A baby’s diaper needs to be changed an average of 10-15 times a day. Babies don’t always enjoy the process and can wriggle and flail about. It’s important to buy a changing table with the right safety features like a topper featuring wooden barriers.
Changing table dressers have a changing platform on top of a set of drawers. These drawers provide storage space for all your essential changing supplies like diapers, wipes and ointment. Some also have a combination of drawers with open shelves, like Storkcraft’s Modern Nursery Changing Table Dresser.
What to know before you buy a changing table dresser
Material
Changing table dressers look very similar to a chest of drawers and are made of wood or particleboard. The most durable tables are made from birch, maple or beech wood; however, these materials are quite pricey. Particleboard dressers are more affordable but may not last if you’re planning on more babies in the future.
Height
The height of your changing table dresser is an important consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked. You want to choose a table that’s the right height for you so you’re not straining your back to bend over it. Changing table dressers can range from 36-44 inches tall. Shorter caretakers should buy a shorter table, while taller people will want something higher.
Drawers
The size and number of drawers that a changing table dresser has determine how much storage space it provides. These “drawers” can also be in the form of baskets that pull out and are fully removable. Smaller drawers are better for organization but may not fit a large pack of diapers. While larger drawers offer bigger storage spaces, on the downside, they can be more difficult to maneuver around when you’ve got a baby on top.
Barriers
One distinctive difference between a changing table dresser and a regular dresser is that changing tables feature safety barriers to keep your baby from rolling off. Changing table dressers typically have wooden barriers that act like guardrails on all four sides of the changing pad. It isn’t recommended to purchase one that has fewer than four barriers.
Changing table features
Changing pad
While a changing pad that fastens on top of the changing table dresser is essential, it’s not always included with dresser-style changing tables and will need to be bought separately. If your changing table comes with a pad, always use the same manufacturer’s pad or recommended pad for the safest and best fit. Eco-friendly pads are made from organic, nontoxic materials but typically cost more than conventional pads.
Pad safety features
Contoured changing pads have two to four contoured sides that act as guardrails and are ideal if your changing table dresser lacks barriers, or as an additional safety measure if your dresser can fit the pad. Many pads also feature a safety strap that you can secure around your baby during the changing process. Not only should a changing pad have a security belt for your baby but also an adhesive strip or lock mechanism that affixes the pad to your changing table dresser.
Convertibility
One of the advantages of having a changing table in a dresser style versus other styles is that it fits in with your other bedroom furniture. Many changing table dressers have a removable topper, which means once your child is potty trained, you can remove the changing platform or guardrails and use the dresser as just that: a dresser. Usually, this just involves a screwdriver to unscrew and repurpose the changing table into a conventional dresser.
Assembly
One of the downsides of changing table dressers versus other styles is that the assembly is more involved. Before you buy, check whether the assembly is something you can handle or if you’ll need to make an extra investment in professional assembly.
Open shelves
Some changing table dresser tables combine drawers with open shelves. Open shelves are convenient during diaper changes because you can set up your supplies within easy reach. However, not everyone likes their ointments, powders, etc. in plain sight. A drawer/open shelf combination can offer the best of both worlds: discreet organization and easy access to changing supplies. Some dresser styles may also offer a cabinet.
Changing table dresser cost
Changing table dressers start at $150 and can cost up to $1,500. You can find a solid wood dresser that’ll last between $200 and $400.
Changing table dresser FAQ
Should I worry about toxic materials in a changing table dresser?
A. Even though changing table dressers are made from natural wood, they can have toxic finishes that contain chemicals harmful to humans. To protect your vulnerable baby, select one with nontoxic paint and finishes.
Where should I position my changing table dresser?
A. For safety, always place a changing table against a wall, or even better, a corner. This gives the baby less sides to fall off of in the event they wiggle from your hands. You may also want to consider anchoring the dresser to the wall.
Which changing table dresser should I get?
Best of the best changing table dresser
Storkcraft Modern Nursery Changing Table Dresser: available at Amazon
Our take: A sophisticated changing table featuring a convenient combination of open shelves, drawers and a cabinet.
What we like: This two-tone dresser fits standard changing pads and meets all safety standards, including four wood barriers. The open shelves are adjustable. The finish and paint are nontoxic. The removable topper has extra space on the side to stash ointments and wipes.
What we dislike: The drawers can get stuck for a minority of consumers.
Best bang for your buck changing table dresser
Badger Basket Modern Baby Changing Table: available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon
Our take: A cheaper alternative to a wood dresser, this basket-style changing table looks nice for the low price.
What we like: A cute design, this dresser-like changing table contains six baskets that slide out on rails and can be pulled out all the way so you can get to items in the back. The canvas drawers are sturdy and offer plenty of storage space. Overall, it’s easy to assemble.
What we dislike: The drawers smell like chemicals at first and may require an off-gassing period. The included changing pad is very thin.
Honorable mention changing table dresser
Delta Children Sutton 3-Drawer Dresser Changing Table: available at Amazon
Our take: A convertible changing table dresser that’s a solid choice as both a changing table and later as a dresser.
What we like: This changing table features three large drawers and is made of sturdy, solid wood (with the exception of a particleboard backing). The topper has four wood barriers and is removable. The quality and practicality of this dresser make it a good value.
What we dislike: It can be a headache to assemble. For some consumers, the chemical smell of the paint doesn’t dissipate.
Ana Sanchez 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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