There are so many things to buy when setting up a baby’s nursery. Anything that can help you save money and maximize the space is always a gift, and a crib with a changing table does just that. Newborns can go through anywhere from eight to 12 diapers per day. When you hear that full-diaper cry, there isn’t time to waste carrying an unhappy baby from a crib to another room. A sturdy crib with a changing table like the Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer keeps some of the most essential stations all together, making mom’s and dad’s lives a little easier.
What to know before you buy a crib with a changing table
Cost efficiency
A stand-alone changing table can cost around $80 to $130 and a solo crib can cost several hundreds of dollars. That nursery budget can get eaten up quickly when you purchase all separate items. A crib with a changing table is a cost-efficient option because it’s priced as one piece instead of two separate items. If you plan on paying someone to assemble your nursery furniture, you can also save money with a crib that has a changing table because you’ll only need to pay for the assembly of one piece.
Space efficiency
If you don’t have much floor space to work within a nursery, space-efficient pieces are key. Between a nursing chair, hamper, bouncer, crib and changing table, the room gets crowded quickly. When you get a crib with a changing table, the two pieces share the center set of legs, which instantly saves you floor real estate. Many of the changing tables in these pieces also contain spacious drawers, which can eliminate the need for a dresser, at least until your child gets older.
An instant style match
You take a lot of care to make your baby’s nursery look good. Every piece is hand-selected to match the aesthetic you’re creating. However, finding several separate pieces of furniture that match one another isn’t always easy. When you buy a crib separate from a changing table, you need to take that extra step of finding two pieces that match. When you buy a crib with a changing table, you can at least guarantee that those two pieces already match.
Crib with a changing table features
Built-in storage
Between the wipes, diaper cream, diapers and beyond, there are many items you’ll want to keep on hand for when your baby needs a change. Look for a crib with a changing table that has built-in storage. This can include drawers both in the changing table portion and beneath the crib frame. Certain cribs with changing tables will have a set of drawers in the front portion of the changing table as well as a set of shelves in the back.
Convertible design
As your baby grows, they’ll eventually need to transition into a toddler bed, and your toddler will one day need a big kid bed. Buying a brand new bed for each stage of development can be very expensive. A convertible crib with a changing table will have rails that can be adjusted and removed, allowing the crib to eventually become a toddler bed and then a big kid bed. Another benefit of the convertible crib is that your child can remain in the bed they’ve grown to know and love. Getting an entirely new bed for each phase of development can be startling for little ones, making it harder for them to adjust.
Safety
Be sure that your crib with a changing table has features that will keep your baby safe. There shouldn’t be any gap between the mattress and the crib frame, as little ones can get their hands and feet stuck in there. There should be no more than 2.25 inches of space between the railings so that babies do not attempt to crawl out. As for the changing table portion, make sure it has safety straps to keep a baby still during changes.
Crib with a changing table cost
A crib with a changing table will range from $170 on the low end to nearly $400 on the high end. The materials and features will contribute greatly to the price.
Crib with a changing table FAQ
Why is a crib with a changing table useful?
A. Considering how many times a day a baby needs to be changed, it’s best to have the changing table as close to the crib as possible. Nobody wants to risk the mess that can occur when you have to carry a messy baby across a nursery. When your changing table is attached to your crib, there will be no lapse in protection when moving your baby from the crib to the table.
What should be stored in a changing table?
A. There are dozens of things parents might want to keep in a changing table. A good starter kit includes fresh diapers, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, hand sanitizer and fresh changing pad covers.
Which crib with a changing table should you get?
Best of the best crib with a changing table
Graco Remi 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer: available at buybuyBABY and Amazon
Our take: Made with pine wood and a metal frame, this crib with a changing table is elegant and durable.
What we like: It is available in several finishes and the table has plenty of storage.
What we dislike: Assembly can take a while.
Best bang for your buck crib with a changing table
Suite Bebe Ramsey 3 in 1 Convertible Crib and Changer: available at Amazon
Our take: With three mattress heights and a convertible design, this is a crib you can use for years to come.
What we like: The changing table detaches, perfect for after your child is potty trained, and it has spacious shelves.
What we dislike: The mattress is not included.
Honorable mention crib with a changing table
Dream On Me Jayden 4-in-1 Mini Convertible Crib and Changer: available at Amazon
Our take: With arched details and pine construction, this crib with a changing table makes a sophisticated addition to a nursery.
What we like: It features three handy drawers to neatly stash diapers, wipes and other supplies. The crib converts into a toddler bed. It comes in a variety of finishes to match your decor.
What we dislike: It shows scratches easily.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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