Even a new parent quickly sees the value of a changing table. Changing diapers on the floor is a pain! The whole diaper changing happens right away right away and it’s always a good idea to have a decent set up ready to handle the load. For awhile, the diaper life cycle is never ending. Diaper changing time is nobodies favorite baby activity, so having a dedicated spot to efficiently swap nappies can make it more bearable. In this product discussion, we take a look at the best changing tables and the best changing pads.
What’s Here: Top Picks and Guide
Our first section we’ll check out some of the best baby changing battle stations available in our review list. Second, we provide a quick comparison of the types of baby changing gear available. After that section we consider whether the cost of a changing table is worth it for most parents.
Last but not least our readers will find an overview of the pros and cons of buying a changing table.
10 Best Changing Tables and Changing Pads
Here we take an in-depth look at the best baby changing tables available. Most changing tables and pads are about 32 inches long, so you’ll be able to use this piece of baby gear until your baby reaches about 32 inches in height (which usually happens around 1 year of age).
Best Changing Table Reviews
1. Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad
Best Simple Changing Table
This changing table will save your back and your wallet. It features a clean and simple design that is plenty functional. Delta Children offers this unit in 5 color styles so you can be sure to find something that fits in your nursery. The strong wood construction ensures it is durable enough and the safety rails (which enclose all four sides) stay intact.
Two additional shelves provide sufficient area for diapers and other such necessities. The changing pad is water resistant and incorporates a strap to secure your baby. As such, you’ll still probably want to pick up some machine washable changing pad covers to make cleanup as easy as possible.
2. Badger Basket Changing Table
Best Changing Table with Storage
The Badger Basket Changing Table is much like the one above from Delta Children, but has a more modern appearance. However, one of our favorite parts about this changing table is the removable hamper which makes used diaper management much easier. Once it fills up, you can remove it and carry it to the laundry room.
You could also use the hamper for storing clean diapers as well. All of the drawers are also removable making it more portable than most changing tables. There is a thin changing pad included, though you may want to purchase a standalone pad with pad covers to go with this model.
3. Badger Basket Corner Diaper Changing Table
Best Changing Table for Corners
This is another piece from Badger Basket created with wood veneer. The key difference is that it is built for a corner space in your nursery room. As an added bonus, Badger Basket includes a standalone changing pad with this unit which also comes with a changing pad cover. The pad fits perfectly in the designated spot in the center of the table.
The only downside is that it can be difficult to find another changing pad that fits snugly in that spot.
4. Hudson Changer Dresser by babyletto
Best Changing Table Dresser
If you’re looking for something sleek, this dresser by babyletto is a beautiful piece of furniture. Plus, babyletto makes a matching Hudson crib if you really want to go all out. You’re not just paying for the look though you’re also getting a polished and functional changer dresser. The drawers with metal glides and stop mechanisms roll in and out smoothly.
The removable changing tray can easily be taken off once your baby has outgrown it for a clean looking dresser. This dresser comes in four chic finishes to perfectly complete your nursery space. An anti-tip kit is included with the Hudson Changer Dresser for additional safety for your little one.
5. Stork Craft Avalon Changer Dresser
Best Large Changing Table Dresser Combo
Stork Craft is a premier manufacturer of baby furniture and the Avalon is one of their most popular pieces. If you want something more dresser than changer this may be the right one for you. The classic sleigh style is gorgeous and the five finish options are timeless. The six spacious drawers provide more than enough room for all your baby’s clothing and changing accessories.
Steel hardware and high-quality wood and composite material contributes to a changer dresser that is built to last. You’ll want a changing pad in addition to place along the top of this dresser to turn it into an ideal changing station.
Best Changing Pad Reviews
Here we take a closer look at the best baby diaper changing pads available. These are some of the best changing pads for dressers as well as for on-the-go parents.
6. Summer Infant Changing Pad
Best Baby Changing Pad
The ultra plush changing pad is affordable and gets the job done. Summer Infant also offers many changing pad covers in a variety of styles (like the fun safari theme above) to go with the changing pad. The great thing about this changing pad and the covers is that they are very low cost, so if it somehow gets ruined it can simply be replaced.
Furthermore, it is stain resistant and machine washable, making clean up very easy. The contoured shape is ideal for changing and the durable quilted vinyl makes this a 100% waterproof changing pad. It fits most changing tables and dressers and has a security strap to keep it attached to whatever you decide to use it on.
7. Keekaroo Peanut Changer
Best Changing Pad Tray
As far as changing pads for babies go, this the Cadillac of changing pads. The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is JPMA certified for safety. What you’re really paying for with this one is the premium material. It has been medically tested and is probably the best material for a changing pad out there.
The solid surface is easy to clean, BPA and toxin free, anti-bacterial, and anti-slip. This material is impermeable to liquids meaning it is a 100% waterproof changing pad. This changing pad is also backed by a 5 year warranty
8. Moonlight Slumber Contour Changing Pad
Best Organic Changing Pad
Serta makes an excellent all organic changing pad that is healthy for your baby. The contoured design provides a safe place to change baby. There is a safety harness with an easy release button to help keep even the crankiest of babies from wriggling free. The organic cotton layer is plush and comfortable.
This fits and can be used with most changer dresser combos or basic changing tables. This pad is 16 by 32 inches and has a maximum capacity of 30 pounds.
