Do You Really Need a Changing Table?

Updated December 3, 2025 by Jan of Unique Baby Gear Ideas

Do you really need a changing table is a question many new parents ask, especially when they’re trying to create a nursery that feels calm, practical, and not cluttered. After helping thousands of moms design baby rooms over the years, I’ve learned that the answer depends on your space, your routines, and what makes those daily diaper changes feel easier and safer for you.

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A simple, organized nursery changing table with storage baskets and soft lighting.

When parents ask whether a changing table is truly necessary, I always start by looking at their space and daily routines. Some families love having a dedicated, waist-height spot that keeps diapers, wipes, lotion, and extra outfits neatly organized and within reach. Others prefer a more flexible setup, especially if their nursery is small or they want pieces that can grow with the room.

Do You Really Need a Changing Table in Your Nursery?

Many parents who write to me begin with the same question: do you really need a changing table if you already have a good dresser in the nursery? After years of decorating baby rooms and testing setups in real homes, my honest answer is that the best choice depends more on your space and comfort than on buying a specific piece of furniture. A dresser at the right height, paired with a non-slip changing pad and organized supplies, often works just as well—sometimes better.

If you’re wondering do you really need a changing table, it may help to think about how often you’ll be changing diapers and where you feel most comfortable doing it. During those early months, you might change your baby eight or more times in a day, so having a dedicated surface can make a big difference in how your back and shoulders feel.

A sturdy changing table or topper also keeps everything in one place. You can tuck diapers, wipes, creams, burp cloths, and extra onesies into baskets or drawers instead of hunting for them in the middle of the night. That sense of order is especially helpful if you’ve already been working through your list of what to buy first for the baby and want to avoid feeling buried in gear.

On the other hand, some parents find that a separate piece of furniture just isn’t practical. If your nursery is tiny or your baby will share a room with you for a while, you may prefer a compact dresser with a changing pad on top instead of a full-size table. As you read through the options below, notice which ones feel relaxing and realistic for your family.

Benefits of a Dedicated Changing Table

A traditional changing table can be a wonderful addition if you have the space and budget. The main advantage is comfort. Because the surface is raised to about waist height, you’re not bending over a bed or kneeling on the floor several times a day. Over time, that ergonomic difference can save a lot of back strain, especially during the postpartum recovery period.

Another big plus is storage. Many changing tables include open shelves or baskets that make it easy to see when you’re running low on diapers or wipes. If you already have a vision for your nursery furniture layout, you can choose a style that matches your crib and dresser so the whole room feels pulled together.

Some parents also appreciate the built-in safety features. Many changing tables have guardrails and a contoured pad that helps keep baby centered while you change them. Of course, even with rails and straps, you’ll still want to keep one hand on your baby at all times, but these details can add an extra layer of reassurance.

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A compact dresser with a changing pad and woven baskets is a smart option when you want baby furniture that can grow with your child.

When a Changing Table Might Not Be Necessary

There are plenty of situations where a dedicated changing table just doesn’t make sense. If you’re working with a very small nursery, a shared room, or an open loft-style space, a full-size table can feel bulky and take up square footage you need for a rocker or storage cabinet.

Budget is another important factor. Many parents would rather invest in a solid crib and a dresser that will last for years than purchase a separate piece that is used only for the diaper stage. In that case, a good-quality changing pad with a non-slip bottom or a secure topper on a dresser can offer the same function with less expense.

In my own nursery, I found that a wide dresser with a changing pad on top worked beautifully. When the diaper years were over, I simply removed the pad and styled the dresser with a lamp, framed photos, and a basket of bedtime books. If you love this kind of flexibility, you might enjoy browsing more nursery ideas and layouts that show how other parents make their furniture work overtime.

Alternatives if You Decide Against a Traditional Changing Table

Even if you decide you don’t need a classic changing table, you still want a clean, comfortable, and predictable spot for diaper changes. Here are some popular options that work well in real homes:

Dresser with a changing pad. This is one of the most common alternatives because it combines storage and function. Look for a sturdy, waist-height dresser and use a non-slip changing pad or a secure topper designed to be anchored to the back of the dresser. Keep diapers, wipes, and creams in the top drawer or in baskets on top so you’re never reaching too far.

