If your preparing your nursery for your new bundle of joy, or are simply looking for a way to better organise the neverending (but crucial) supply of wipes and nappies, then getting a changing table will make for a fantastic addition to your baby's room. Some come with a changing mat, but for other changing table units you will have to purchase this separately.
No matter if you choose a basic changing table or a changing unit that's a little more elaborate, each will help to keep everything you need in the right place ready for nappy-changing. You'll never be caught out again without a clean nappy mid-change, or have to worry about getting any mess on the carpet or bedding.
What ages can you use a changing table?
There’s no exact age you should stop using a changing table, but it's often recommended that you use it until your little one weighs 30 pounds. It would be best to check the individual manufacturer’s recommendations for their particular changing unit as this may vary.
How much does the average changing table cost?
The average changing table costs between £100 to £200, with both cheaper and more expensive alternatives being available depending on the features you want your changing table to have, the longevity of use, and the finish.
We’ve included a load of different changing table units in our list of the best so you’ll be able to find something for your baby regardless of budget.
Best changing table units
Best transitional changing table
Description
The Roba Hamburg Changing Table, available in taupe or white, has a removable changing base so you can easily transition this changing unit into storage elsewhere in the home when the nappy-changing days are over. Everything is within easy reach for baby care with a two-door storage space and two canvas boxes in the open compartment for those nappy-changing essentials. You'll need to get your changing mat separately, but it provides a chic, back-friendly table to change from.
Best simple changing table
www.boots.com
Description
This simple and inexpensive wooden changing unit is solid and easy to assemble. We think that this could be a long lasting addition to your home as it can be used long past the baby-changing phase as storage for toys, books, or can even be put in the bathroom for household toiletries. Good quality for the price, too, although you will have to buy a changing mat (bonus being that you get to pick your favourite print).
Best affordable changing table
www.johnlewis.com
Description
John Lewis' fairly new ANYDAY range is full of fab baby essentials at low-cost including this changing table available for less than £90. It doesn't have all the shelving and drawers of other options on this list, but it does provide a fuss-free, minimalist, and practical space to change your baby. The changing surface has three raised sides for comfort and safety and a lower shelf to store your nappy-changing caddy and other essentials. Again, you'll need to get your own changing mat, but we certainly don't mind at this price!
Review: "Love this changing table. It is simple to assemble, has two different heights for the lower shelf and is not clunky allowing the nursery to still spacious and not too packed."
Best multi-use changing table
www.argos.co.uk
Description
If you're looking for the most versatile changing table, this pick from Argos has all the storage you will need, complete with comfy padded changing mat, storage trays, and lockable wheels that make it easy to change on the move. Not to mention, it also doubles as a bathing station! The concealed bath features a practical drainage tube so you can easily empty the bath after use, and the raised edges will help keep baby safe at all times.
Review: "This was very easy to put together, feels very sturdy and safe. Wheels make it easy to move around and the wheel locks ensure no movement when changing the baby. Very happy with item."
Best for small nurseries
www.laredoute.co.uk
Description
The Jimi Changing Unit from La Redoute provides you with plenty of handy storage all within arm's reach so you can keep a hand on your baby as you grab a change of clothes. With the table placed at the ideal height for changing (and cuddling!) you get two drawers with an open cubby immediately below the table itself. It's available in green (pictured) and white, has a removable changing top making it great for use beyond the baby years, and looks super stylish with contrasting wooden legs and handles.
Best changing table alternative
www.argos.co.uk
Description
If you're low on space or don't want to fork out on a full-blown changing table, the Ickle Bubba Cot Top Changer is designed to fit most standard 140 x 70cm cot beds so you can convert your baby's cot into a changing table. Simply fit it to the cot with the Velcro strap, and it'll provide you with a table top that's a convenient height for changing your little one. You won't have the storage or changing mat included, but you may not need it anyway if you're already prepared!
Review: "It is of excellent quality [...] and just right for my daughter."
Best premium changing table
www.mamasandpapas.com
Description
This is definitely more on the pricier side but it's guaranteed to last well beyond the nappy-changing stage as you can keep the beautiful whitedresser when baby's grown thanks to a removable changing top. The three deep drawers provide plenty of space for your little one's toiletries, clothes, and essentials, whilst the changing table itself is finished nicely with a curved back and four edges for safety. If you're a fan of Mamas & Papas, you can also match this with the other pieces in their nursery furniture collection.
Best changing table for style
www.scandiborn.co.uk
Description
Simple yet chic with stylish Scandinavian charm, this soft grey and natural changing table will sit beautifully among the rest of your nursery furniture. A little less conventional than your standard changing table, it features two easy reach, birch wood shelves for baby's essentials, and a discreet drawer in the base of the table top to keep those bits and pieces you'd rather not have on show hidden neatly away. Changing mat will need to be bought separately.
Best changing unit for storage space
www.argos.co.uk
Description
In a more traditional, elegant sleigh design, the Obaby Stamford Sleigh Changing Unit has three spacious 13L capacity drawers and a full height cupboard with adjustable shelving for ample storage space for all your baby's precious belongings and baby-changing essentials. The top of the changing unit perfectly accommodates a changing mat up to 76 x 46cm and the design has been praised by parents for being both lovely and sturdy.
Review: "Would definitely recommend. Looks nice and very well made. Perfect storage for baby."
Best foldable changing table
Description
Maybe you want to save on space and opt for a changing table you can put away? Or maybe you want a changing table you can easily transport around your home and away? If so, this is the changing table for you. The COSTWAY 4-in-1 Baby Changing Table can be used for nappy-changing, cuddles, bathing, and even as a clothing drying rack when not in use - useful or what! As well as being transitional, it also has handy storage with a rack and storage bag, and can be easily stored away into a compact size. At a great price too, this is a steal.
Review: "One of the best things we have bought since becoming parents. This has been a knee-saver. We had a changing unit upstairs but in the day its been easier to not cart the baby up and down sometimes two flights just for a change. This tucks away nicely in the corner, has handy storage, and feels study to use. The only gripe is the wheels will only work when the unit is unfolded, if they could be used when this was folded up to tuck it away it would be perfect."
Is it worth buying a changing table?
While it's not essential to buy a changing table, we think it's certainly worth it if you have the space and funds. A changing table will help position your baby at the right height for changing and is the perfect size for a changing mat, so you no longer need to put your back out leaning down to the ground.
It helps to keep everything in one place with shelving and drawers and, as many changing units now look like ordinary dressers, you can use them beyond the nappy-changing period to store your baby's clothes and toiletries.
What can I get instead of a changing table?
If you're limited on space and don't want to fork out on a changing table, you can still use a baby changing mat on the floor, bed, or a wooden surface that should be thick and sturdy to safely hold baby's weight. If you are going to change your baby's nappy on a raised surface, make sure there's plenty of surface area or raised edges on your changing mat or on at least three of the sides to prevent your baby from rolling off.
Alternatively, you could opt for something like the Ickle Bubba Cot Top Changerwhich will fit nicely on top of the cot to create that 'changing table', without having to give up valuable room in your baby's nursery.