Changing Tables Alternatives
If you feel the changing table is an overkill for your nursery, this compilation on the alternatives should please you.
Changing Tables Alternatives For Your Nursery
Nothing excites a parent more than holding their baby for the first time. Most soon-to-be parents will want to prepare themselves by getting all the items they need to care for their baby. A changing table is undoubtedly one of the essential items in a nursery.
It provides a comfortable height to change the baby without straining your knees or back, and modern changing tables have a guard rail to prevent the baby from rolling.
A changing table also provides ample storage space for baby changing essentials, including diapers, cream, and other accessories. It can also double as a bath and massage station to make bath times seamless and memorable.
Most changing tables cost between $100-200. In addition, they may take much floor space because they measure 20*26*36inches. Thus, you might consider a cheaper alternative if the price of a changing table is above your budget or when your space is limited.
This article aims to explore some of the best alternatives to changing tables.
Alternatives to a Changing Table
Foldable Changing Table
If you are working with a constricted space, a foldable changing table maybe your best alternative. It provides a great space-saving solution because it occupies less floor space than traditional changing tables. Most importantly, you can fold and tuck it away when you finish changing the diapers.
Despite being small, a foldable changing table offers comfort and stability as a traditional changing table. It has a sturdy steel frame with anti-skid covers to prevent slipping. Additionally, the upper part is made of sturdy materials like canvas or PVC to comfortably support a baby’s weight. Besides, it has a comfortable height to prevent backaches and strains when changing the baby.
Benefits Of a Foldable Changing Table
A foldable changing table has the following benefits.
Space Saving
A Foldable changing table makes a great choice for small apartments. It occupies a smaller floor space when unfolded, and you can fold it for storage after use. Besides, you can place it behind a door or store it under a bed, in a closet, or against a wall when not in use.
Affordability
You can never go wrong with a foldable changing table when working on a budget. There are various price ranges, and you can be sure to find awesome quality changing tables below $100. Besides, you need not worry about looking for a bigger apartment if you are expecting a baby because a foldable changing table is small and can fit even in the smallest spaces.
Convenience
It’s not easy to care for a baby. Thus, most parents would prefer working with convenient baby items to make life easier. A folding changing table is easy to use and convenient because you only need to unfold it, change the baby and fold it back for storage. Besides, it’s lightweight and portable for use in any room. Some foldable changing tables have a removable compartment for storing nappies, diaper cream, and other baby necessities.
Sturdy and Durable
A foldable changing table has a sturdy steel frame to support the baby’s weight without wobbling. In addition, the upper part is made of sturdy materials to provide safety and comfort when changing the baby. It’s carefully constructed to stand wear when folding and unfolding it.
Low Maintenance
A foldable changing table is easy to clean and maintain. The upper part is usually made of waterproof material that is easy to wipe, clean, and sterilize after changing the baby. Besides, the steel framework is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Cons of a Foldable Changing Table
A foldable changing table has several downsides. For instance, it’s smaller than a traditional changing table, and your baby may outgrow it soon. However, it’s still your best choice if you are short on space.
Fine More: Best Changing Tables For Tall Parents
Crib-Changing Table Combo
Although your baby will use a bassinet for the first three months of their lives, they will eventually need to transition into a crib. Thus, a crib-changing table combo will make a great choice in this case. It consists of a small changing table attached to the crib and has everything your baby needs until they are ready to transition into a toddler bed. Apart from making changing time easy, some crib-changing table combos are adjustable, allowing the baby to grow with it. Besides, it bears several drawers for baby essentials and doubles as a dresser.
Benefits Of a Crib-Changing Table Combo
A crib-changing table combo is not just for show. It comes with the following benefits.
Value For Money
A crib-changing table combo saves you the cost of buying the two essential nursery items separately. It can also double as a dresser, saving you the additional cost of buying one. Besides, most combos are fully adjustable, meaning that they will accommodate the baby during the various developmental stages. Furthermore, some crib-changing table combos are fully convertible into a twin bed.
