Tight on space in your baby’s room & looking for a brilliant changing table alternative? Find plenty of convenient changing pad alternatives and changing table hacks to create the perfect small nursery for your baby – without messing up your convenience or risking your baby’s safety!
Changing Table Alternative For Small Baby Nursery: Diapering in a Tight Space
Not every nursery is large enough to accommodate bulky furniture pieces and tons of storage shelves. And even if you’ve got a considerably spacious baby room, excess furniture can obstruct the flow of the available space and ruin its aesthetics. Moreover, many modern parents prefer the minimalist approach to decor and are more interested in newer, sleeker furniture alternatives to eliminate big, bulky items.
A baby nursery should compulsorily have a crib and some storage – the rest is all a matter of preference. It should be a peaceful and comforting place to retreat your tiny tot into. So, whether you are looking for a changing table alternative to clear out the clutter and let the space breathe or want to possibly get rid of excess furniture items and set up the baby room on a budget, we have your back!
This article will take you through a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of owning a diaper-changing table so that you can decide whether you want one or not. Furthermore, you’ll find many changing table hacks and diaper station ideas throughout the article to save even more space in your nursery. We’ve also listed the 12 best diaper-changing alternatives for you to choose from.
Do You Need A Changing Table?
Although a changing table isn’t an absolute necessity, deciding whether you should keep it or ditch it should solely be your very own decision. No surprise, this choice further depends on many factors to consider. From the availability of space in your baby room to your budget, design, the spatial layout of the nursery, and your personal preference, there are many important things you should keep in mind before you settle for a decision.
While we cannot direct you whether you should opt for it or not, here are some things we’d want to throw some light on.
- Many parents who use a diaper changing table believe it is well worth the expense because it holds all of their diapering supplies in one place. Moreover, it also protects your crib sheets and the floor from unexpected messes and poop explosions. Thus, having all the supplies handy ensures you can quickly change your baby’s diaper the minute they soil it – without rushing here and there to gather supplies.
- However, we feel that a changing table acquires a considerably large amount of space in the room, even if it is foldable or compact than the standard sized one.
- With babies, you need even more storage than you can think. So, if you have the space in your room, why not choose a storage chest in its place?
As for the changing table, you can opt for a double-duty dresser that serves as a storage unit for diapers and day-to-day clothes, as well as a diaper changing station. The best part about this is that there are plenty of dresser and changing table combinations available in the market! So, rather than buying a dresser and the changing table individually, it is wise (and budget-friendly) to purchase a multifunctional dresser.
Simply secure a diaper-changing pad using the given straps on the top of the dresser and stash diapering supplies in the top drawer. The rest of the drawers can be used to store all of your other baby’s items, including daily wear clothes and most frequently used items such as burp cloths, bibs, lovies, socks, etc.
What makes a double-duty dresser our absolute favorite is that once your tiny little human is potty trained and doesn’t need a changing table, you can simply get rid of the changing pad and accessorize the dresser top with some toys, baby-safe plants, or statement decor pieces.
But that’s not all! There are many more changing table alternatives you can consider if you don’t want to opt for a multifunctional dresser!
Diaper Station Ideas: Changing Table Alternatives to Consider Without Breaking the Bank
If you are looking for the best changing table alternative for your baby’s room to escape the over-buying trap, here are our top recommendations to rely on:
1. Crib and Changing Table Combination
As specified by its name, a crib and changing table combination is a single piece of furniture that serves both purposes perfectly. Basically, this combination refers to an attached changing table to a standard-sized crib with storage shelves or drawers underneath. This is one of the smartest and most efficient ways of having a changing table in your baby’s nursery without cluttering or acquiring excessive space.
| Pros of Crib and Changing Table Combinations | Cons of Crib and Changing Table Combinations |
| By combining two major furniture pieces into one unit, this combination allows you to make use of your nursery space as efficiently as possible. | If you’ve got a really small room, a crib and changing table combination will still require more space. |
| Connected right next to the crib, this changing table makes diaper changes really quick and more convenient. | Of course, a crib changing table combo is more expensive than the standard-sized cribs. |
| The total cost of a crib changing table combo is comparatively less than buying the two individually. |
2. Dresser & Changing Table Combination
Even more popular than the crib and changing table combination, this type of changing table is perfect for slightly large nurseries that can accommodate a dresser in them. Depending on the size and design, the dresser may have two to four (or even horizontally double) drawers to store all your baby’s essentials. You may attach a changing tray on top of the dresser for hassle-free diaper changes.
