Changing Tables That Add Serious Storage and Ease to the Nursery

A great changing table can really save your spine. As someone who has had one child and did not use a changing table, and had another child and did use a changing table, I can tell you with all the seriousness I have in me — get the changing table. It makes life so much easier. But which one should you get? There are a few basic versions for you to choose from: independent changing table, changing table dresser, and the changing table attachment for the playard (playpen).

What to Consider

The major differences between the three types of changing tables are size, duration of use, and height. Within those differences are a bunch of other little things like storage, materials, cost, and whatnot. The one defining factor they all have is that whether you're using a dresser or a standalone, it will, at some point, be absolutely carpeted with infant excrement, so it cannot afford to be precious. This is not a job for your grannie's heirloom dresser, unless, maybe, you really disliked that grannie. Let me break down your choices for you.

Independent Changing Tables

These are basically little more than shelves that has a space for a changing pad on the top of it. They generally have low runners on either side that act as a bit of a safety barrier or bumper, but don't let those fool you, you can never walk away from your baby when they're on the changing table.

These changing tables have a short lifespan, for the most part. While you can use them as shelves later on, it's pretty apparent that they were once changing tables. And aesthetically, that's fine when you have a nursery, but a little awkward when your kid gets older. That being said, they're reasonably durable, come in a bunch of materials, and they're usually pretty affordable.

Changing Table Dressers

Quickly becoming the most-popular type of changing table, changing table dressers are exactly what they say they are: dressers with changing tables on top. Sometimes, it's just a top that can be affixed to a dresser, but sometimes, it's a dresser designed to have a removable changing table top. They're both great, but the latter tends to be a bit taller and therefore easier on your back. There are options for hardwood, particle board blended materials, flat-pack furniture, and changing table dressers with white-glove delivery.

The changing tables that affix to the top of dressers are usually made of wood, and they have a lip that settles around the top of the dresser, holding it in place, giving it additional stability than just the joiners provide. Makers like Pottery Barn Kids, and Babyletto lead the pack, making durable, beautiful furniture that your child can use for years to come.

Playard Attachments

There are playards that have built-in changing tables on the top of the base. They are removable, and easy to clean. The one drawback is that these really only work if you're interested in the playard as a whole. They're a bit lower than the dresser or the independent changing table, but they offer a value that others cannot. They tend to have lower weight limits, so you need to look out for that, but they can be a great option.

How We Chose

I took a varied, in-depth approach to determine which changing tables should make the list. First, I put together several of them, both my myself and with my husband. Then, I had real life parents test them out, noting on their durability, ease of use, and learning their overall opinions. I made sure that products in each category were tested, in a range of materials and prices.

On the other hand, there are a few changing tables that made this list because they were suggested to me over and over again by parents who use and love them, and are willing to sing their praises. In these cases, I checked the ratings listed for both the table itself, the manufacturer, and the retailer to make sure they deserve a place on the list.

The changing tables below are truly the best of the best.