Do you need a changing table?
WHAT IS A CHANGING TABLE?
A changing table is a dedicated space where you can change your baby’s nappy. The baby is placed on the top area, where there are raised sides to prevent a baby from rolling off. Often the padded changing mat has to be bought separately. There are often shelves or drawers underneath.
What are the reasons for getting a changing table?
If you have space, they can be very useful, especially if you have a bad back and don’t want to be kneeling and bending over. Some even double up as a place to bathe your baby. They are also great for having a dedicated space for storing all your baby changing essentials.
Why do some parents not buy one?
Some worry about the baby rolling off. A child should never be left unattended on a changing table and once they start to roll or become very wriggly, you may feel happier changing them on the floor.
The inconvenience of having to always go upstairs to change every nappy is off-putting for some.
They also don’t always have the longest lifespan. Most changing tables will have a recommended age and/or weight limit. For example, the IKEA Sniglar changing table can be used until a baby is 12 months old or 11kg. However dresser-style tables can be used as storage long past baby-changing.
What are the alternatives to a changing table?
Cot top changers are also available. These are placed over the cot to create a raised changing area.
Alternatively just use a changing mat on any safe, flat surface. Many parents just use the floor.
WHICH ARE THE BEST CHANGING UNITS TO BUY?
Changing tables are still a fairly popular purchase. 46% of the experts and panel of 133 new parents recommended buying one. Click below for everything else they suggested.
Everything you might need for a newborn - in order of necessity
If you do decide to get one, here are seven of the best, including two cot top changers.
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. ikea Sniglar changing table
A good basic table with one shelf.
The wood is solid beech.
Measures H87 x W53 x D72 cm.
Can be used until your child is 12 months old or 11kg.
Home assembly.
2. John Lewis ANYDAY Elementary Changing Table
A basic changing table with open storage.
The changing area has raised sides.
Made from solid pine wood.
Needs to be assembled at home.
H93 x W79 x D55cm
Available in white and grey.
3. MY BABIIE BABY BATH AND CHANGING UNIT
A changing table with a concealed bath under the changing mat.
The bath has a drainage tube for easy emptying.
The wipe-clean changing mat is padded and removable.
There is lots of storage for bathing and changing essentials.
Self-assembly is required.
Suitable from birth until a maximum of 15kg.
The unit is in lockable castors so it can be easily moved.
Measures H103 x W60 x L103cm
4. Obaby cot top changer
This is designed to sit over most cots and cot beds and secures with Velcro.
There is a space for a changing mat that is around 76 x 42cm.
Available in a variety of colours.
Suitable from birth until 12 months.
5. Baby comfort hard base changing mat
This is a padded changing mat with a hard base so it can be used as a cot top changer on cots that are 120 x 60cm.
The sides are raised to keep your baby secure.
Comes with pegs to attach it to the cot.
It has a wipe-clean and waterproof surface.
Comes in a variety of lovely designs.
Measures 70 x 50 x 3cm.
6. Costway 4-in-1 folding changing table
A folding table for smaller homes.
It can be used as a changing table, a place to bathe your baby (bath not included) and as a clothes drying rack.
There are three different height positions.
The changing area has three raised sides and a belt to secure the baby.
It can be used with or without wheels.
When open it measures H99-105cm x W75 x D60cm.
When closed it is H118-122 x W75cm D13cm.
7. Obaby Stamford Sleigh Changing Unit
Award-winning solid wood changing unit.
Three drawers and a cupboard with an adjustable shelf for plenty of storage.
The changing area is recessed to fit a changing mat.
Coordinates with the Stamford nursery furniture range.
Home assembly is required.
H91 x W90 x D50cm
MORE OF THE BEST:
Changing bags • Reusable nappies • Disposable nappies • Changing mats • Baby wipes • Cots and cot beds • Moses baskets, cribs and bedside cribs • Baby bouncers • Nursery chests of drawers • Wardrobes • Nursing chairs
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