Versatility/Convenience
Once you buy a crib-changing table combo, you can expect it to last for many years and pass it down to other kids. It’s made of sturdy, durable wood and requires minimal maintenance. In addition, It’s adjustable to grow with the baby in various developmental stages, with some going up to teenage hood. Besides, the combo makes changing time easy because all activities revolve around one place. Thus, it’s easy to control the mess, if any. Besides, it has a comfortable height to prevent bending or hurting your back.
Space Saving Designs
The crib-changing table combo also doubles as a dresser. Thus, it saves individual spaces for the three baby items. If you don’t have a separate room for your baby, you can place it in a designated corner in your bedroom. Furthermore, the combo comes with pullout drawers that create additional storage space for diapers, ablution accessories, blankets, swaddles, and onesies. The combo occupies less ground space and can work well in constricted spaces.
Cons Of a Crib-Changing Table Combo
Although your baby will use the combo until they are ready to transition, the changing table may not be large enough as the baby grows. Thus, you may need to purchase a separate changing table or look for an alternative changing spot when your baby grows. Additionally, the combo may not work if your bedroom is small and you don’t have a separate baby’s room. Besides, you will need to be handy to adjust the combo and purchase a separate conversion kit.
Read More: Best Changing Tables 2022
Portable Changing Table
If you are a busy mum who tags their baby along, a portable changing table would be your best alternative to a traditional changing table. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. In addition, it’s compact to stash into your diaper bag when traveling or running errands. A portable changing station includes a waterproof and washable changing mat with various compartments for storing baby items, including wipes, diapers, creams, and lotions. You will only need to lay it on a flat surface and get your baby changed and clean while on the go.
Benefits Of A Portable Changing Table
Although a portable changing table seems simple, it comes with the following benefits.
Convenience
Changing your baby can be a nightmare, especially when traveling or running errands with your baby. However, a portable changing table simplifies things because it’s lightweight and compact. Thus, you can conveniently put it in your diaper bag and tag it along. It also comes with several compartments for essential changing items, ensuring that everything you need is within reach. Besides, you can use it anywhere, including at home, at the park, or in the car.
Affordability
When preparing your nursery on a tight budget, you can save a lot by choosing a portable changing table. You can get one for $20 or below, unlike a traditional changing table that costs $100-$200. Thus, you can use the extra cash to buy other essential nursery items.
Space Saving
If you don’t have a separate room for your little one, getting a portable changing table will be your best alternative. It won’t take any of your floor space because you only need a flat surface to use it on. Besides, you can fold it up and store it in a closet when the diapers are changed.
Low Maintenance
A portable changing table requires minimal or no maintenance. It’s usually made of PVC or canvas that is waterproof and easy to clean. You don’t need to worry about messes because you can wipe them clean with a piece of cloth. Besides, it does not need polishing, repairs, or adjustments.
Comfort
Changing times are not easy with a fussy baby. Thus, you will need a changing table that guarantees your baby’s comfort and safety. A portable changing table is usually softly padded to keep your little one comfortable. It also comes with fasteners to keep the baby safe and prevent rolling.
Cons Of a Portable Changing Table
You may need to bend every time you change your baby when using a portable changing station. Thus, it may not work for you if you experience back problems. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t mind-bending.
A Dresser-Changing Pad Combo
If you are thinking about disposing of your old dresser, you can refurbish it and use it with a changing pad to make a changing station. And if you are planning on getting a dresser for your baby’s room, you might not need to get a changing table as well. A dresser with a changing pad can make a great alternative to a traditional changing table. It will provide you with a comfortable height to change diapers without bending while providing enough space to change your baby. Besides, modern dressers come with a removable changing box to provide a safe space for your baby.
Benefits Of a Dresser-Changing Pad Combo
A dresser-changing pad combo provides the following benefits.
