Changing units in comparison: Which is the best choice?

Isn't it beautiful? You're expecting a baby and you're in for a magical and unique time. We are happy for you! In addition to the great anticipation, you are now also faced with the challenge of choosing the best changing unit for your baby. With so many options on the market, the decision can be overwhelming. That's why we're taking you by the hand and explaining what's important when choosing the best changing unit and which changing option could best meet your needs. Relax and get an overview of the world of practical changing units!

Why a changing unit?

You will spend a lot of time changing nappies in the future. A newborn needs a new nappy every 2-3 hours. It is therefore a great advantage to have a fixed place for changing nappies where all the necessary utensils are available. When making your choice, you should first and foremost pay attention to functionality. Your nappy changing station should not only offer sufficient storage space, but also be safe and comfortable. And not just for your baby, but also for you and your partner. The right height plays a decisive role in the choice. Models with additional compartments for nappies and care products are particularly practical. And of course, the look should also be right: The best changing unit will match your interior style and at the same time offer everything you need for baby care. Sounds complicated? It's not! With a few tips on choosing and furnishing, you can easily find the best changing unit for you and your baby.

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Advantages of the changing unit

Usean existing piece of furniture: With the help of a changing unit attachment, you can easily convert your existing chest of drawers into a changing unit.
Stability: Chests of drawers are sturdily constructed and therefore offer safety even if your little one wriggles around.
Plenty of storage space: A changing unit offers you enough space for nappies, clothes and other changing utensils so that you have everything within easy reach.
spacious surface: It allows you to change your baby comfortably and also offers sufficient storage space for all changing utensils.
Back-friendly height: A chest of drawers usually allows you to change your baby in a back-friendly and upright position.
Long service life: After nappy changing, you can continue to use the chest of drawers as regular storage space for the nursery.

What should you look out for in your changing unit?

Comfortable lying surface for your child that is also easy to clean.
Ergonomic height of the changing unit for you and your partner.
Sufficient storage space for nappies and care products.
Safe and robust construction, even when your child becomes more mobile.

How high should your changing unit be?

You can easily measure the optimum height: The distance between your elbow and the changing surface should be 10-15 cm. Measure the height from the floor to your elbow and subtract 10-15 cm from this. Now you know the perfect height for your changing table.

Body size	Changing height
160 cm	85 cm
170 cm	90 cm
180 cm	100 cm
190 cm	105 cm

Tip for couples of different heights

One challenge when choosing the ideal changing table is the very different heights of the parents. After all, both parents want to change their child comfortably. A good idea is therefore a sturdy footboard that the smaller partner can stand on during nappy changing. Make sure that the step is safe and robust and can be easily stowed away.

How big should the changing surface be?

To ensure that your baby has enough space on the changing unit and that you can change nappies there for a long time, you should plan for a surface that is 80 cm wide and 70 cm deep.

The ideal location for the changing unit

Your changing table should be in a well-ventilated room with good lighting and a pleasant room temperature. It should also be easy and quick to reach. If your bathroom is large enough, you have the advantage of having quick access to the tap. However, the changing unit also looks great in the bedroom or baby's room. Make sure there is a socket nearby. This way, you can easily integrate a hairdryer or a heat lamp at your nappy-changing station.

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IKEA changing unit: Which is the best?

Various models from IKEA are popular with parents as the basis for a changing unit. No wonder, as these chests of drawers are often already available in the home and can be easily converted with a matching changing table topper. These attachments are designed so that they can be securely fastened and offer additional storage space for changing utensils. This means that parents get a functional and stylish changing unit without having to switch to a new piece of furniture. Another advantage of this solution is that the chest of drawers can easily be transformed back into its original form after the nappy-changing period and continue to be used. We have taken a closer look at the most popular models.

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IKEA HEMNES as a changing unit

The practical HEMNES is the absolute classic among IKEA chests of drawers. Parents particularly appreciate the generous storage space in the drawer and the height of 96 cm. A matching changing table topper also creates a pleasantly large surface for changing nappies. The chest of drawers is stable and secure.

IKEA MALM with changing table topper

The classic MALM chest of drawers also offers plenty of storage space with three drawer, but should be attached to the wall as it can easily tip over. However, with a height of 78 cm, it is too low for many parents.

IKEA TYSSEDAL as a changing station

With a height of 76 cm, the TYSSEDAL is also too low for many parents. In addition, the chest of drawers does not offer as much storage space as other models.

IKEA SNIGLAR changing table

The typical entry-level model scores with a particularly low price. However, there is no drawer and with a maximum load of 11 kg, you will quickly reach the limits with larger children. With a height of 87 cm, the changing table is rather low.