| Pros of Dresser & Changing Table Combinations | Cons of Dresser & Changing Table Combinations |
| By combining two major furniture pieces into one unit, this combination allows you to make use of your nursery space as efficiently as possible. | Not every nursery may have enough space to fit in a double-duty dresser. |
| If you have an old dresser that you intend to repurpose but doesn’t feature any attachment straps for securing the changing pad to the top for the baby’s safety, you can buy a sturdy changing tray individually and use it on the dresser. | Most of the time, you’d require purchasing the changing pad individually. |
| Since it is mainly a dresser, you can keep all your diaper supplies in one place. |
3. Crib Top Changing Table
The crib top changing table simply refers to a crib changing table attachment that you can attach on top of the crib without using more space than the standard-sized crib. Generally, there’s a changing tray that is meant to be positioned on the top of the crib through the rails.
The crib changing table attachment can vary as is perfect for nurseries so small that can’t even accommodate large-sized crib and changing table combinations. It is one of the best solutions to opt for if you want to save the maximum amount of space in your baby’s room.
| Pros of Crib Top Changing Tables | Cons of Crib Top Changing Tables |
| An over crib changing table is really quick and easy to set up. | Since you are just attaching a changing tray on top of the crib, you have no storage to keep your diapering supplies handy. |
| It doesn’t require any extra space and can be attached to the top of the crib in a snap. | This type of changing table may not feel as spacious as a regular one. |
| This changing table alternative is portable and can be carried along while traveling. | |
| Since an over crib changing table is slim and lightweight, you can easily store it under the crib and quickly access it whenever required. |
4. Folding Changing Table
As specified by its name, the folding changing table can be folded down in a snap and is ideal for parents on the go. Lightweight and travel-friendly, most folding changing tables come with a small storage pocket or compartment to store the baby’s toiletries conveniently. The table is also a perfect choice for small or shared baby rooms as it can be expanded only when in use and easily folded flat and stored when not required.
| Pros of Folding Changing Tables | Cons of Folding Changing Tables |
| Although quite small, a folding diaper changing table is large enough to let you change your tiny tot’s diapers with ease. | Usually, folding changing tables are considerably smaller than the standard-sized ones. Hence, your baby will outgrow it quicker. |
| Usually, a folding changing table is inexpensive, super easy and quick to use. | |
| It can be expanded or folded down anytime without any tricky installation like a fold-down, wall-mounted changing table. | |
| The table is also portable and travel-friendly, making it perfect for travel enthusiast parents. |
5. Mini-Changing Table
If you prefer a “real” changing table anyway, the mini-changing table is a smart, pocket-friendly and space-saving solution that should be on your radar. Designed for nurseries where space is at a premium, these changing tables are sized pretty much the same as a standard changing table but are a less bulky and affordable version. Usually, mini changing tables feature open shelves for you to store your diapering stuff, but don’t have fancy designs or ultra-spacious drawers.
| Pros of Mini Changing Tables | Cons of Mini Changing Tables |
| These changing tables are basic and affordable as compared to full-sized ones. | Mini changing tables require full hardware installation with screws and bolts and hence, cannot be called a quick and easy alternative to portable changing tables. |
| Light in weight and compact, mini changing tables acquire much less space than double-duty dressers. | These changing tables do not provide you with spacious drawers. |
| Usually featuring solid wooden construction, these changing tables are as sturdy as the conventional changing tables. | |
| Once babies outgrow them, mini changing tables with open shelves can easily be used as a unique statement corner of the nursery. |
6. Wall Fold Out Change Table
The wall fold out change table is a built-in clever solution for the tiniest nurseries that cannot fit in any bulky furniture pieces at all. You may consider this changing table alternative as the wall-mounted study table or desk that can be collapsed when not in use.
