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Apr 02, 2024

Best Changing Tables 2023

Diapers: they’re one of the few constants of parenthood. And while they’re kind of always going to, well, stink, the best changing tables certainly make cleanups a little easier. The ideal changing table, like our top pick the Babyletto Sprout 3-Drawer Changing Table, offers a safe space for diaper changes as well as additional storage for essentials like wipes, fresh onesies and, of course, diapers.

The best changing tables fit seamlessly into the nursery or whichever space you've carved out for ... [+] diaper changes.

But before purchasing a changing table, it’s important to consider the amount of space you have available, parental height and your family’s specific set of needs. You’ll need to consider safety features, too. “Having a changing station in the nursery is an excellent idea for several reasons,” says pediatrician Dr. Adrianna Bravo. “The number one reason is safety, safety, safety. Ensure your changing table or pad has guardrails or raised sides at least 2 inches high. That will act as a deterrent for the baby rolling off the table. Parents should also make it a standard practice always to keep one hand on the baby.”

She also notes that having a changing table helps “establish a routine for parents and babies. A changing table will be where parents change diapers, prepare the baby for bath time and dress the baby. Regularity can be essential to create a soothing daily routine.” It’s also a more hygienic option than diaper changes on the bedding or rug, she points out.

Here are the 10 best changing tables to shop right now. And after perusing this list, check out the tested best diaper bags and the best diaper pails.

Wayfair

Material: Pine, engineered wood | Dimensions: 41.5 x 20 x 36 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight limit: 30 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes

The Babyletto Sprout is the Goldilocks of changing tables. It’s not too big or too small. It’s not too tall or too short—and it’s not too outrageously priced or too cheap. In short, this changing table and three-drawer dresser is an ideal option for any nursery. At 99 pounds, it’s sturdy and features quality craftsmanship. It’s made from pine and manufactured wood, features smooth-glide drawers and has several safety features to keep your child safe, including an anti-tip kit and drawers that don’t pull out all the way, further preventing tipping and injuries. It’s also consciously made, Greenguard certified and uses low VOC materials. Because it includes storage drawers and a removable changing topper, this piece can be used a dresser before and after the diaper years.

What the reviews say: Overall the consensus is that the dresser is fantastic but can be tricky to assemble. Regardless, one reviewer called it the “Perfect addition for the new nursery! Easy to put together and great quality.”

Amazon

Material: Wood, engineered wood | Dimensions: ‎39 x 2o x 35 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 24 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

If you’re looking for a well-reviewed affordable changing table, this streamlined Delta changing table has racked up great reviews on Amazon, where it’s a bestseller. Not only is it far less expensive than most other options, but it has over 7,500 reviews and an overall 4.8 out of five rating. Reviewers say it’s “well constructed” and that assembly isn’t difficult. Parents also like that with the addition of a few fabric bins you can use it to store diapering essentials, toys, books and extra clothes. Once your baby becomes a big kid, it can be used as a book shelf or even a vanity. As one parent put it, it has “longevity.”

What the reviews say: Parents say the beauty of this changing table is its simplicity. “I could not be more happy with this changing table. It’s beautiful, strong, and easy to assemble,” wrote one reviewer.

Graco

Material: Pine, engineered wood | Dimensions: 38 x 34 x 19 inches| Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 30 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes

The Graco Benton Changing Table allows parents to combine two pieces of nursery furniture in one, saving on space where needed. Its open shelves double as diaper supply storage in the newborn years, but can also work for toys and books as your youngster grows. It’s Greenguard Gold and JPMA-certified, and includes an anti-tip safety kit. It’s about 34-inches in width, but reviewers noted the shelves are deep, offering plenty of storage in a durable, sturdy changing table that’s also compact and affordable. The changing topper is removable.

What the reviews say: This affordable, petite changer seems to have won over many families. “This is the only place I change my baby now—easy to clean and easy access to things I’ll need. It was simple enough to put together and I love that I can take the changing table top off when I no longer need it for that,” wrote one pleased mom.

Pottery Barn Kids

Material: Sap gum wood, manufactured wood | Dimensions: 54.5 x 18.5 x 32.5 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 50 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes

This Pottery Barn Kids changing table and dresser combination stands out due to its quality, style and staying power. It’s large enough that even as your baby (and their clothing size) grows, it can easily transition to a full-size, traditional dresser. This changing table-dresser is the ideal height for parents, and the small drawers at the top are perfect for small children’s clothes and diapers. Once your baby is finished with diapers, the seven drawers will work for better sorting of all their clothes. The topper can be easily removed, too. It comes in five classic colors and matches the Kendall nursery collection at Pottery Barn Kids. It’s also Greenguard Gold certified and made in a Fair Trade certified factory of solid Sap Gum wood and manufactured wood. All of Pottery Barn Kids’ furniture includes pre-tested anti-tip kits. This one also offers adjustable levelers to ensure stability no matter the condition of your floors. Importantly, it arrives assembled via white glove delivery services.