9. Northshore Premium Changing Pads
Best Disposable Changing Pads
If you’re looking for something you can throw away after use, the Northshore changing pads are an ideal sanitary barrier whether your at home or away. A pack of 25 changing pads for around $10 isn’t too bad. Plus, they’ve got 3 sizes if your looking for a specific fit. They are very portable and can fit in a diaper bag or purse.
The cottonfluff lining absorbs moisture quickly. These make for great multi-purpose clean up pads at a fair price.
10. Skip Hop Portable Changing Mat
Best Portable Changing Pad
For super active parents, you may want to check out this kit from Oak & Navy. It has a clever design that enables you to be able to safely change your baby anywhere. Clip this to your stroller or wrist and you’re ready to go. The unisex design is great for both moms and dads. The changing pad is eco-friendly and removable for fast clean up. The zipper pocket holds personal items and baby accessories.
Baby Changing Tables vs. Baby Changing Pads
The design of both these types of products are pretty straightforward. The main decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to outfit a current piece of furniture for diaper changing or if you want to buy a new one dedicated to the task. You can save a lot of money by just going with a baby changing pad. As long as you already have something stable that is the ideal height to place your baby that’s probably the way to go.
There are actually a handful of subgroups within these product categories. Portable changing pads, standard changing pads, dresser changers, and changing tables are all potential solutions for parents. We’ve included an illustration of each type.
Basic Changing Pad
A basic changing pad is sort of like a small mattress, typically with raised sides that prevent baby from rolling over or off during the changing process. They usually come equipped with a removable cover to keep things clean, otherwise you may have to buy covers separately. Having extra ones is always good so that you won’t have to be constantly washing them.
Portable Changing Pad
The best portable changing pad should be extremely easy to clean, and this is perhaps the most important feature. It will have less cushion, it order to make it easily portable, however it should still feature slightly raised sides to prevent rolling over. It can be a great addition to your diaper bag, as it will fold up quite compact.
Changing Table
A changing table is a small piece of furniture that can be largely helpful in a nursery! Besides being made to be the perfect height for changing baby, they typically include a lot of room for storing diapers, wipes, and whatever else you might need quick access to during changing time.
Frequently changing tables will come with a changing pad, or a recommended pad that is the same brand. Typically, most changing tables are of similar size so you can use whatever changing pad you would like.
Dresser-Changer
A dresser changing table is a step up from the traditional small footprint changing table, as it is made to combine functionality with storage. You still will have a the perfect spot for changing baby and storing essentials, but you’ll also have drawers for keeping clothes and other necessities. They typically take up more room, and are accompanied by a higher price tag.
However, the biggest benefit of going with a dresser changer is if you have the need for a changing table and a dresser, but lack the space needed for both.
Do You Even Need a Changing Table?
The cost of baby gear can add up quickly and it is always a good idea to ask whether you really need an item or not. Probably the best thing to ask is how much mileage you will get out of the product. As far as changing tables go, you can probably count on your baby going through a lot of diapers. Some babies may even go through 5-10 diapers a day, it may have you shaking your first at the almighty asking when it will come to an end.
At any rate, this is just nature taking its course, and there’s no way of avoiding it. During your babies first months, you’ll be spending a lot of time at the changing station. The silver lining is that babies bums are adorable!
Convenience Should Not Be Overlooked
Just like a crib and a crib mattress is a nursery essential for sleepy time, having somewhere dedicated to getting the dirty business of changing done is another baby gear must-have. You may already have a dresser or something like a pack and play that already features a changing “station”. If that is the case, it probably isn’t worth your money to buy a unique piece of furniture such as a changing table.
Sometimes all you need is a baby changing pad that can be set up somewhere in your home or apartment. A lot of parents will use a changing pad to re-purpose a dresser into a changing station for instance. If you’re frequently on-the-go, a portable changing pad may be the best solution for you and your baby.
Nevertheless, it can be very convenient to have a raised table that features handy storage space for diapers and the like. It will help you maintain a degree of order among the chaos of caring for your baby. The best changing tables have a raised perimeter, comfortable changing height, shelves and drawers, and may even have enough storage space to be used as a dresser long after your baby has outgrown diapers. If you are simply looking for a changing pad or tray, you probably don’t need to buy the most expensive model.
One way or the other, these are going to get a little messy and you may throw it away after your baby gets older. As long as it provides a stable and safe surface for changing you’re all set.
Pros and Cons of Changing Tables
Here is our quick overview of the benefits and downsides of purchasing and incorporating a changing table into your baby gear arsenal.
Pros
- Ideal height for changing diapers: This can literally be a back saver and in some cases save your knees too. Taller parents will really know what we are talking about. You’ll find yourself changing diapers around the clock and having to constantly bend over can get old fast.
- Multi-purpose: Many parents enjoy the changing tables that also double as a storage unit. This extra storage is great for keeping all of the tools of the trade close at hand such as diapers, diaper bags, cleaning wipes, and other such items. Some changing tables double as a dresser for when you’re baby gets older.
- Safe for changing: The raised perimeter gives parents the peace of mind that any abrupt movements won’t lead to an accident. If your baby gets fussy and your in the thick of things it is nice to have an extra line of defense.
Cons
- Takes up space: You’ll need to find a place in the nursery or ideally an adjacent room to put the changing table. When in down, bring out the measuring tape to double-check dimensions.
- Can be pretty expensive: Particularly the fully-fledged dresser and changing table combination units will tend to get up there in price.
- Not very portable: Most changing tables are pretty bulky and not easily moved. The exception is those models that have wheels on the bottom. This makes it much easier to roll from room to room. However, you compromise a little on stability when you buy a changing table with wheels.