Space Saving
A standard dresser won’t take up much of your floor space. It comes with several pullout drawers that store baby clothes, blankets, swaddles, creams, and lotions. In addition, it saves you the extra space that a changing table could occupy. You don’t have to have a separate baby’s room with this combo because you can designate a space in your bedroom for it.
Comfort
All babies have four things in common; eat, play, cry and poop! Thus, you might have to change your little one’s diaper ten times in a row. A dresser-changing pad combo provides you with a comfortable height to change your baby without bending. In addition, some come with a removable changing pad designed to protect your baby from rolling while providing a soft landing for the head and back. Besides, you can use it with any changing pad of choice according to your baby’s needs.
Convenience
A dresser-changing pad combo may not have the convenience of a traditional changing table, but it will still get the job done. It comes with drawers for baby diapers, creams, lotions, and clothes. As a result, it makes changing time easy because the essentials are within your reach. The combo also confines the mess to one place, making it easy to clean. Besides, it eases congestion due to having a separate dresser and changing tables, especially in constricted spaces.
Cost-Effectiveness
The dresser-changing pad combo saves you the cost of purchasing the two pieces separately. Thus, you can spend the extra cash to buy other essential baby items. You can pair an old dresser with a changing pad or buy a modern dresser with a removable changing box and still save some money.
Cons Of a Dresser-Changing Pad Combo
A dresser-changing pad combo makes a great alternative to a traditional changing table. However, it may be bulky when working in a tight space. Besides, it may not guarantee your baby’s safety because it doesn’t come with side rails or fasteners.
On The Go Changing Station
An on-the-go changing station provides the best alternative for busy moms and dads. It consists of a washable mat and a box or bag with compartments for essential items like diapers, nappy cream, lotions, and wipes. You can make a portable changing station at home using a box and washable changing mats. Better still, you can purchase one online or from your nearest store. Besides, you can use the changing station at home or pop it in your trunk to use wherever traveling or running errands with your baby.
Benefits Of An On-The-Go Changing Station
An on-the-go changing station brings the following benefits.
Cost-Effectiveness
Furnishing a nursery with limited resources is not easy. However, you do not have to stress because you can skip a traditional changing table and make a DIY changing station using readily available materials like waterproof pads and boxes. Additionally, you can get a nice on-the-go changing station for as low as $50. Besides, some of these stations double as diaper bags to save on getting one separately.
Convenience
Modern on-the-go changing stations have a collapsible design that allows you to fold them flat when not in use. Thus, you can pop it in the trunk of your car and unfold it whenever you need to change your baby’s diapers. Additionally, the changing station has multiple compartments for diapers, wipes, lotions, and extra clothes. Thus, everything you need is within your reach.
Some on-the-go changing stations double as a diaper bag or bassinet, making it convenient to carry it around. Besides, you can comfortably change your baby and let it rest when traveling or visiting a park.
Space Saving
Unlike a traditional changing table, an on-the-go changing station will not occupy any ground space in your nursery. In addition, it has a collapsible design that folds into a backpack or diaper bag. Thus, you can store it in a closet or hang it on a wall. Besides, it allows you to store various essential changing items and makes them available when you need them.
Versatility
On-the-go changing stations come in various colors, designs, and prices. Thus, you can be sure to get one that suits your preference. For instance, some can be used as diaper bags, while others can double as bassinets. Besides, you can make yours at home and customize it to your taste and baby’s needs.
Cons Of An On-The-Go Changing Table
An on-the-go changing station may not provide you with a comfortable height to change your baby. Thus, you might have to bend and risk hurting your back and knees. However, it will still give you the convenience you need to change your baby on the go.
Fold Down Changing Station
A fold-down changing station is a smart alternative to a traditional changing table if tight on space. It has an innovative design that maximizes efficiency while saving space. The changing station is usually mounted on the wall using screws and hinges to fold vertically or horizontally. Thus, it practically takes no ground space and is suitable for small apartments and condos. Once you unfold it, it provides you with a flat surface to change your baby, and you can fold it back when you are finished.