Convertible changing table–dresser combo. Some pieces are designed to serve as a changing table now and a regular dresser later. If you enjoy DIY, you might even transform an older piece of furniture with paint and new hardware, similar to the projects I’ve shared in my DIY baby furniture ideas collection.

Portable changing caddy and floor pad. For parents who plan to change diapers in more than one room, a thick, wipeable changing pad and a portable caddy can be a better fit than a fixed table. Many families use the bed or a soft rug for changes, placing the pad on top for protection and comfort. This approach works especially well in small apartments or homes where the nursery is upstairs but you spend most of your day downstairs.

On-the-go setups. Even if you love your changing table, it’s helpful to have a foldable pad and stocked diaper bag for the car, grandparents’ house, and outings. That way, you’re not depending on one spot at home for every single change.

As you picture each option in your own home, notice which one feels calming and sustainable. The goal is a setup that makes your life easier, not one that adds pressure to your nursery budget or floor plan.

Safety Tips for Any Diaper-Changing Setup

Whether you use a dedicated changing table, a dresser with a topper, or a simple pad on the bed, safety should always come first. Always keep one hand on your baby while they’re on a raised surface, and never step away to grab a forgotten item, answer the door, or check your phone. Babies can wiggle and roll much earlier than we expect.

Choose a stable surface that doesn’t wobble and use a contoured pad with a non-slip bottom when possible. Keep your diapering supplies within reach but out of your baby’s reach so you’re not tempted to walk away while your little one is on the table. For more detailed guidance, you may want to review these pediatrician-backed changing table safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Remember that the safest option is often the one where you feel the most relaxed and prepared. If bending or kneeling is uncomfortable for you, a raised surface may be the best choice. If you’re worried about falls from a high table, a floor-based setup with a thick pad might give you more peace of mind.

If you’re still asking yourself do you really need a changing table, it may help to think about how you naturally move through your day. I’ve met moms who ended up using the living-room sofa for 90% of diaper changes and others who preferred keeping everything in the nursery. What matters most is creating a safe, easy-to-reach setup that doesn’t strain your back or clutter the room. Whether that’s a dedicated changing table or a dresser-top station, the goal is comfort and simplicity.

How to Decide What’s Right for Your Family

By now you’ve seen that the real question isn’t simply “do you really need a changing table,” but rather “what kind of diaper-changing setup will make our days and nights easier?” Think about your home’s layout, your budget, and whether you prefer furniture that can transition into a big-kid room later on.

If you’re still in the planning stage and working through other nursery decisions, you may find it helpful to skim my answers to other common questions in the pregnancy questions section. You’ll find practical ideas about when to start decorating the nursery, what to buy first, and how to avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the choices.

You can also look at how real parents arranged their rooms in the baby nursery themes gallery and on the Unique Baby Gear Ideas home page. Seeing actual photos of changing tables, dresser setups, and portable caddies in use can make it much easier to imagine what will work in your own home.

However you decide to handle diaper changes, your baby won’t remember which furniture you chose. What they’ll remember is the gentle touch of your hands, the way you talk or sing to them, and the calm, cozy feeling of their nursery. If this page helped you feel a little more confident about your decision, take a moment to explore a few more nursery ideas before you click away—you may discover the exact layout that makes your whole room come together.

Hi, I’m Jan — the creator of Unique Baby Gear Ideas. I love helping expecting parents discover nursery décor inspiration and creative photo shoot ideas that make every stage of pregnancy feel beautiful.

Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of parents choose safe, stylish nursery furniture through hands-on reviews and real-world testing.

The suggestions I share here come from years of hands-on experience styling nurseries, reviewing maternity gowns, and learning what makes each photo session shine.

All articles and images on Unique Baby Gear Ideas are personally reviewed and edited by Jan Bay. Modern creative tools may assist with design or drafting, but every final page reflects my own voice, experience, and editorial judgment.