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- Nursery Articles -

Changing Pad vs. Changing Table:
What's the Difference? 

parents holding baby next to changing table

Instagram: @sarahsluys

A diaper changing pad and a changing table are two items that you'll likely be purchasing when you have a new baby. While they are often purchased separately, you’ll use them together when you’re at home. But are all changing table pads the same? Do you need both? How do you choose? Read below to learn the difference between a changing pad and changing table.

Types of Changing Pads

gray travel changing pad

What is a changing pad? If you’re a first-time parent, you may be wondering if all changing table pads are the same, and how to choose the best one for your needs. There are two main purposes served by a changing pad: to protect your baby from dirty surfaces, and to protect surfaces from diaper leakage during changing time.

Standard Diaper Pads

A standard diaper pad is a small mattress with elevated sides that sits on the top surface of your changing table. The elevated sides ensure your baby doesn’t roll off the side of the table. A special washable fabric covers the pad to protect it as well as remove and wash the cover any time.

Travel Changing Pads

A travel changing pad, on the other hand, is another type that makes life easier to have on hand when you are out and about with your baby. The travel changing pad is a small, light, foldable mat with flannel or some similar material on one side and a waterproof surface on the other.

Changing Tables

black changing table dresser

Basically, the changing table is a larger piece of furniture that you will keep in the baby’s room (or your room – wherever you’ll be changing and dressing the baby most often). This is a dresser-type stand, with a table top for changing and various compartments and drawers to hold diapers and baby supplies. There are two main types of changing tables:

Compact Changing Tables

First, the smaller, more compact type that is a table top with some shelving or drawers on the bottom. These are great from smaller rooms or when you are looking for something more simple and compact.

Changing Table Dressers

The second type of baby changing table is the full dresser/topper combination. This is essentially a traditional dresser with a changing table topper that secures onto the dresser with brackets and is removable for when your baby gets older and no longer needs to be changed on the table.

Once the topper is removed, this is a traditional standalone dresser for your child to use for years. This type of changing table/dresser combination is great if you’re looking for a durable and practical piece of furniture that will grow along with your child.

Things to Keep in Mind

small white changing table with cover

Some practical considerations that you might want to think about when choosing a changing table for baby are width and height. In terms of width, you’re going to want to take both the size of the room and the length of your reach into account.

Two common questions that many parents have about changing tables are related to size. How wide is a changing table? How tall is a baby changing table?

Well, you’ll find that the size does vary, and you will want to make sure that you can both reach over the table and bend over it comfortably. If you’re unsure, try checking your comfortable height with other tables you have around the home.

You'll want to be sure the changing table is high enough so that you can comfortably stand over it to change your baby, but not so high that you can't reach comfortably to the other side when you extend your arms.

Incorporate Your Nursery Style

modern girl nursery with crib and changing table

Instagram: @sarahlabounty

Once you’ve got the basics figured out, the fun part is choosing what style of baby changing table you would like to have in the room.

Whether you’re choosing a changing table to match your nursery furniture or you’re choosing a complementary piece, we have a selection of beautiful dresser/changing table sets made of sturdy, long-lasting wood with various drawer and shelf styles. Many toppers also have compartments for extra storage, or you can add changing table storage on your own.

Have Fun & Accessorize

knit dog crib mobile

Finally, feel free to add accessories. Many parents like to have something interesting to hold the baby’s attention at the changing table.

Perhaps your baby already has some fun and interesting wallpaper to look at, but you could also have a mobile of some sort, or even some small plush toys to keep your baby busy and distracted.

Another fun idea if your changing table is against a wall is to have a small mirror mounted at the height of the table. Your baby can keep entertained by his or her reflection while you are diapering and changing.