What the reviews say: Mom of three, McKenna Fakheri, calls this her favorite dresser. “When I compare it to the ones I purchased for my other two children, it stands out because it has seven drawers—four large and three small,” she says. “The others are only six drawers, which allows for less designated space for socks and other miscellaneous items.”

Amazon

Material: Pine, engineered wood| Dimensions: 36 x 19 x 40 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 30 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

While this DaVinci Jenny Lind changing table is similar in concept to our budget option, this piece has a more elevated look. Many families opt for changing tables with dresser drawers, but one reviewer explained why a standalone changing table is ideal for some nurseries: “Having this changing table separate from my dresser allowed me to put other things on the dresser (lamp, frames) and have everything an arm-length away. It has a small footprint, which is nice for a small space. I have been very happy with this product.” The open shelving makes it easy to grab what you need for changes, and it includes an anti-tip kit. Other reviewers noted that it’s easy to assemble and sturdy but slim. Plus, the brand offers a matching crib.

What the reviews say: Like many who purchased this changing table, one reviewer adored it but noted they did need to purchase a separate changing pad even though one is included. “Great changing table! It was easy to put together, it's sturdy, and it looks fabulous! The only cons are that the boards for the shelves and top seem a tiny bit flimsy,” they explained.

Amazon

Material: Pine, engineered wood | Dimensions: ‎39 x 19 x 37 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 30 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: Yes

There are plenty of changing table dresser combinations on the market, but this petite Babyletto piece includes several features that improve the functionality of any nursery. For one, the topper has a cordoned off space for diapering essentials like wipes and creams, and the dresser offers three compact drawers. It also matches our top crib pick, the Babyletto Hudson. I also love the two enclosed shelves that can be utilized in a way that suits your family. Keep in mind that the drawers aren’t the roomiest, so they won’t fit an older child’s clothes as your baby grows beyond toddlerhood. On top of the utility this changing table offers, it’s also Greenguard Gold certified and includes safety features like an anti-tip kit and stop mechanisms on the drawer. Certain color combos are discounted to under $300 right now on certain retailers.

What the reviews say: As far as quality goes, this Amazon reviewer says the Hudson has hand-me-down potential: “Three and a half years later and it’s still in great condition and works will for our second little one. Worth the investment.”

Amazon

Material: Metal, plastics | Dimensions: 33.5 x 2o x 39 inches | Convertible: No | Weight limit: N/A | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

This lightweight changing table folds up and slides into narrow spaces for more compact living situations. And, thanks to the lockable universal wheels, it can also be moved all around the home or remain stationary, so you can comfortably change your baby in the nursery, living room, bathroom or wherever else. It includes two shelves, two side pockets, a storage basket and a hanging clothes rail, so you can easily reach diapering and clothing essentials. The fabric is waterproof and easy to clean off, and I love that the whole table is height adjustable up or down, with four locking heights and a frame suitable for parents 4-foot-8 to 6 feet tall. Given these specs and its mobility, it seems a particularly good option for the newborn days and for families planning to have more than one child.

What the reviews say: With an overall 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon, the reviews for this mobile changing table highlight its convenience and ease of use. “Wish I bought this sooner and saved my back! My baby likes being on this more than his bassinet...It also has huge amount of storage and holds a lot of diapers & wet wipes below,” explained one parent.

Amazon

Material: Pine wood, engineered wood, wood composites | Dimensions: 72 x 30 x 40 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 50 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

This classic looking (and affordable) crib isn’t just a place to let your baby get some shut-eye—it’s also a changing table and dresser. Plus it has additional storage space underneath it and it coverts to a full-size daybed or toddler bed with the purchase of a conversion kit. While the footprint is larger than some of the other options included in list that’s because it’s several products in one. The addition of the changing table and storage mean this combo is ideal for smaller spaces—and it makes middle-of-the-night diaper changes far easier since everything is in one place. It’s JPMA-certified as well.

What the reviews say: While some reviews site the long assembly time, many seem happy with this crib and changing table. As one parent wrote: “It was easy to build and the instructions [are] so easy to follow. Everything fit where it was supposed to. The storage and changing table are superb.”