Benefits Of A Fold-down Changing Station
A fold-down changing station comes with the following benefits.
Space - Saving
A fold-down changing station is similar to a floating shelf except that you can fold it when not used. Thus, it practically occupies no space in your baby’s nursery. It makes a great choice for small apartments where space is limited. Besides, you can mount it anywhere in your house if you don’t have a designated baby’s room and conveniently change your baby whenever you please.
Safety
Although a fold-down changing station is mounted on a wall, it’s sturdy enough to keep your baby safe. It comes with fasteners to keep your baby intact and prevent it from rolling over. Furthermore, you need not worry about your baby’s weight because a standard fold-down table can bear up to 200 pounds of weight.
Ease of Use
A fold-down changing table is easy to use and requires no prior experience. You only need to unfold it, change your baby and fold it back. Additionally, it’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and requires minimal maintenance. You can mount it at a comfortable height to prevent knee and back strains from bending.
Comfort
A fold-down changing station has a smooth and comfortable surface for your baby’s back and head. Thus, the little one can wiggle and kick as they please. Besides, it comes with a hook for your diaper bag to ensure that the changing essentials are within comfortable reach. In addition, the changing space is sufficient to accommodate your baby and ensure comfort throughout the process.
Cons Of a Fold-down Changing Station
You will require to mount a fold-down changing table properly to guarantee your baby’s safety. Thus, you might require hiring a professional at an extra cost. Although it saves space, you might require an extra shelf for changing essentials like wipes, lotions, and creams.
Lear More: Top Changing Tables With Drawers
A Desk Doubling As a Changing Station
You can turn your study desk into a temporary changing station and avoid buying a traditional changing table. Better still, you can turn it into a permanent changing station if you no longer use it. The desk should be soft and have raised edges to prevent the baby from rolling over. You can use it with a washable changing pad to ensure comfort throughout the process. If the desk has shelves, you can use the space to store essential changing items and baby accessories. Besides, you can squeeze it into the nursery or designate a spot in your bedroom without taking up much space.
Benefits Of a Desk Changing Station
There are various benefits of using a desk as a changing station.
Space Saving
A standard desk will eliminate the need for a traditional changing table and won’t take much floor space. Thus, it will fit in a small nursery or bedroom. Additionally, you can use the shelves for essential changing items, blankets, swaddles, or clothes.
Convenience
A desk cum changing table gives you the convenience you need to change your baby. You can still use it for its original purpose when your baby sleeps. Additionally, if your desk has shelves, you can place essential items and reach them as you need. Thus, all mess is confined in one place, making it easy to clean. Besides, the desk provides a convenient height to change your baby without bending or straining.
Cost-Effectiveness
You won’t need an additional changing table if you already have a desk. Thus, you can save money for other uses. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the baby overgrowing it because you can still use it for its original purpose. The desk will retain its purpose when you change the baby, thus killing two birds with one stone.
Comfort
Apart from providing a comfortable height for changing your baby, a desk can provide your baby with comfort and safety. It should be made of soft material to cushion your baby’s back and have raised edges to prevent accidental falls. Besides, you can customize it by adding a comfortable changing pad of choice to provide the desired comfort level for your baby.
Cons Of A Desk Doubling as a Changing Table
If your desk doesn’t have 2-3 raised edges, it may not be safe to use as a changing table. Additionally, a desk made of dry wood might be uncomfortable for your baby. Besides, you may not get enough storage space for baby essentials if the desk doesn’t have shelves.
A Quilted Changing Pad
A quilted changing pad provides an excellent alternative to parents looking for a simple solution to baby changing woes. It has a waterproof upper layer and soft padded layers to keep the baby comfortable. It’s also stylish, versatile, and can suit different changing stations.
