Baby on a changing table

Changing Table Buying Guide

You can diaper a baby almost anywhere she is safe from falling, even on the floor. But because you'll change more than 2,000 diapers in your baby's first year, your back and knees will benefit from something made for the task—either a standard changing table or a dresser that doubles as one.

Types

Consumers Union believes that a dedicated changing table with barriers on all four sides is the safest way to go. Another option you might see in stores is a removable changing pad that simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. Here are the types of changing tables.

Contoured changing pad

Contoured changing pad
Contoured changing pad

A removable changing pad simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. If you decide to go this route, which is the least expensive ($23 to $60), look for a changing table pad with at least two opposing contoured sides and a baby restraint strap, such as the Contour Changing Pad by Simmons Kids (www.simmonskids.com). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing-table stage (usually around 2 years old) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.

 

Changing table

Changing table
Changing table

For $70 to $130, you can buy an adequate changing table with open shelving and possibly one drawer, but quality is a factor. At the low end, drawers that stick, changing pads with plastic that cracks in short order, and lesser-quality wood (typically laminated particleboard), which can become flimsy over time, have been reported by parents. Still, tables in this lower price range may be sufficient, depending on your situation. If your baby spends part of the time in day care, for example, the table might hold up well. You'll probably have to assemble the table yourself, which can be tricky if you're not handy, and if the table you select has a drawer that requires installing. Read the instructions carefully and keep them for future reference.

At the high end of the price range, changing tables may be custom finished in the paint or stain color of your choice. Drawers, solid-wood construction, and convertibility drive up the price, which can range up to $1,200.

 
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