Nurture&

Material: Rubberwood, fiberboard, plywood | Dimensions: 32.5 x 54.5 x 19 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 150 pounds | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

If you really want to maximize your draw space, this beautiful wood dresser from Nurture& might be ideal. It comes fully assembled (many options on this list take hours to put together), is timeless in style and provides plenty of space. Most notably, this option has extendable sides that allow for even more storage space. The topper, which is sold separately and costs an additional $199, runs the span of the dresser, so it too offers plenty of space for diapering essentials. This means you don’t have to store them in one of the seven drawers. And, if you want to place a white noise machine and monitor on the dresser while it’s still functioning as a changing table, you can easily place both on the extendable sides. Nurture& offers matching nursery furniture which can be bundled and offered at a reduced price—a plus since this changing table and dresser’s price is on the steeper side.

What the reviews say: While all of the reviews on the Nurture& website are positive, one happy customer went into further detail, writing: “Absolutely love the dresser, it is the perfect size and will serve our baby as she grows. Very well built. Also love that it comes assembled!”

Wayfair

Material: Manufactured wood | Dimensions: 36 x 47 x 20 inches | Convertible: Yes | Weight Limit: 100 pounds (dresser), 30 pounds (topper) | Greenguard Gold Certified: No

When outfitting my younger son’s nursery, I searched for a changing table that was stylish, practical, midsize and something that could last for years but not cost an arm and a leg. Having purchased a similar looking option for my older son, this Little Seeds changing table dresser appeared to be perfect. While it did take a couple of hours for my husband to assemble, we were extremely pleased with the size, value and style of the dresser. It certainly looks pricier than it is, and it’s the ideal height while not being too wide. Plus it comes with a 1-year warranty, anti-tip kit and built in drawer stops, so it converts to a standard dresser once your diapering days are done. The changing table topper is sold separately and there’s also a three-drawer dresser option if that better suits your needs. The drawers could be a bit smoother to pull out but I do appreciate the gold pulls, as they allow my elder son to access items and feel like he’s helping.

What the reviews say: The general consensus is that this dresser changing table looks beautiful but can be a bit tricky to put together. “So cute! Hard to put together but once it’s done, it looks amazing in the nursery. Good size,” one reviewer confirmed.

At Forbes Vetted we take product reviewing seriously. To put together a story like this, we research the category and items deeply, and we also solicit expert opinion, real-life advice from moms and dads and rely on our own experiences as parents. We look for safe baby gear and items that are practical and aimed at making life with a baby at least a little bit easier. After poring through reviews and speaking with parents who own these items, we develop an accurate product assessment and determine if an item is suited to being included.

Forbes Vetted writers have years of experience writing in their beat, in this case baby gear, and have completed a great deal of hands-on research in their field.

This article is also updated regularly, most recently in August 2023, to ensure everything included is available and still makes the cut.

In determining which changing tables are the best, I spoke with two pediatricians and several parents to help develop the selection criteria. From there, I assessed features, price, footprint, online reviews and quality to determine which changing tables should make the list. I also considered the recommendations provided by those pediatricians and parents and utilized my own experience as a mom to make sure each item felt worth a purchase.

Bravo points out that purchasing a safe changing table partly comes down to where you plan to place it. Ideally, parents should place the changing table in a “space free from anything the baby can grab or become entangled in” and be mindful about having supplies close at hand, so you aren’t leaving baby unattended while you grab another diaper. “Simply put, parents need to keep three words in mind while shopping for a changing table: safety, storage and hygiene. Once you meet those three criteria, the rest is up to personal preference,” she says.

Bravo also pointed out earlier that it’s ideal to look for a changing table or pad with raised sides or guardrails to minimize baby rolling off. We’ve also pointed out which changing tables come with anti-tip kits and other important safety features, such as drawers that won’t tumble out or all at once, as well as those certified to be free of certain chemicals and off-gassing. If your changing table has wheels, keep them locked to prevent accidents, too.

As the pediatricians I spoke with noted, the best changing tables offer a safe and hygienic place to change your child’s diaper. It can also be a leaping off point toward establishing daily routines with your baby.

Dr. Rebekah Diamond, pediatrician and author of Parent Like a Pediatrician, also notes that having a changing table is helpful from a convenience standpoint “since you don’t have to bend down or move around a changing surface. There’s definitely an appeal from a nursery design and aesthetics perspective which is totally OK.”

However, many of us are short on space or constrained by budget concerns, especially when considering all the stuff suggested to stock a nursery for your baby’s first year of life. That’s why a changing table-dresser combination might deliver the most value for your family, or you may prefer a more inexpensive, temporary solution for use just during the busiest of diaper seasons: the first year. The key is to consider your space and individual family’s needs.

Forbes Vetted has a rich history of reviewing and testing baby and kid gear for the nursery and beyond. You may also be interested in reading the following stories:

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