materials: New Zealand Pine Wood and TSCA compliant MDF
- Item Weight: 75 Pounds
Key Features
- Metal glides on drawers
- Small drawers on top, larger ones on the bottom
- Non-toxic paint finish
Pros
- Stop mechanism on drawers for safety
- Metal drawer glides ensure durability
- Classic appearance that can be easily blended with any theme or decor
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Assembly is a bit challenging
- Changing pad not included
4. Best Affordable Changing Table: Costzon Baby Nursery Station
The options for changing tables can be quite expensive, so this offering from Costzon seems pretty reasonable in comparison. Along with the relatively low price range, there’s a lot of storage space here that parents can utilize as they wish. Not only are there drawers for the small items like diapers, wipes, etc., but there’s also a hamper you can use for large toys, blankets, or even dirty laundry. If you put a bin liner inside, it can even work as a place to dispose of dirty diapers when you’re short of time. When the structure gets too dirty, you can always clean it with just a wet cloth and some mild soap.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 34 x 21 x 35 inches
- Materials: Wood, Polyurethane foam, PEVA vinyl
- Weight: 24 pounds
Key Features
- Solid colors
- Three removable storage baskets
- Safety rails around the changing area
- Non-toxic paint finish
- Water-resistant pad
Pros
- Reasonable price range
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Ample storage
- Changing pad and belt included
Cons
- Might be difficult to assemble for some
5. Badger Basket Modern Baby Changing Table
With the removable baskets here, you won’t have to worry about heavy or difficult drawers. On the other hand, the handles on each basket make them as convenient as an inbuilt drawer. There are safety rails all around the top, so a restless baby won’t be at much risk. Perhaps the best feature for some parents will be the foam changing pad, which comes right in the package. We especially like the unique coloring of the storage baskets here, as they’re different shades on either side. With this offering, a homeowner can easily switch out the colors to match their current decor or if they just feel like a change.
Specifications
- Weight limit: 30 pounds
- Dimensions: 34.25 x 20.75 x 34.25 inches
- Materials: Engineered Wood, Wood, Fabric
- Weight: 28.6 pounds
- Basket fabric: 80 percent polyester, 20 percent cotton
- Materials of changing pad: polyurethane and PEVA vinyl
Key Features
- Pull-out removable baskets
- Safety rails around changing area
- Foam changing pad included
- Reversible baskets for easy customization
- Adjustable safety belt with plastic buckle
Pros
- Safety features included
- Ample storage
- Includes safety belt
- Non-toxic paint and finish
Cons
- Children might pull out baskets/drawers too easily
Comparative Analysis and Conclusion
A changing table with drawers is overall a wise investment, especially if the parents are short of space already. This way, the investment will also be less risky, as you’d be able to use the table as a storage unit even when the baby outgrows it.
While the Badger Basket Modern Changing Table might have the most number of baskets, there’s always the risk of young children pulling them out and making a mess. If this will be an issue in your home, we’d recommend going for a model with sliding drawers, like the Costzon Baby Nursery Station or DaVinci Autumn 4 Drawer Dresser. If your baby is especially squirmy, though, the safety railings in the Badger Basket or Costzon are probably necessary.
With all its safety features and storage space, we’d probably recommend the Costzon Changing Table for percent who want to stay within a budget. If you’re fine with shelling out more cash, though, we’d say that the Babyletto Gelato 3-Drawer Changer Dresser gives the best value for its price. You get several safety features, a minimalistic look that blends well, and a lot of other great functions that make this choice practical.