Benefits Of a Quilted Changing Pad
A quilted changing pad is simple, functional, and comes with the following benefits.
Mess Control
A quilted changing pad controls any messes that may occur during changing. It has a waterproof outer cover that is easy to spot clean with a single wipe. In addition, you can use it to prevent messes, including spits and vomits, from ruining your car seat, sofa, carpet, or duvet. Besides, you can clean it in a washing machine.
Versatility
You can use a quilted changing pad on your sofa, bed, or in a car. Besides, it’s versatile enough to use with any changing station. You can also use a changing pad on your desk or dresser and still use them for their original purposes. As a result, you don’t need to carry your baby to the nursery each time you need to change them because you can do it anywhere, at your convenience. A quilted changing pad is lightweight and portable. Thus, you can pop it into your diaper bag when running errands, traveling, or visiting a park.
Safety
A quilted changing pad provides a safe place to change your baby. It has soft padding to keep your baby comfortable and safe. Besides, you don’t have to expose your baby to dirt and germs from public restrooms because you can use it and clean it on the spot. The changing pad should have an anti-skid bottom to prevent slipping and keep the baby safe.
Cost-Effectiveness
You won’t have to spend much with a quilted changing pad because you can get one from as low as $10. Thus, you can comfortably change your baby even on a tight budget. Additionally, you can make a quilted changing mat at home, using readily available materials without spending much.
Cons of a Quilted Changing Pad
A quilted changing pad will help you save on the cost of a traditional changing table. However, you might need to look for an alternative place for diapers, blankets, lotions, and other essentials. Besides, your baby might outgrow it, pausing the need for another alternative.
A Changing Basket
A changing basket will make a great alternative to a traditional changing table to add style and functionality to your baby’s nursery. It has a vintage look and is made of natural materials like seagrass. It’s oval-shaped, hand-woven, and spacious enough to accommodate your baby at various developmental stages. You can add a waterproof changing pad to the basket to provide more comfort when changing the baby.
Benefits of a Changing Basket
A changing basket comes with the following benefits.
Safety
A changing basket is made of natural materials. Thus, you need not worry about smells that could spark allergic reactions to your baby. In addition, it’s a few inches tall, confining your baby in one place. As a result, your baby can kick, wiggle, and play without rolling or slipping. Besides, it’s made of sturdy materials that support the baby’s weight without falling apart.
Comfort
A changing basket is spacious and provides a comfortable space for changing the baby. It comes with a soft padded insert, and you can place it at a comfortable height for your back and knees. Thus, you can place it on a desk, table, or dresser to prevent bending when changing your baby.
Multifunction
Your baby can nap on a changing basket wherever you run errands or visit a park. In addition, you can use it to carry a few items when going on a picnic with your baby. Besides, you need not worry when your baby outgrows it. You can use the changing basket for storing toys, as a laundry basket, or for storing clean towels in the bathroom. Better still, you can use the vintage look to capture your baby’s precious moments in photography. Besides, it’s lightweight and portable to use at home, outdoors, or in a car.
Space Saving
A quilted changing pad will help you save on the cost of a traditional changing table. However, you might need to look for an alternative place for diapers, blankets, lotions, and other essentials. Besides, your baby might outgrow it, pausing the need for another alternative.
Cons of a Changing Basket
You might not get a large enough basket to accommodate your baby as they grow. Thus, you might need to look for a different alternative as your baby grows. However, you can still use it for other purposes when this happens.
Crib Top Changer
A crib top changer provides a smart alternative to a traditional changing table. It makes a great choice for small apartments with space constraints. It’s usually secured on top of the crib to provide a changing station without occupying additional space. Some crib top changers can be removed after changing the baby, while others can be screwed on the side. Thus the baby can look up when playing or resting on the crib.
Benefits of a Crib Top Changer
A crib top changer has the following benefits.
