Changing Table Guide for New Parents

By Kim Proulx

When you have a newborn, one of your main yet usually least favorite duties is changing your little one's diapers. Since this is something you'll be doing often, you definitely want to choose a changing table or changing station that makes this process easy for you and comfortable for your baby.

We're here to help. Our guide will teach you everything you need to know about changing table types and features. Once you've read all of our info and tips you should be fully prepared to choose a changing table that fits your needs and nursery space. Our goal is to help you create the perfect diaper changing area for you and your baby. If you still have questions, contact our Nursery Specialists by clicking on Live Help or schedule a call with one of our Personal Shoppers to help guide you through the changing table selection process. We're here to make your changing table buying experience easy and fun.

Types of Changing Stations and Combo Dressers

	Standard or Classic Changing Table (Open Changer) - The standard changing table has open shelves where you can store your little one's diaper changing accessories. The openness makes it easy to grab needed items quickly as you're doing a diaper change. These tables often have one drawer above or below the open shelves. This is great for storing extra baby items.
	Changing Stations and Changing Trays - If you already have a dresser in the nursery and don't have room for another large furniture item, you should consider a changing station or changing tray. A changing station sits on-top-of the dresser and has a comfortable diaper changing area along with sections for holding needed accessories. A changing tray is a simpler version of the station. It has the changing pad and changing cavity, but doesn't have the compartments for storing accessories. Changing Stations and Trays can be added to the top of a dresser during the diaper changing years and then simply removed once the diaper days are over.
	Dresser Changers - The dresser changer is a very popular item because you get a changing table and dresser all in one. This item is cost efficient and easy to keep with the design of the room. You get a dresser with drawers for storing baby clothes and accessories along with a changing area with changing pad on top. Once your baby has outgrown the diaper years you can remove the changing pad and you will be left with a beautiful dresser to use for years.

Changing Table Features

Storage - If you like convenience then you'll want to make sure you choose a changing table that has all the storage you'll need. Do open shelves suit your needs or would you rather keep all of your accessories hidden out of view in drawers? Changers with open shelves keep everything at your quick disposal, but when Baby starts to crawl everything will be at Baby's reach as well. This is something to consider. Drawers are great for storing items and help keep a neater appearance in the nursery. Drawers can also be baby proofed to keep items out of Baby's hands.

Both types of storage have their benefits so it's up to you to decide what works best for your style, needs and budget. We recommend you make a list of the diaper changing items you'll use regularly and then choose a changing table that can store everything you'll need.

Protective railing - This refers to the side rail that can be found on changing stations, changing trays and many changing tables. A protective rail is important because as your baby grows into an active youngster and begins to toss and turn during diaper changes, you'll want the safety of a protective rail to ensure that your baby stays put on the changing table.

Safety Strap - A safety strap comes with many changing stations and pads. This is a strap that goes across your baby to keep your active youngster from rolling off the changing table.

Types of Changing Pads

Contoured - This term pertains to a changing pad that slopes down in the center with two raised sides that holds your baby in place for safer diaper changes. A contoured changing pad can be placed on-top-of a regular dresser transforming your dresser top into a changing table. It can be used alone or inside a changing station or changing tray.

Flat - This refers to a changing pad with a horizontal surface with no slope or curves.

Size Options - Changing table pads usually come in two standard sizes 31" or 34". If you plan to use a changing pad on-top-of a dresser make sure to measure the dresser top to ensure that you get the right size changing pad.

Pad Recommendations

Contoured vs. Flat - We recommend contoured as it prevents the baby from rolling over while changing, especially if there is no protective railing or safety strap.

Safety Tips

• Make sure your changer is assembled correctly and check hardware periodically and tighten as needed.
• Use safety straps provided for added security.
• Never leave your baby unattended while on a changing table.
• Sanitize your changing pad often to prevent spreading germs.
• Adding a mobile near or over the changing table is a good way to keep Baby occupied and still during diaper changes.