8 tips for buying and setting up the changing table

At the latest in the final weeks of pregnancy, it takes hold of many expectant mothers: the nesting instinct. Everything is prepared for the arrival of the little explorer, and the home is decorated with lots of love. Because the home should also be a place of safety and security for the new family member. A place where parents and baby will spend a lot of time together and experience intimate moments is the changing table. And it should not only be cozy but also practical and safe! In this article, we give you eight tips to ensure that your changing area meets all the important requirements.

Tip 1: Find the right place to change diapers

Before even purchasing the changing table, it is important to find the ideal spot for many, many diaper changes. It should be a comfortable place with enough space, and ideally, the changing table should be accessible from two sides. This way, you can, for example, change diapers together with your partner. Usually, a child's or bedroom is suitable as a location, and often the bathroom as well. The latter has the advantage that it generally maintains a pleasant temperature. But more on that in Tip 4!

When choosing the right location, you should also ensure that the changing table is protected from direct sunlight and drafts. Depending on the space and your preferences, it doesn't have to be a large changing table: perhaps a fold-out changing table or a sturdy changing attachment, for example for an existing dresser, might be the right choice for you.

Tip 2: Avoid unnecessary dangers

Once you have found a suitable place for changing, you should check again to ensure that there are no loosely mounted shelves or pictures above the changing area. Outlets should also be kept away from the immediate vicinity. The comes first, and anything that could pose a potential hazard should be stored as far away from the changing table as possible.

The changing table itself should also be safe. Therefore, pay attention to uncompromising stability when purchasing and ensure that the attachment has higher and rounded edges on the sides. This helps prevent injuries and the risk of falls.

Tip 3: Pay attention to the height of the changing table when purchasing

The height of the changing table is also an important criterion – less for your baby and much more for your partner and you. Because your baby will not always remain as small and delicate as after birth. As it grows and develops, it gains weight, and during changing, more and more muscle strength will be required. An upright posture while changing can help prevent back pain. Therefore, the changing table should have a comfortable height. Is your partner taller or shorter than you? Then a height-adjustable model is probably the best solution for you.

Tip 4: Ensure a comfortable temperature and adequate lighting

To ensure that your baby and you feel truly comfortable during diaper changes, the right temperature is essential. Your baby's skin is much thinner than yours, so they get cold faster than you might think. An ideal temperature for diaper changes is between 22 and 24°C. To reach this quickly, a heat lamp is a sensible purchase. There are various models available, for wall mounting or for placing on a surface. Our midwife Sissi also recommends using the heat lamp in summer, in case the temperatures are less summery. This way, you can let your baby kick around naked for a few minutes — without the risk of them getting cold. When using, make sure to maintain the specified safety distance. Models that automatically turn off after a few minutes are especially practical. This way, there's one less thing for you to worry about.

When it comes to lighting, it's important to find the right balance: of course, it shouldn't be too bright or even blinding. At the same time, you should have enough light to thoroughly clean the baby's bottom. For nighttime diaper changes, a string of lights is a great option: with the right brightness, it provides a pleasant light that won't wake up either the baby or the parents.

Tip 5: Make your baby comfortable with the right changing pad

Another must-have for the changing table is a suitable changing pad. It should be pleasantly soft and naturally skin-friendly. Especially practical are pads made from removable and washable materials. Midwife Sissi from LILLYDOO shows you a practical pad that meets these criteria. Additionally, the changing pad should be as non-slip as possible. As your baby's desire to move grows, you will come to appreciate this feature more and more!

Tip 6: Keep the essential utensils within reach

Now it's time to set up the changing table! Depending on the model, you have different amounts of storage space available, and this should be used wisely. The items you most frequently need when changing – usually wipes and diapers – should therefore be stored nearby. This saves time and provides more safety at the changing station, because if you only need one hand to reach for the wipes, your little explorer is under control with the other. Especially practical are pretty baskets that you attach to the side walls of the changing unit. Within easy reach, you can then store additional clothes and, if needed, other care products. To ensure you never run out of essential items while changing later on, you can conveniently and flexibly have diapers, wipes, or changing mats delivered right to your home with the .

Tip 7: Provide distraction

Once the changing table is set up, it's time for the details: with a cute mobile and a within reach, you make the time at the changing table more enjoyable for your baby and yourself. Not only do they look pretty, but they also ensure that your little explorer always has something exciting to watch. Because changing is also always a bit of an adventure. And if your little adventurer is less interested in a new diaper, distraction is the best medicine. Colorful mobiles, the favorite teddy bear, and of course other are very helpful here. Sometimes, a sibling also plays a significant role in the entertainment program. If you're looking for more tips for great distraction maneuvers at the changing table, check out . In it, four blogger moms and one dad share their tricks.

Tip 8: Save your wallet (and the environment)

Child equipment can become an expensive affair – but it doesn't have to be! If you want to save money, you can simply buy a used changing table. Maybe you have parents in your circle of friends who no longer need their changing table. The environment will also thank you for that! If you are creative and handy, you can of course also build the changing table yourself and thus accommodate very individual wishes (for example, regarding storage space).

Great are also changing tables that can be repurposed later. For example, there are models that, after their life as a changing table, can simply be converted into a shelf or desk and will accompany your little explorer for even longer as a new piece of furniture.

We wish you lots of fun setting up the changing table and even more fun changing your baby at this safe and cozy spot! By the way, we are continually inspired by photos of your beautiful changing tables on Feel free to tag us next time, we look forward to it!