Sturdy and ultra-spacious, a fold-away changing table is the best solution for an exceptionally small baby room. The best part about it is that you can install it anywhere, even in the most unused corners, such as behind the door.
| Pros of Fold-Down Changing Table | Cons of Fold-Down Changing Table |
| A fold-out changing table is the smartest solution if you are sharing your bedroom with your baby and cannot accommodate anything more than a crib. | You need to do some manual work in assembling and drilling the wall for mounting this type of changing table. |
| The table can be laid flat when required and quickly tucked away when done. | |
| Usually, this type of changing table is inexpensive and quite sturdy. |
7. Changing Tray Attachment for Dressers
Since some dressers might not be primarily built for baby nurseries, how do you use them for a hands-me-down bedroom dresser? Well, you can simply opt for a sturdy changing tray attachment, usually made up of wood, to place it on top of the dresser, and you’re done!
| Pros of Changing Tray Attachments | Cons of Changing Tray Attachments |
| A changing tray attachment can quickly turn any dresser or other furniture item into a changing table without much effort. | Wooden changing tray attachments are more expensive as compared to diaper changing pads that are meant to be secured on the top of the dresser & changing table combos. |
| It can also be used to set up a floor diaper changing station if you want. | |
| Once your baby outgrows it, you can reuse the tray for showcasing some statement décor pieces in your home. |
8. Portable Changing Station
Whether you don’t want to use a traditional changing table or are usually traveling, a portable changing station is a smart choice. This changing station is even more compact, lightweight and travel-friendly than a foldable changing table. This type of changing station basically resembles a flat diaper bag that you can unfasten and open flat to transform into a changing mat. Furthermore, the station features pockets to hold your diapering supplies easily.
| Pros of Portable Changing Stations | Cons of Crib Top Changing Tables |
| A portable changing station is one of the most cost-effective and space-saving diaper-changing alternatives you can consider. | Once your baby outgrows it, this changing station cannot be reused in any other way. |
| It comes with a handle for easy portability and can be collapsed into a carry bag when not in use. | |
| The station features a one-inch changing mat for easy diaper changes. | |
| Featuring pockets, changing stations ensure you always have your supplies on hand and don’t have to carry them in another bag. |
9. Desk-Changing Table Combination
Repurposing stuff you own is a significant part of parenthood because why not? Hence, if you’ve got a sturdy desk lying around but not useful anymore, you could simply reuse it as a changing table. If it has got shelves or a drawer, you are even more sorted. However, don’t forget to opt for a separate changing pad or wooden changing tray attachment to prevent your baby from rolling off.
| Pros of Desk-Changing Table Combo | Cons of Folding Changing Tables |
| Reusing a desk as a diaper-changing table is a functional and budget-friendly option. | Not all desks can be used as a safe diaper-changing alternative, especially ones made of old dry wood. |
| The desk can be further reused as a desk once your baby is potty trained. | |
| Since most desks come with at least one drawer or open shelf, they can prove to be very convenient for storing diapering supplies. |
10. Changing Pad for On-The-Go Diaper Station
Changing diapers is all about having a flat surface, a washable diaper-changing mat and your diapering supplies handy. So, instead of spending extravagant money on any type of changing table, why not simply invest in a high-quality changing pad that you can stash around the house anywhere? The best part about opting for an on-the-go diaper changing station (preferably on the floor) is that there is no risk of your baby falling down even if they roll off the pad.
| Pros of Diaper Changing Pads for On-The-Go Station | Cons of Diaper Changing Pads for On-The-Go Station |
| Creating an on-the-go changing station is really easy, quick and inexpensive as it doesn’t require any furniture piece but only a high-quality, washable diaper changing mat. | A floor changing station might not be an ideal solution for parents suffering from chronic back or joint pain. |
| It also has no risks of your baby getting injured by rolling or falling down. | |
| You can also choose to place the changing pad anywhere you prefer – even on the bed if you don’t want to sit down on the floor for each diaper change. |
11. Diaper Changing Basket
If your nursery décor is inspired by Bohemian designs or you like more sustainable statement pieces, just opt for a flat, spacious woven basket to use as a changing station. You can place the basket anywhere you want. And once your baby doesn’t need diaper changes, you can simply use it to display some toys or for storage underneath the bed or in the closet.
