No nursery is complete without a changing table to take care of your baby's messes. Anyone who has experienced a newborn or toddler's diapers can attest to the need for a changing table! Some parents prefer to diaper their children on a bed or on the floor, but a changing table offers a clean area to contain the mess and to keep all needed items easily accessible.

Changing table basics
Changing table styles vary greatly, and new parents may have to search several sources before finding a changing table that meets their needs. Look for changing table features that will accommodate your particular situation.  For example, parents with more than one diaper-age child may appreciate a changing table with a large surface for toddlers. Tall parents generally like a high changing table to avoid unnecessary bending, while shorter parents might find a moderate-height changing table more comfortable.

A changing table is a place to get baby clean, diapered, and dressed, which means all changing table business items must be within reach. Compare changing table storage options, including open shelving, baskets, or cabinets under the changing table top. Be aware that open changing table shelving is easily accessible to parents, but will also be available to curious children who might pull everything off of your changing table shelves, or worse, endanger themselves by climbing the changing table.

Changing table options
Changing table materials vary like any other nursery furniture. Your changing table may be made of wood, laminate, plastic, metal, or even wicker. The changing table may even come as a matched piece of your nursery suite.

The top of your changing table may have a full or partial surround to hold a changing table pad in place, or to reduce the chance of a child falling off the changing table. Sometimes the surround can be removed from the changing table if the changing table is one that converts to a different piece of furniture (a convertible changing table is a good space-saving idea!).

Another space-wise changing table option is to purchase an independent changing table pad that can be secured directly to a dresser top or other flat surface. These molded changing table pads are large enough for a toddler, but do not require a separate piece of furniture. Changing table pads are also great solutions for grandparent or caregivers' homes where a full changing table is not necessary.