Another nursery question, changing table alternatives?

rox825 · June 2014

Hi everyone, I've started to reply to posts a little over the past few weeks after lurking for a while, but this is my first actual Nov 14 post!

To continue the nursery discussion, does anyone have a non-dresser suggestion that would work well as a changing table? We have a really nice chest of drawers that we're using for the baby so don't need to buy a dresser, but it's too tall to use for changing. I'd like to have a bookshelf in the room but all of the bookshelves that I've looked at are too narrow for the changing pad- like 13-14" deep vs the 16" that the pad is. I know that using the IKEA cube shelving is popular but looks like it only comes in white, light wood, and color finishes and our furniture is darker brown wood so I don't think it would coordinate well. Any suggestions? TIA!

Celticlass6 · June 2014

I think I saw an ikea cabinet/shelving unit that had a table top attachment for changingbaby. Can't link to it, but it was the hensvik series.

PineApple85 · June 2014

What about looking around an antique store or flea market for small-ish furniture pieces that are the right height and depth? We did the dresser thing and plan to do it again this time but I'm putting together unique pieces for an eclectic, timeless feel instead of a theme. I saw the idea The Bump, actually.

abbyful · June 2014

You don't even really need a changing table. We don't have one, we just change DS wherever (bed, couch, pack n play, floor, etc). Just throw down a towel or receiving blanket under baby.

morrkim · June 2014

We got an old style desk that we put the changing table on. It is completely open underneath so we got a bin with plastic drawers and put that under with all the changing supplies.

mb314 · June 2014

This is still a changing table, but I love it because the hamper is built in https://www.amazon.com/Badger-Basket-Changing-Baskets-Espresso/dp/B005OSHTXO. It is so convenient. I used the drawers underneath for diapers, wipes, nail clippers, baby advil, etc so everything is immediately on hand when I am changing DS.

The Badge company also makes other changing tables with shelves and for corners that may fit your needs...

wildflower75 · June 2014

I must say that I didn't think I would need a changing table and didn't plan on getting one. My mother got this one for us and it has really come in handy because of the baskets and the clothes hamper. That being said if you are look for something a little more original...maybe an old armoire or re-purposed entertainment center?

Badger Basket Changing Table with Hamper and Baskets - White

Badger Basket Changing Table with Hamper and Baskets - White

Old TV cabinet... changing table & nursery storage. - Could even put a tension rod (or 2) inside for extra hanging space. I imagine changing in such a closed-in space may be difficult.

PineApple85 · June 2014

@wildflower75 I LOOOOOVE the re-purposed armoire!!!! We're getting one from my neighbor ... I wonder if we can do this with that ...

Lovely!

carcrashheart · June 2014

No suggestions. Sorry. But we have always used the changing pad on the dresser. I don't want to keep diapers in various places in the house. That's a pita to me. I had a diaper caddy to carry around when DS was born but it was never in the same place I was when he needed a change so it was pointless. This way his cd's, diapers and wipes are all in the same place (and wet bag and diaper pail).

sweetbabyrahe · June 2014

We don't have one. We used the pack and play mainly

rox825 · June 2014

Thanks for all of the ideas, some of these I've never seen before! If I can't find something cooler that will work, love the armoire idea, I guess my backup will be to just get a secondhand changing table. I just hate the idea of buying a new piece of furniture that has such a short window of time to be used! I'll feel better buying secondhand I think, if I need to.

Jatpa003 · June 2014

I agree with PP that you can change baby on the bed or couch. But if you plan on getting a play pen/ foldable crib idea (think that's what they are called) many of the ones I have seen also have a change table attachment up high that we plan in using for a while...

librarygirl123 · June 2014

We have Ikea cube shelving in an espresso/black color! We bought it from the store in ATL. I wonder if you can find more colors in store than online?

edit: hit reply too soon...

Nfranco973 · June 2014

wildflower75 said:
I must say that I didn't think I would need a changing table and didn't plan on getting one. My mother got this one for us and it has really come in handy because of the baskets and the clothes hamper. That being said if you are look for something a little more original...maybe an old armoire or re-purposed entertainment center?

Do you mind sharing where mom got yours from ? It's nice. I would def but something like that because it doesn't take up too much space and I live the drawer compartments and little hamper.

wallygirl · June 2014

You don't have to have a changing table. DD's was probably used a total of a dozen times or less. If you really want one why don't you look for an actual changing table. They are usually just the size for a changing pad on top with open shelving on the bottom for baskets. You can usually find them cheap at antique or consignment stores or garage sales. They are easy to refinish since they are all open. I have friends who have repurposed them for toy storage when the changing table is no longer needed.

Can't get a pic to attach.

momtojad · June 2014

We still use an actual changing table at 16 months and love it. Is that an option for you?

SweetMelissa5 · June 2014

On the pro-changing table side, I still change both my girls on the changing tables (and did with my son as well until he was potty trained), and I would go crazy if I didn't have a set place where diaper changing supplies were kept. So it's definitely a preference thing, and if you think you'd make use of it, then a changing table is probably a good thing for you to have. We just use changing pads on dressers, but I love the armoire if you have space for something like that.

wildflower75 · June 2014

Nfranco973 said:

I must say that I didn't think I would need a changing table and didn't plan on getting one. My mother got this one for us and it has really come in handy because of the baskets and the clothes hamper. That being said if you are look for something a little more original...maybe an old armoire or re-purposed entertainment center?

Do you mind sharing where mom got yours from ? It's nice. I would def but something like that because it doesn't take up too much space and I live the drawer compartments and little hamper.

Nfranco973 My mother bought the changing table online from Walmart but it can also be found at Target I believe. (the brand is Badger basket and it is roughly $100). My DD is 15 months and we still use it to change her!

Dana633 · June 2014

Someone bought me a changing table for my DS and I never really used it

So I'm not buying one this time. Good Luck, hope you find something that works for you.

rox825 · June 2014

momtojad said:
We still use an actual changing table at 16 months and love it. Is that an option for you?

It's our backup, ideally I wanted to get something that could stay in the room for books and toys later vs buying 2 pieces of furniture. We'll see!

Ineedmorecoffee · June 2014

I never used one and didn't need it. Always changed my son on the bed, on the floor, on the couch, in the bassinet, etc.

alysonmh · June 2014

I didn't see a reason for why you don't want to buy a changing table so I'm not sure what angle to go with. I didn't have one with my daughter and ended up regretting it. Changing her on the bed and floor and couch killed my back. I can't think of any alternatives that aren't dressers. If it's a space issue that's tough but if it's financial you can find some inexpensive ones that don't cost too much.

Becwalker27 · June 2014

We bought a folding one from valco so it can go away in the cupboard if/when we aren't using it, and for when this baby outgrows it before we have another child.

The main thing I like about it is that the height is great so I don't strain my back, otherwise I would be inclined to just do the towel thing.

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