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’re now faced with an important decision: which changing table is best for your nursery? The range 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 out 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 tops for IKEA chests of drawers such as HEMNES or MALM. You’ll also find out how to set up your changing station so it’s 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 have 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. Having a dedicated changing area with all the essential changing bits and bobs within easy reach makes everyday life much easier. When choosing one, look for functionality, plenty of storage space, safety and the right changing height, so that nappy 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 design 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 out for when choosing a changing table?
- A comfortable changing surface for your child that’s 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 remain safe even with a wriggling little one on top.
- Plenty of storage space: A changing table gives 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 to lay out all your nappy-changing essentials.
- Back-friendly height: The right ‘ chest of drawers’ changing unit usually allows you to care for your baby in an upright position that’s easy on your back.
- Long-lasting use: Once the nappy-changing days are over, you can continue to use the ‘ chest of drawers’ as regular storage for the nursery.
A comparison: Which IKEA chest of drawers is the best changing table?
IKEA offers many chests of drawers that, with a changing table topper 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 capacity, so 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 sorted and stood upright – so everything is visible at a glance and within easy reach, helping you stay relaxed whilst changing nappies.
Good alternatives to traditional changing tables
Not keen on a changing table? There are plenty of clever, space-saving and affordable 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
Find out 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 skincare products.
DIY project: Build your own ‘ changing table topper’
Are you handy and looking for a new DIY project? Then why not build the ‘ changing table topper’ for the IKEA ‘ chest of drawers’ yourself! Our friends Sanja & Franz have given it a go! Find out how to build a DIY nappy-changing station with extra storage space for HEMNES, MALM & Co. – and whether it’s worth the effort.
Changing mats for at home and on the go
The WINDÄL SCHOONER is the ideal Changing mat for any situation: waterproof and easy to wash, it keeps the nappy-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 at home and on the go.
Discover all our nappy-changing products now
BASIC SET
PREMIUM SET
COMFORT SET
BASIC SET
COMFORT SET
PREMIUM SET
