Set up and organize the changing unit
Set up & organise the changing unit
When you're setting up your baby's room, you'll eventually come to one of the most important steps: organising the changing unit. A well-organised changing table saves time, reduces stress - and ensures that changing nappies is comfortable and safe for you and your baby.
but what should you put on the changing table? How do you organise the drawer properly? And what should definitely not be missing from a well-equipped changing area in the baby's room? Here you will find clear instructions, helpful tips and the most important changing utensils so that you can prepare your changing area perfectly.
What does a 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 should not be missing from a changing station:
- Changing mat: The Changing mat forms the basis of the 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.
- Mobilé: A colourful and calming mobilé above the changing station can be a fantastic way to distract and entertain your baby during changing. Mobilés with soft music or moving figures are particularly suitable.
- Heat lamp: A heat lamp is a useful addition to the changing station, especially in the colder months. It ensures that your little one is cosy and warm during the changing process and doesn't get cold.
- Night light: A soft night light near the nappy-changing station is a clever choice so that you and your baby are not too disturbed during night-time nappy-changing sessions. This will help you both get back to a restful sleep more quickly after nappy changing.
- Nappy bin: If you use disposable nappies and wet wipes, you need a suitable place to dispose of dirty nappies etc. Odour-proof nappy bins or nappy wipes keep the changing area fresh and hygienic at all times.
What do you need for nappy changing?
The drawer of your changing unit are ideal for storing everything you need every day when changing nappies. This keeps the nappy-changing area tidy - and you have all the important baby utensils 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 regular replenishment easier.
- Flannels or wet wipes: Wet wipes help with gentle cleansing and are particularly practical when travelling. However, the best thing to use at home is a flannel with warm water, which is particularly kind to the skin. Tip: A water dispenser with a pump function is super practical for quick cleansing.
- care products: Mild baby care products such as oil, cream or lotion protect sensitive skin. Look out for hypoallergenic formulations without unnecessary fragrances.
- spare clothes: Accidents happen - that's why spare clothes should always be kept in the changing unit. Bodysuits, rompers and changing shirts are particularly practical and easy to put on.
Practical Changing mat for at home and on the go
The WINDÄL SCHOONER is perfect for a clean and comfortable nappy-changing experience. Impermeable, absorbent and triple-layered, it reliably protects the Changing pad from moisture and soiling. At the same time, it is hygienic and easy to clean, washable at 60°C. Thanks to its compact, rollable shape, it is also ideal for travelling - so you always have a clean, practical changing area with you.
Storage and organisation in the changing unit
Organising your changing unit is the key to a smooth and efficient changing process. 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 to hand.
Here are some practical storage solutions that you can use to optimally organise your changing unit:
1. Storage baskets or boxes
Bring organisation into the nappy-changing chaos! Use baskets or boxes to store your changing utensils such as care products, wet wipes and other items in an organised way.
Our tip: With labelled baskets, you can find everything in no time at all when changing your baby.
2. Organiser for the changing unit drawer
Larger drawer changing units can quickly become untidy. You can easily avoid chaotic drawer with our organisers. Sort bodysuits, rompers and other items upright in the small compartments and make optimum use of the space. This way, your baby's clothes are immediately at hand - without having to search for them during nappy changing.
3. Hanging organiser
A hanging organiser for the changing unit is the perfect solution for expanding your changing area to save space. Attached to the side of the chest of drawers, it creates additional storage space for nappies, care products, a change of clothes and other baby utensils that you want to have within easy reach. At the same time, it provides structure - and, depending on the design, creates a decorative accent in the baby's room.
4. Clever containers
The ÖNKSLIG containers from IKEA offer an extremely practical solution for keeping all the important utensils at the changing table within easy reach. They are particularly user-friendly thanks to their simple hanging option on the edge of the changing table.
The hooks included in the set also make it possible to hang towels, flannels or pyjamas both on the table and on the wall. In addition, the largest bin can be used as a waste bin, either by hanging it on the edge of the changing table or by simply placing it on the floor.
Image source: IKEA Germany GmbH & Co KG
5. Picture rails
Picture rails allow you to make efficient use of the vertical space above the changing unit. By placing several picture rails on top of each other, you can create additional storage space for nappies, care products and other important baby items without taking up valuable space on the changing surface.
Safety note: However, make sure that the shelf is firmly and securely attached to the wall.
To make the baby room even cosier, you can add a wall tattoo above the shelf to create a special accent in the baby room. Or how about stickers underneath the shelf? That way, your baby has something to look at during the nappy-changing process.
Sensible arrangement: How to organise your changing unit correctly
A clever structure helps you to quickly access changing utensils and keep the changing area tidy. With a few simple tips, you can make optimum use of the available storage space.
- Surface & top drawer: This is where all the essentials you constantly need when changing nappies belong: nappies, wet wipes, care products and little helpers. So everything runs smoothly - even at night or in a hurry.
- Middle drawer: Store things that you need regularly but not every time you change nappies - e.g. additional care products, medication or spare wet wipes.
- Lower drawer: Ideal for baby clothes, burp cloths, blankets or other textiles that you have to hand but don't need all the time.
Important: Always keep sharp or dangerous items out of your baby's reach - preferably in lockable drawer or higher compartments. This keeps your changing unit clear, safe and perfectly organised.