The Best Baby Changing Tables for Baby's Nursery
In a nutshell:
Based on extensive market research and feedback from our staff, we chose the Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad as the overall best changing table. This option stood out for its space-saving design, straightforward assembly and budget-friendly price.
Most parents will agree that changing dirty diapers is not their favorite activity. However, having the right baby gear, such as a baby changing table, can make the messy job much easier. The best changing tables keep all your baby supplies (think: diapers, lotion, and wipes) organized and within reach, helping take the stress out of changing a squirming baby.
A lot of parents-to-be find themselves wondering if they really need a changing table for baby. And here’s the deal: They can take up a lot of space, which you may not have room for, so you can certainly get away with not having one and opt for using another surface (the top of a dresser, the bed, the floor) with a changing pad instead. But while a changing table isn’t a nursery necessity, it definitely comes in handy. Speaking from experience, I have some back issues, so during those early days when diaper changes seemed to happen 20 times a day, having a changing table wasn’t just convenient—it was a lifesaver. Instead of bending over on the floor and making my back hurt even more, I could stand comfortably and keep everything I needed close at hand. Anything to make those frequent diaper changes a little more manageable! “They’re designed to keep you from having to bend over and do things on the floor when you’re changing a dozen diapers a day,” says Jon Simon, MD, a primary care physician with Mercy Personal Physicians at Hunt Valley.
Having a hard time zeroing in on the right one for baby’s nursery? Take a peek at our roundup of the most practical changing tables available now. Diaper duty will be a cinch!
It’s essential to look at a changing table as something you’ll get a lot of use out of, and potentially for years, says Peter Kerin, ACPC, of Foresight Childproofing, Inc. To make sure you choose the best changing table for your family’s ever-evolving needs, we:
- Consulted with a pediatrician and three baby safety experts for their input on the most important aspects when shopping for one of these tables.
- Looked at the most popular changing tables on the market and narrowed the field based on elements like footprint, safety features, storage capacity and overall appearance.
- Researched and analyzed what was being said about changing tables in The Bump community and other parenting forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific styles and brands.
- Consulted our staff about their real-life experience with and favorite changing tables.
- Read reviews from real parents to get a better sense of how these tables perform for a variety of families.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops product reviews.
Overall best diaper changing table
- Sturdy
- Easy to assemble
- Simple design
- Some complaints about a bad smell
Proof that practical can still be stylish, this nursery changing table blends everyday function with thoughtful design, earning its spot as our top pick for the best overall diaper changing table. With a clean, classic look that fits seamlessly into most nurseries, this Delta Children Infant changing table is built for convenience and everyday functionality.
Two open shelves offer easy access to diapers, wipes, and other essentials, making diaper changes quick and hassle-free, and we love that it includes a water-resistant changing pad with a safety strap for added comfort and security. While it's not a convertible piece, open storage and lightweight structure make it easy to reposition or repurpose as needed once baby is out of diapers. Ideal for smaller spaces and budget-conscious families, this changing table combines practicality and safety at a reasonable price. For those seeking a reliable, space-smart solution, this Delta Children model checks every box!
Dimensions: 19.75" (L) x 35" (W) x 39.25" (H) | Changing area: 16" (L) x 33" (W) | Weight capacity: 24 lbs.
Best changing table dresser
- Smooth-glide drawers
- Solid construction
- Modern aesthetic
- Most expensive option on our list
The Babyletto Lolly not only has a beautiful, modern aesthetic, it doubles as a dresser, making it a standout choice for any nursery. Built from sustainably sourced New Zealand pine and engineered wood, this dresser is as durable as it is stylish. It features three roomy drawers with smooth-glide metal hardware and safety stops to protect little fingers from injury. A removable changing tray adds versatility; parents can use it during the diaper years, then transition it into a timeless dresser as baby grows.
The sleek, minimalist silhouette pairs effortlessly with a variety of nursery styles and comes in four chic color options: black, white, washed natural and natural walnut. Safety is a priority, too—it includes an anti-tip kit and is finished in a non-toxic, lead- and phthalate-safe paint. Compact yet spacious to hold baby’s clothing and accessories, this changer dresser combines everyday practicality with long-term value.
Dimensions: 19.1" (L) x 35" (W) x 33.5" (H) | Changing area: 16" (L) x 31" (W) | Weight capacity: 30 lbs.
Best small changing table
- Compact size
- Open shelving plus drawers
- JPMA certified
- Time-consuming assembly
- Visible bolt heads
The Storkcraft Brookside 2-Drawer Changing Chest is an ideal choice for parents seeking a stylish and space-saving solution. As the best small changing table we discovered in our research (with the smallest footprint of any option on our list), it’s designed to deliver maximum function in minimal square footage. The compact frame features a removable changing topper, allowing it to convert seamlessly into a sleek dresser when the diaper days are over.
Despite its smaller size, it offers impressive storage with two smooth-gliding drawers and two open cubbies, perfect for organizing diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials. Crafted from durable engineered wood with a clean, modern design, it’s GREENGUARD Gold and JPMA Certified, ensuring it meets strict safety and emissions standards. A tip-over restraint kit and interlocking drawer system provide added peace of mind. If you're working with limited space but still want a dependable, attractive changing table, the Brookside is an efficient choice that delivers big functionality in a compact size.
Dimensions: 17.6" (L) x 34.1" (W) x 38.9" (H) | Changing area: 16" (L) x 31" (W) | Weight capacity: 30 lbs.
