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Baby’s Changing Table: The Complete Buying Guide For Parents

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One of your first orders of business when becoming a parent is setting up your little one’s nursery and all new parents can count on changing a lot of diapers. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it! The good news is that clean up can be quick and easy if you have a safe changing table stocked with supplies within reach. 

Why You Need A Changing Table

A changing table provides a designated safe place for you to change your baby’s diaper. Whether you opt for a traditional changing table or a dresser with a changing pad on top, you’ll be happy to have a go-to spot for diaper changes. It’s easy and convenient to have all the necessary diaper changing gear – wipes, diapers and diaper rash cream – organized and handy in one area. 

Changing tables are especially helpful for moms who are recovering from C-sections, because bending over at the waist can be painful and uncomfortable, so if you know ahead of time you might get one, this is sure to be a smart investment.

Dresser And Changing Table Combo

If you’d like a changing area, buy a changing pad and secure it onto a low dresser, which you can use even when your child is no longer wearing diapers. Store diapers, wipes and creams in a top drawer for quick access. Conveniently store away all of your other baby’s items – such as swaddles, burp cloths and onesies – in the dresser.

Things To Consider When Creating A Changing Table Area

  • Safety. Furniture needs to be secured to the wall so that it doesn’t topple over on your baby. If your piece of furniture doesn’t have anchors and tethers to brace it in place, your local hardware store will have the pieces you need. 
  • Changing Pad. Buy a firm, ridged changing pad and secure it onto the dresser, which you can use even when your child is out of diapers. Colgate’s contour changing pad turns any flat surface into a baby changing station. Firm foam ridges on the sides provide a secure cocoon for baby while being changed. The changing pad’s cover cleans easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. Extra safety features include a rigid fiber support board, a safety strap and screws to attach the changing pad. 
  • Safety Strap. While they’re a helpful feature for first-time parents, you should never leave baby unattended, even if it’s to grab a toy or a pair of pajamas in the same room. According to HealthyChildren.org, always keep one hand on baby.
  • Non-Toxic Paint. When using a hand-me-down changing table, make sure the paint finish is safe. Even freshly painted vintage finds can be hiding lead paint, which can be extremely dangerous for developing babies. Here’s how to identify lead paint.
  • Diaper Bin. Be sure to include a diaper pail closeby for easy diaper disposal. As your little one grows and the diapers pile up, you’ll quickly realize that this may be one of your most used – and most appreciated – nursery items. 
  • Big Baby. It’s harder than you think to diaper a growing, active baby. When your baby reaches 30 pounds, usually around a year old, it’s safer to change him on a pad or towel on the floor. By then, you’ll be an expert!
dad changing a diaper of young child

Daddy Diaper Doody – Time to “Squat for Change”

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Daddy Changing Diaper

Let’s face it, no one ever really wants to change a big ole stinky diaper. And traditionally, it was the mom who took the lead in taking care of baby. It just wasn’t “cool” for a dad to rock, swaddle, feed, bathe or {gasp} change a poopy diaper…until now.

Modern day dads change diapers just like mom. But because society hasn’t quite caught up with modern parenting, that means a lot of men are forced to put their babies on the floors, sinks or countertops in public bathrooms because the men’s room doesn’t have a changing station.

In fact, American fathers today spend nearly triple the amount of time with their kids than previous generations, but too often they find themselves navigating public spaces that don’t see them as parents.

Making Diaper Doody Accessible for Everyone

But, that’s changing. Squat for Change is leading the charge to ensure all members of the family have access to safe, clean changing tables in public restrooms around the world.

Donte Palmer had done it many times – squatted down on the floor in a public restroom, stretched a squirmy child across his lap and changed a dirty diaper. It wasn’t until recently when his 12-year-old son, Isaiah, captured Palmer’s technique in a photo that Palmer said he started to seriously think about it.

Squat for Change

Palmer posted the picture on Instagram and Facebook last month to raise awareness about the issue, and since then thousands of fathers have reached out to show their support – and their own squats. Palmer said that he was shocked by the response, admitting, “I just thought it was a Donte issue.”

It’s not. As The Washington Post reported in 2015, Ashton Kutcher, who was a relatively new father at the time, ranted about the problem on Facebook, saying, “There are NEVER diaper changing stations in men’s public restrooms.”

A Catalyst for Change

Palmer said he wants more businesses to install diaper-changing stations in men’s restrooms. He said men and women should “share an equal playing field” when it comes to parenting.

Squat for Change is a grassroots organization pushing for social and legislative change that ensures no matter which restroom you use, you never have to put your back against a wall to change a baby. Basically, if there’s a public bathroom in a building, there’s at least one changing table that dads can find and use.

Palmer does not want to diminish what mothers do because “they’re the superheroes,” but said he wants fathers – and their role – to be recognized as well.