Setting up and organising your changing table
When you’re setting up the nursery, you’ll eventually come to one of the most important steps: setting up the changing table in the best possible way. A well-organised changing area saves time, reduces stress – and ensures that nappy changing is comfortable and safe for both you and your baby.
But what should you put on the changing table? How do you set up the drawer in a practical way? And what are the essential items for a well-equipped nappy-changing area in the nursery? Here you’ll find clear instructions, helpful tips and the most important nappy-changing essentials, so you can prepare your nappy-changing area perfectly.
What does a nappy-changing station need?
A well-equipped nappy-changing station is essential for a smooth nappy-changing process for your baby. To ensure that nappy-changing is comfortable and pleasant for both you as a parent and your little one, there are a few basic items that no nappy-changing station should be without :
- Changing mat: The Changing mat forms the basis of the nappy-changing station. Choose a Changing mat with cosy padding and a surface that is easy to clean. This makes every nappy change a cosy and hygienic experience.
- Mobile : A colourful and soothing mobile above the changing area can be a fantastic way to distract and entertain your baby whilst changing nappies. Mobile with gentle music or moving figures are particularly suitable.
- Heat lamp : A heat lamp is a useful addition to the changing area, especially during the colder months. It ensures that your little one stays cosy and warm during nappy changes and doesn’t get cold.
- Night light : To avoid disturbing your sleep and your baby’s too much during night-time nappy changes, a soft night light near the changing area is a clever choice. This way
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- you’ll both drift back into a restful sleep more quickly after nappy changes.
- Nappy bin : If you use disposable nappies and wet wipes, you’ll need a suitable place to dispose of dirty nappies and the like. With odour-proof nappy bins or nappy twisters, the changing area stays fresh and hygienic at all times.
What do you need when changing nappies?
The drawer s on your changing table are ideal for storing everything you need for daily nappy changes. This keeps the changing area tidy – and you have all your essential baby items right to hand.
- Nappies : Nappies are the be-all and end-all. Make sure you always have enough nappies in the right size in stock. Tip: A nappy subscription can make it easier to keep your supplies topped up.
- Washcloths or wet wipes : Wet wipes help with gentle cleansing and are particularly handy when out and about. At home, however, a washcloth with warm water is best, as this is particularly gentle on the skin. Tip: A water dispenser with a pump is super handy for quick cleans.
- Skincare products: Mild baby skincare products such as oil, cream or lotion protect sensitive skin. Look for hypoallergenic formulas without unnecessary fragrances.
- Spare clothes : Accidents happen – that’s why spare clothes are an absolute must in the changing table. Bodysuits, rompers and wrap-around shirts are particularly practical and easy to put on.
Changing mat: practical for home and on the go
The WINDÄL SCHOONER is perfect for a clean and comfortable nappy-changing experience. Waterproof, absorbent and made from three layers, it reliably protects the Changing pad from wetness and soiling. It is also hygienic and easy to care for, washable at 60°C. Thanks to its compact, roll-up design, it is also ideal for use on the go – so you always have a clean, practical changing area with you.
Storage and organising your changing table
Keeping your changing table organised is the key to a smooth and efficient nappy-changing routine. With practical storage solutions and a sensible arrangement of baby items, you can ensure that everything you need to care for your baby is always within easy reach.
Here are some practical storage solutions to help you organise your changing table perfectly :
1. Storage baskets or boxes
Bring some order to the nappy-changing chaos! Use baskets or boxes to neatly store your nappy-changing essentials, such as nappy cream, wet wipes and the like.
Our tip: With labelled baskets, you’ll find everything you need in a flash when changing nappies.
2. Organisers for the drawer
The larger drawer of a changing table can quickly become untidy. You can easily avoid a chaotic drawer with our organisers. Sort bodysuits, rompers and the like into the small compartments, standing them upright, to make the most of the space. This way, your baby’s clothes are immediately to hand – no more fumbling around whilst changing nappies.
3. Wall-mounted organiser
A hanging organiser for the changing table is the perfect solution for expanding your changing area whilst saving space. Attached to the side of the chest of drawers, it creates extra storage space for nappies, care products, a change of clothes and other baby essentials that you want to have quickly to hand. At the same time, it brings order to the space – and, depending on the design, adds a decorative touch to the nursery.
4. Smart storage containers
IKEA’s ÖNKSLIG storage containers offer an extremely practical solution for keeping all essential items within easy reach on the changing table. They are particularly user-friendly thanks to the simple hook-on design that attaches to the edge of the changing table.
The hooks included in the set also allow you to hang towels, washcloths or pyjamas, either on the table or on the wall. Furthermore, the largest container can be used as a nappy bin, either by hanging it on the edge of the changing table or simply placing it on the floor.
Image source: IKEA Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
5. Picture rails
Picture rails allow you to make efficient use of the vertical space above the changing table. By installing several picture rails one above the other, you can create additional storage space for nappies, baby care products and other essential baby items without taking up valuable space on the changing surface.
Safety note: Make sure, however, that the shelf is firmly and securely mounted to the wall.
To make the nursery even cosier, you can add a wall sticker above the shelf to create a special focal point in the room. Or how about some stickers underneath the shelf? That way, your baby will have something to look at whilst you’re changing them.
Smart organisation: How to organise your changing table properly
A clever layout helps you grab nappy-changing essentials quickly and keep the changing area tidy. With a few simple tips, you can make the most of the available storage space.
- Top surface & top drawer: This is where you should keep all the essentials you need constantly when changing nappies: nappies, wet wipes, care products and handy little items. That way, everything runs smoothly – even at night or when you’re in a hurry.
- Middle drawer : Store items here that you need regularly but not for every nappy change – e.g. additional care products, medicines or spare wet wipes.
- Lower drawer : Ideal for baby clothes, burp cloths, blankets or other textiles that you want to keep handy but don’t need all the time.
Important: Always keep sharp or dangerous items out of your baby’s reach – ideally in lockable drawer or higher compartments. This keeps your changing table tidy, safe and perfectly organised.
More topics related to the nursery
Decorations for your changing table
The Baby Changing Station Guide: Dimensions, Location and More
