The final weeks of pregnancy are just around the corner. The nesting instinct is kicking in, the red carpet is rolled out, and the house is being perfectly prepared for the arrival of a new family member. Your own four walls should radiate safety and security. This is, after all, a place where parents and baby will spend a lot of time together.

Not only gezelligheid (coziness) matters—practicality and safety are also paramount. In this article, we take a closer look at the changing table. How do you ensure that it’s safe and meets all requirements? Read our 8 tips and get prepared.

What is a baby changing table?

A baby changing table is a piece of furniture where you change and dress your baby. It’s also called a changing table, diaper table, or changing station. It not only provides space to change and dress your baby, but also offers room for various care products. If you choose a larger changing table, you can usually store baby clothes, a sleeping bag, or bedding in it as well.

Tip 1: Place the baby changing table in a smart spot

Before you buy a changing table, take a quick walk through the house and choose the right spot for many—very many—diaper changes. You’ll spend quite a bit of time there, so it helps if your baby’s changing table is placed somewhere with plenty of space. It’s also convenient if the changing table has at least two sides free, so you can change the baby together with your partner.

The obvious place for the changing table is the child’s room or bedroom, but the bathroom is also an option. Placing a changing table in the bathroom has the advantage that it’s usually nice and warm there (see also tip 4).

If you’re going to buy a baby changing table, don’t place it in direct sunlight or in a draft. Depending on the location in your home and your personal preference, you might not need a large changing table at all. Perhaps a foldable changing table is sufficient, or you only need a topper for an existing changing table. The advantage of a foldable baby changing table is that it takes up hardly any space when folded. That way, you can use the space for other things, such as a comfortable chair for breastfeeding.

Tip 2: Prevent dangerous situations

It may seem obvious, but accidents can still happen—even if the baby changing table is tucked into a small corner. Check that there are no loose planks, paintings, or photos hanging on the wall near the baby and the changing table. Also, avoid placing the changing table near electrical outlets. Your baby’s safety comes first, so keep anything that could create a dangerous situation as far away from the changing table as possible.

The changing table itself should also be safe. Most modern baby furniture is cleverly designed, but if you’re going to buy a changing table for your baby, make sure the edges are raised and there are no sharp corners. Especially with second-hand furniture or vintage pieces, it’s wise to check for sharp edges and splinters. Holes are also a no-go, especially those roughly 7 to 12 mm in size. Your little one could put a finger in them and get it pinched.

Tip 3: How tall should a baby changing table be?

What is the ideal height for a baby changing table? It mainly depends on you and your partner. Your little explorer grows quickly, and almost every day means more lifting. An upright posture is better for your back, so the baby changing table should be at a comfortable height. Most parents choose a height between 85 and 105 centimeters, but be sure to test before purchasing whether the changing table is too high or too low for you. If your feet fit under the changing table, that’s a plus. It allows you to stand closer to your little one while changing.

Is your partner noticeably taller or shorter than you? Then a height-adjustable changing table is ideal, so neither of you has to twist into knots just to change a diaper.

Tip 4: Ensure a comfortable temperature and sufficient lighting

Changing a diaper isn’t always fun—not even for your little one. The least you can do is ensure a comfortable temperature in the room. What feels warm to you might still be too cold for your baby: baby skin is thinner than that of adults. The ideal temperature for changing your baby is between 22 and 24°C. To quickly reach the desired temperature, a heat lamp can be useful. You can use a heat lamp all year round, because it can be quite cool even in summer.

At a comfortable room temperature, you can also let your baby kick around without clothes for a bit. This keeps that area down there nice and fresh and can .

When it comes to lighting at your baby’s changing table, you’ll want to find the right balance depending on the space, season, and time of day. Not too dim, but definitely not blinding—and bright enough to clean your little one’s bottom properly. If you’re changing a diaper at night, a light strip is a good idea. That way, the light doesn’t come from a single point but is evenly distributed throughout the space. This way, you and your sleeping baby won’t be fully awake after just a few minutes.

Tip 5: Make the changing table comfortable for both parent and child

A must-have for the baby changing table is a changing pad. The best changing pad is soft and gentle on the skin. In most cases, the cover can be wiped clean with a cloth and can also be washed in the washing machine. A changing pad also has raised edges, so your little one won’t roll off easily. It’s also a plus if the cushion isn’t smooth but has a rougher, non-slip surface. As your little explorer grows, they’ll want one thing: to move! You’ll be glad your restless little one is lying safely and securely.

As an alternative to a changing pad, you can opt for a so-called Moses basket. To protect the newborn Moses from Pharaoh, his mother placed him in a basket hidden in papyrus among the reeds along the banks of the Nile. Nowadays, a Moses basket fits perfectly with current nursery trends. The basket has a higher raised edge (for increased safety), but it’s somewhat more difficult to clean than a changing pad. It’s also often a bit more expensive.

Do you prefer to change your baby while they’re lying with their feet towards you? Then a changing tray for the baby changer is ideal. A changing tray is also called a dresser extension, changing pad, or diaper board. Changing your baby on a changing tray for the dresser is especially helpful with active babies.

Tip 6: Keep all essentials at hand

Take this tip literally: you’ll want all your essentials within arm’s reach while you’re at the changing table. Every changing table for your baby offers different storage options for accessories (drawers or shelves, for example—whatever you find convenient), but make sure baby wipes and diapers are never far away. That saves time and lets you use your free hand to keep your little one safe.

You can also hang a shelf above the baby changing table, add diaper caddies, and organize drawer chaos with dividers. There, you can already prepare clean clothes and . Small toys are also helpful during diaper changes (more about the necessary distraction in tip 7). Our advice: set up a . This way, you’ll never miss out during diaper changes.

Tip 7: Provide distraction

Have you found the right spot for the baby and changing table, is it stable and safe, and do you have everything you need within reach? Then it’s time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s—which, by the way, are just as important.

Turn diaper changing into a little adventure for your explorer with a beautiful musical mobile or a toy. Another good idea: if you have a shelf hung above the changing table, attach a mirror to the underside so your little one can see themselves.

Regularity and structure make daily rituals easier. Maybe you still remember fun songs or rhymes for diaper changes. Your family or friends may also have great ideas, and if not, the internet offers plenty of inspiration.

Tip 8: Saving money is good for the environment

The can be quite costly—but it doesn’t have to be! Buy a second-hand baby changing table. Or maybe your parents or friends still have one that’s ready for a new user.

Changing tables are also available second-hand in all styles, from traditional to modern. This makes it easier to find one that matches the rest of the nursery beautifully. Have you found a nice piece of furniture, but the style doesn’t quite match what you have in mind? Then you can, of course, give it a fresh coat of paint or add different handles or new legs.

Most changing tables can also serve as a “normal” piece of furniture after the diaper period—for example, you can turn your changing table into a cabinet. That way, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake from your little explorer’s first years at home.

If you’re handy, making a changing table for your baby yourself is also possible. This way, you can build a diaper changing table that fully meets your own wishes.

We wish you lots of fun buying and setting up your changing table. Safety comes first, but make it a happy place for you and your little one, too—for many cozy hours together.