| Pros of Diaper Changing Baskets | Cons of Diaper Changing Baskets |
| A diaper changing basket is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to a traditional changing table. | A diaper-changing basket is an additional expense when you can get your job done on a simple diaper-changing pad. |
| It can be later used for other purposes once you don’t need it anymore. |
12. Contour Changing Pad With Belt
Usually, diaper changing mats are one inch thick and lay flat on the floor (or wherever you place them). Furthermore, your baby can roll off the mat easily and even injure themselves if placed on a high table without any raised edges.
That’s where a contoured changing pad comes in handy. The changing pad is usually cushioned for enhanced comfort and features a safety belt to make diaper changes a lot easier. Moreover, the pad features raised edges to ensure your baby doesn’t roll off and can also be spot-clean.
| Pros of Contour Changing Pads | Cons of Contour Changing Pads |
| Contoured changing pads are designed to enhance your baby’s safety and comfort during diaper changes. | Contour changing pads cannot be reused in any other way once your baby is potty trained. |
| These pads feature safety straps for further safety. | |
| Some pads also feature a toy bar to keep babies happy and engaged. | |
| They can also be used to create a floor diaper changing station. |
Some Genius Diaper Changing Hacks You Need To Know
If you are a parent-to-be, we know you’ll soon figure out changing hacks on your own. However, here are some genius tips that you wouldn’t probably know!
- If your baby hates their diaper changes, have multiple changing stations to distract and engage them in new surroundings every now and then.
- Always store two spare diapers in your diaper bag or closet to quickly grab them just in case you run out of supplies and forget to buy another pack.
- In the early months, when your baby will poop a lot, there will be even more chances of them getting a diaper rash. Always keep a diaper rash ointment handy, and never slide in a new diaper unless the bottom is fully dry.
- Use baby-safe talc to prevent your baby from feeling uncomfortable or itchy after their diaper changes.
- Work as fast as possible to change the diapers without any pee fountains, messes or poop explosions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diaper Station and Changing Pad Alternatives
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about choosing a changing table alternative.
How do you change a baby without a changing table?
If you don’t prefer a changing table or have limited space in your baby’s nursery, you can easily change your baby’s diaper on the floor or anywhere – as long as they are lying on a flat, safe surface. Using the floor is no doubt the best option because there are no risks of your baby falling down anywhere, even if they roll off or crawl.
Some parents also choose to change their babies’ diapers near the sink, but there is a considerable risk of your baby injuring themselves from the faucet, hot water or consuming anything toxic to them. To change your baby safely, just create a safe floor changing station by laying a diaper changing pad on the floor, grabbing all your diapering supplies, and simply changing their diaper in a snap.
Can you use a changing pad without a changing table?
Yes. You can use a diaper changing pad without changing table and lay it on the floor to create a space-saving floor changing station. This is one of the most inexpensive, easy and quick ways to change your baby’s diaper whenever required.
Can I use a desk as a changing table?
Yes. You can use a desk as a changing table if it is sturdy enough to bear your baby’s weight. Just make sure the top surface securely holds the diaper changing pad to ensure your baby’s safety against falling or slipping during their diaper changes. If the desk has some shelves or drawers underneath, keep all the supplies handy by storing the baby’s diapers, wipes, lotions, talcum, and other essentials inside.
The Bottom Line
Considering the thousands of parenting experiences you’ll encounter, selecting the right baby gear and nursery furniture is going to be one of the most challenging tasks. After all, there are countless options available for everything and deciding whether or not to opt for something can prove to be a hard decision.
We hope this article helped you understand whether you need a changing table or not. According to us, a diaper changing table is a worthy investment but is not a must-have essential in your baby nursery. Hence, skipping it is a great way to save space and, of course, a handful of cash. Also, if you think you don’t need it, what is the changing table alternative you are most intrigued with? Feel free to share your thoughts with us below!