The best changing table can make a new parent's life a lot easier. A dedicated changing table in your nursery isn’t essential, but the advantages over a mat on the floor are plentiful. Cleaning wriggly bottoms at the right height will take the pressure off your back and core, and makes it much easier to get a grip on the situation in hand. Obviously you should never leave your baby unattended, so one with shelves or storage built-in is perfect for keeping everything within reach.
And of course (because we could be accused of being style centric at Real Homes) they need to look fab. From minimalist Scandi designs to cute curved options, all will make a great addition to your space and some can be converted to a standard chest of drawers once potty training is over. Read on for our top picks.
Then head to our dedicate nursery section for more advice, design tips and best buys.
What is the best changing table?
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The best changing table is the elegant and practical Linea changing table from Cuckooland, which fill fit into any size nursery and has a slimline, versatile design. Adjustable height makes it especially easy to use.
Danish design meets practical parenting with this fashion-forward Linea changing table from Cuckooland. Made from beech, it comes with a comfy foam mat (you can buy a spare if anything unsalvageable occurs) in a choice of five colours. Rather cleverly, it can be easily adjusted from 87cm to 92cm high, which is particularly handy if you’ve had a C-section (and that core isn’t ready to be stretched) or your partner is much taller/shorter, than you. It measures H87cm or H92cm x W60cm x D70cm.
For more classical decors, this Chantilly two-drawer changing unit from The Cotswold Company ticks all the boxes. The two generous drawers are soft-close, which is perfect for staying nice and quiet during night-time changes (apparently some babies can even be changed in their sleep, but this is possibly an urban myth, or witchcraft). It comes with two handle options, brushed silver or wooden painted, and measures H97.5cm x W91cm x D52.5cm.
We’re not suggesting you try and load a toddler onto this clever Sundvik changing table from Ikea, but the extending changing area is definitely going to come in handy once your baby’s limbs start to elongate. It’s also much easier to get to the business end of proceedings from this forward-facing position than the more usual sideways facing tables. Add the Onsklig Stor baskets for keeping changing essentials close to hand. It measures H108cm x W79cm x D79cm. Ensure you use the safety lock fittings provided at all times.
As timeless colour combos go, it’s hard to beat this Stone Grey and Oak mix from Mamas and Papas’ Lucca range. The changing tray comes off, leaving you with a beautiful set of three soft-close drawers once the first year of nappy changing transitions into pull-ups (major milestone moment right there). Don't worry though, the top beneath is oak, too, so it will still perfectly coordinate with the oak handles. It measures H98.5cm x W95cm x D53cm.
If your baby’s nursery was formerly the box room/dumping room, space will be at a premium. Happily those good folk at Dunelm have got your back with this simple but highly effective Cot Top changer. Designed to straddle the top of any standard size cot, it’s solidly made from wood, and suitable for use from birth up to 12 months. Just prop it against the wall when not in use. It measures L86cm x W51cm.
Known for its innovative furniture, Stokke has pulled another rabbit out of the hat with this Home Dresser. Clean-lined Scandinavian design is a given, but we’re particularly taken by the flexible changing top that allows both sideways and parent facing changing positions, depending on your nappy changing style and baby’s height. The unit’s legs are also purposefully tall to allow your feet to tuck under for closer cuddling action. It measures H88cm x W73cm x D50cm.
