The perfect changing table for your nursery – ideas, hacks & accessories
Congratulations – how lovely that you’re expecting a baby! A wonderful and exciting time lies ahead of you. At the same time, you now face an important decision: which changing table is best for your nursery? The choice of changing stations, chests of drawers and changing tops is huge – and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To make your decision easier, we’ll show you exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect changing table: from the ideal changing height and the correct dimensions of the changing surface to safe and practical changing pads for IKEA chests of drawers such as HEMNES or MALM. You’ll also find out how to set up your changing station to be ergonomic, safe and cosy. Discover clever IKEA hacks, space-saving storage solutions, organisers for your changing table and lots of inspiring ideas to help you tailor your changing area perfectly to your needs – functional, tidy and simply beautiful!
Why choose a changing table?
You spend a lot of time changing nappies every day – newborns in particular need a fresh nappy roughly every 2–3 hours. A dedicated changing area with all the essential changing accessories within easy reach makes everyday life much easier. When choosing one, look for functionality, ample storage space, safety and the right changing height to ensure changing remains comfortable for both you and your baby. Changing tables are particularly practical thanks to their ‘ drawer’ for nappies, care products and clothes. If the ‘ chest of drawers’ also matches your interior style, it creates a harmonious, cosy changing area. With the right tips, you’ll quickly find the best changing table for your baby’s room.
What should you look for in a changing table?
- A comfortable changing surface for your child that is also easy to clean.
- An ergonomic height for you and your partner.
- Plenty of storage space for nappies and baby care products.
- A safe and sturdy design, even as your child becomes more mobile.
We’ll show you how to find the right dimensions and the best spot for your changing table!
Advantages of using an IKEA ‘ chest of drawers’ as a changing table
- Make use of existing furniture: With the help of a changing top, you can easily convert your existing chest of drawers into a changing table.
- Stability: The chests of drawers are sturdily built and therefore offer safety even with a wriggling little one.
- Plenty of storage space: A changing table offers you plenty of space for nappies, clothes and other changing essentials, so you have everything quickly to hand.
- Spacious surface: It allows you to change your baby comfortably whilst providing ample space for all your changing essentials.
- Back-friendly height: The right ‘ chest of drawers’ usually allows you to care for your baby in an upright position that is easy on your back.
- Long-lasting: Once the nappy-changing days are over, you can continue to use the chest of drawers as regular storage for the nursery.
The comparison: Which IKEA changing table is the best chest of drawers?
IKEA offers many chests of drawers that, with a changing mat or a few adjustments, are perfectly suited as changing tables. But which one is best for your needs? We compare the most popular models in terms of space, height and storage so that you can make the perfect choice.
Handy organisers for your changing table
To make the most of the space in your drawer and chest of drawers, you can use our clever organisers. These fit perfectly into the HEMNES and MALM chest of drawers. Clothes are stored upright – so everything is visible at a glance and within easy reach, and you can stay relaxed whilst changing nappies.
Great alternatives to traditional changing tables
A changing table isn’t really for you? There are plenty of clever, space-saving and cost-effective alternatives that work just as well. Whether you live in a small flat, are looking for a flexible solution or simply want to get creative – we’ll show you some smart changing areas that make everyday life with a baby easier.
Found a changing table? Now it’s time to think about the furnishings and décor
A cosy nappy-changing area is more than just functional – with the right furnishings and thoughtful decorative touches, it becomes a real haven of comfort for you and your baby. Discover our ideas for practical storage, atmospheric lighting and cute accessories that perfectly complete the nappy-changing area. Be inspired!
Tips for safe and stress-free nappy changing
Learn from midwife Meike how to make nappy changing a relaxed, safe and stress-free experience. She shares what you need to bear in mind when positioning your baby, handling nappies and choosing care products.
DIY Project: Build your own ‘ changing table topper’
Are you handy and looking for a new DIY project? Then why not build your own changing table for the IKEA chest of drawers! Our friends Sanja & Franz have given it a go! Find out how to build a DIY changing table with extra storage for HEMNES, MALM & Co. – and whether it’s worth the effort.
Changing mats for home and on the go
The WINDÄL SCHOONER is the ideal Changing mat for any situation: waterproof and easy to wash, it keeps the changing area clean and hygienic at all times. You can roll it up conveniently so it fits perfectly into any nappy bag. The perfect Changing mat for home and on the go.