Best budget-friendly changing table
- Inexpensive
- Simple design
- Compact size
- Doesn’t fit standard changing pad
- Low weight limit
The IKEA SNIGLAR Changing Table proves that great functionality doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Made from durable, solid beech wood with clean lines and a minimalist Scandinavian design, this budget-friendly option offers everything new parents need in a changing table without breaking the bank. Open, two-tiered shelving provides easy access to diapers, wipes and clothes, keeping essentials within reach during every diaper change. The raised edges around the changing surface help keep baby safe and secure, while the size fits well in smaller nurseries or shared spaces.
Lightweight yet sturdy, the SNIGLAR is also easy to move and assemble, making it ideal for apartment living or temporary setups. Though simple in design, it delivers on all the basics: safety, accessibility, and affordability. If you’re looking for an efficient, no-fuss diaper changing solution that’s gentle on your wallet—under $40!—SNIGLAR is the best budget-friendly choice on the market.
Dimensions: 20.4 " (L) x 28.4" (W) x 34.25" (H) | Changing area: 20.9" (L) x 28.4" (W) | Weight capacity: 22 lbs.
Best foldable changing table
- Adjustable height
- Under $100
- Two-year warranty
- Surface easily stains
- Mixed reviews on ease of assembly
The EGREE Folding Changing Table stands out as the best foldable changing table for parents who value high performance paired with easy storage. We love how the sturdy metal legs fold flat in seconds, making it ideal for small homes, apartments or changes on the go!
With four adjustable height levels, it offers ergonomic convenience while helping to reduce back strain during diaper duty—something any mom can appreciate! The waterproof surface makes cleanup simple, and the built-in safety strap keeps baby secure during changes. A roomy hanging basket and side pockets provide plenty of organized storage for diaper cream and wipes. With a light weight and lockable wheels, it’s easy to move between rooms or stow away when not in use. Plus, at a price under $100, it delivers impressive value without compromising on functionality or safety. For parents looking for flexibility, comfort, and smart storage, this changing table is the ultimate foldable option.
Dimensions: 29.9" (L) x 37" (W) x 33.8" (H) | Changing area: N/A | Weight capacity: 33 lbs.
You have options when it comes to changing tables. “Changing tables come in many sizes and setups,” says Alex Lund, founder and president at Safetynook, Inc. “Some parents like to use a removable changing pad on a dresser, while some nursing furniture comes with a box and a changing pad that can be removed later when not needed any longer and you have a nice dresser. There is also dedicated furniture just as a changing table with shelves for storage underneath.”
In my own home, I used a dresser with a removable changing tray that held a standard-size changing pad and included a side compartment for diapering essentials. I found this setup incredibly convenient! It kept everything I needed within arm’s reach. When my sons got bigger and no longer needed a changing table, I simply removed the tray and continued using the dresser as regular furniture. No matter which style you go with, though, there are a few key features worth keeping in mind. The experts we spoke to recommended looking for these elements as you shop:
- Raised sides. While experts stress the importance of closely monitoring your baby at all times on a changing table, many note that raised sides are a nice feature, too. “You always have to assume a baby is going to roll,” Simon says, adding that there’s no substitute for direct supervision, but raised sides are “a little bit of an insurance policy.”
- Ease of cleaning. Changing tables themselves are often made of materials that are easily wiped down. However, having a pad that can be washed is handy. “Get one that is easy to clean, as things do happen, or get a nice cover for a changing pad that is easily machine washed and dried,” says Lund.
- Storage space. It’s not required, but many changing tables will have included storage. That can help keep your diapering gear within reach. “You want to have everything ready to change the diaper—wipes, towels, and whatever else you need,” Simon says. Dawne Gardner, senior manager of equity and child safety at Safe Kids Worldwide, agrees. “Ideally, we would like for it to have storage so the baby is never left alone,” she says. “However, we don’t want to discourage a family that can’t afford a table with storage. We want families to understand they can never leave the child alone.”
- Wall mounting. Some changing tables come with wall mounting kits, while others must be purchased separately. Either way, Kerin says it’s crucial to secure your changing table to the wall to avoid the risk of the table tipping.
- Weight limit and longevity. “Know what the weight limit is for putting your child there,” Gardner says. “You need to know that weight limit so you’re not putting a child that’s too big on that table.” Kerin adds, “Most parents, when you bring home a newborn, that baby is 6 to 8 pounds and not rolling around. But some people will use changing tables through when a child is 3 years old. A lot changes with your child during that time.” It’s worth thinking ahead to how long you plan to use your changing table and choosing one that’s built to safely accommodate your child as they grow.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a New York-based writer and mom of two young boys. Having been through the baby years twice, she knows how important it is to have gear that actually works for real life. With a background in product development and a practical approach to parenting, Christine shares honest, experience-based tips to help other parents find what they really need, such as a changing table that fits both their space and daily routine.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Jon Simon, MD, is a primary care physician based in Hunt Valley, Maryland. He is board-certified in pediatrics, and treats patients of all ages.
Peter Kerin, ACPC, is a father of three and the owner of Foresight Childproofing, a baby proofing company in Minnesota.
Alex Lund is the founder and president of Safetynook, Inc., a child proofing company based in San Francisco, California.
Dawne Gardner is the senior manager of equity and child safety at Safe Kids Worldwide. She has also served as the Injury Prevention Senior Specialist with the Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, is a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and serves on the board of directors for the National Injury Free Coalition for Kids.