Space Saving
Unlike a traditional changing table, a crib top changer will not occupy any additional space in your nursery. Thus, you can use it in your bedroom if you don’t have a designated baby’s room. When you finish changing the diapers, you can remove them and store the changer in a closet or under the bed. Besides, you can fix a crib top changer on one side and make changing easy and convenient.
Comfort
You can pair a crib top changer with a soft padded mat to provide maximum comfort to your baby. In addition, it provides a comfortable changing height for mums and dads to prevent straining their backs and knees from bending.
Safety
A crib top changer comes with a hook-on attachment to secure it firmly on top of the crib. Thus, you need not worry about slipping away. In addition, it has raised edges to prevent the baby from rolling or wiggling away and can support up to 15 kgs of weight. Furthermore, you can permanently screw the changer on the crib and use it whenever you need to change the baby. Besides, there is no risk if the baby rolls over because they will fall into the crib.
Easy to Clean
A crib top changer comes with a waterproof changing pad that you can wipe clean in case of a mess. In addition, you can always detach it, clean it, and attach it back, or machine-wash the changing insert.
Cons of a Crib-top Changer
Although a crib top changer is easy to clean, it may not be easy to control the mess. It sits right on top of the crib, meaning that mess may spill over. Thus, you might need to change the sheets when this happens.
The Floor
If your current budget does not allow you to buy a changing table, don’t stress. You can always change your baby on the floor, provided it’s dust-free and clean. All you need is to have a comfortable floor mat or changing pad. Your baby will have all the space they need to wiggle, kick, and play as you change them.
Benefits of Changing Your Baby On The Floor
It may seem awkward to change your baby on the floor. However, you will get the following benefits.
Safety
The floor is the safest place to change your baby. You won’t need to worry about accidental falls when your baby rolls away from the changing pad. Thus, you can let your baby wiggle, kick and play without worrying about anything.
Comfort
It’s comfortable to change your baby on the floor when you have a soft padded changing pad or floor mat. It provides smooth and even surfaces for the baby and a comfortable position for the caregiver.
Convenience
Whether taking a walk, playing outdoors, or resting in the house, you can always use the floor to change your baby. You won’t need to carry the baby to the nursery whenever they need a diaper change. Besides, you can improvise a changing mat using your sweatshirt, an old magazine, or baby blanket if you don’t have a changing mat.
Easy to Clean
It’s easy to control the mess when changing the baby on the floor than using the sofa or desktop. You won’t have to worry about stains because you can always mop the floor afterward. Besides, you can use a waterproof changing pad and wipe or wash it in a machine.
Cons of Changing The Baby On The Floor
Although the floor will make a great alternative to a traditional changing table, it might not work for parents with back problems. You will have to bend or kneel to change your baby, which might strain your knees and back. Additionally, your baby might wiggle and roll away when changing them because they are not confined in one place. Besides, you will need to vacuum the floor to prevent dust build-up frequently.
Conclusion
Although a changing table is convenient and functional, it may not be your best option if your budget is tight and limited space. You can expect to spend $100-$200 or more, and it will take a substantial floor space depending on size. Thus, you might want to consider other more space-saving and pocket-friendly alternatives.
Luckily, you will find many changing table alternatives on the market. However, each has a fair share of benefits and downsides. Thus, you should put your baby’s interests first when choosing the best.
Whether you choose a folding, portable, on-the-go changing table or quilted changing part, consider your baby’s safety and comfort first. For instance, if you decide to use your desk or dresser, ensure raised edges to prevent the baby from rolling. And if you are using a changing pad, ensure that it has a fastener to keep the baby intact.
Additionally, make sure that the alternative you choose provides maximum comfort for you and the baby. In this regard, it should provide a comfortable height and a soft landing for your baby’s head and back.
Lastly, the alternative should be convenient to use and easy to clean. The alternative should get the job done and ensure a clean baby and a happy parent.
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