	HEMNES	MALM	TYSSEDAL	SNIGLAR
Height	96 cm	78 cm	76 cm	87 cm
Width	90 cm	80 cm wide	87 cm	72 cm
Depth	50 cm depth	48 cm depth	54 cm	53 cm
Storage space	3 large drawer	3 large drawer	2 small & 2 large drawer	1 board
Price	199,00 Euro	99,99 Euro	199,00 Euro	49,00 Euro

	HEMNES	MALM
Height	96 cm	78 cm
Width	90 cm wide	80 cm
Depth	50 cm depth	48 cm
Storage space	3 large drawer	3 large drawer
Price	199,00 Euro	99,99 Euro

	TYSSEDAL	SNIGLAR
Height	76 cm	87 cm
Width	87 cm	72 cm
Depth	54 cm	53 cm
Storage space	2 small & 2 large drawer	1 shelf
Price	199,00 Euro	49,00 Euro

Tips for setting up & organising your changing unit

Organising the changing unit

Other options for the changing area

In addition to changing units, there are various ways in which you can set up a changing area. A cot with a removable changing table topper, a changing unit on the bathtub or even using the washing machine as a multifunctional solution are possible alternatives. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we will now take a closer look at.

Baby cot with removable changing table topper

A cot with an integrated changing table topper is a smart solution for combining two pieces of furniture in one, especially in small flats.

Advantages of the changing unit on the cot

Space-saving: A cot with removable changing table topper combines two functions in one piece of furniture, saving space in the baby's room. If space is an important factor in your home, you can benefit from the multifunctional use.
Flexibility: As soon as nappy-changing time is over, you can remove the changing table topper and use the bed as normal. However, please note that once the nappy-changing period is over, the cot will probably also be too small.
Stability: Cots are very stable, which ensures the safety of your baby during nappy changing.

Disadvantages:

Limited storage space: Compared to a changing unit, cots offer less storage space for changing utensils. You can create additional storage space with a professionally fitted wall shelf.
Height of the changing unit: The height of the cot may be a little too low and may force you into a crouched position.

Changing facilities in the bathtub

The bathtub also offers the opportunity to set up a nappy-changing area. Special attachments increase the work surface and can be a real space saver in small living spaces.

Advantages of changing nappies in the bathtub

Space-saving: If space is limited in your home, using the bathtub as a nappy-changing area can be a practical solution.
Water access: You have direct access to the tap when changing nappies.
Easy to clean: A wipeable pad on the bathtub makes it easy to clean up after nappy changing.

Disadvantages:

Limited storage space: as with a cot, the bath may not provide enough space for extensive nappy changing accessories. Tip: The RASKOG trolley* from IKEA can provide additional space for nappy changing equipment.
Restrictions on use: With an attachment, the bathtub is no longer as easy to use. So if you also use the bath for showering every day, the changing table topper on the bath is not recommended.
Ergonomics: The height of the bath can be uncomfortable for nappy changing and cause back pain. The bath attachment should therefore offer sufficient elevation.
Need for adjustment: You need to make sure that the bath attachment is stable and secure to protect your baby during changing.

Changing nappies on the washing machine as a multifunctional solution

There are even special nappy-changing attachments for the washing machine, which ensure optimum use of space in small flats. As long as you don't have a top-loader.

Advantages:

Space utilisation: In small flats, using the washing machine as a changing area can be a practical and space-saving option.
Ergonomic nappy changing area: The changing table topper on the washing machine usually offers a comfortable and ergonomic height for nappy changing.
Multifunctionality: You can still use the washing machine as a regular washing machine while it also serves as a nappy changing area.
Water access: The washing machine is usually located in the bathroom or kitchen, where a tap is not far away. For sensitive baby skin, water is best for cleaning.

Disadvantages:

Little flexibility: If you use the washing machine as a nappy-changing area, you may have to clear the changing area if you want to use the machine. Conversely, you probably won't be able to change your baby on the washing machine when it's running. So constant rearranging is the order of the day.
Limited storage space: Compared to a changing unit, the washing machine may not offer enough storage space for changing utensils. A securely attached wall shelf can help here and create space for nappy changing utensils.
Safety: Make sure that the washing machine is stable during nappy changing and does not pose a danger to the baby.

Tips for choosing and setting up your changing unit

You now have a good overview of the various IKEA models and other options for your changing unit. To find the best solution for you, you can consider the following points.

Measure the available space and choose a compact or space-saving option if necessary.
Consider the optimum height of your changing unit and base this on the height of you and your partner.
Pay attention to the storage options - drawer and shelves are practical for keeping all changing utensils to hand. A changing table topper for the chest of drawers can be a space-saving and inexpensive alternative.
Think about your baby's safety: a stable construction and a raised edge offer additional safety.
Choose good quality materials and pay attention to a suitable design to choose a changing unit that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

With these tips, you'll be well equipped to choose and set up the ideal changing unit for your needs.