Ultimate Guide to Installing Wall-Mounted, Folding Changing Tables!

[Updated February 2, 2022]. Wall-mounted, foldable, dresser-style changing tables, with or without a built-in bath, adjustable in height, on wheels… New parents might feel overwhelmed by the variety of changing tables available on the market. What should you consider before choosing your changing table? Where should you place it in your home? How do you install it safely and secure it to the wall? Find all our advice, picks, and tips here.

How to Choose the Right Changing Table?

Your usage is the primary criterion. A changing table can be used for changing your baby, dressing them, bathing them, and providing all necessary care for their hygiene and comfort. Depending on your needs, it should include a bath or storage baskets to keep care products and clothing organized. Other factors such as material, design, safety features, price, or color can also influence your decision. First, make sure it meets the EN 12 221 safety standard which ensures product safety, side guards, and secure mounting features. Finally, space is a considerable factor. Smaller spaces can better accommodate a foldable or wall-mounted changing table, which can be folded against the wall or tucked behind a door when not in use. Traditional or dresser-style changing tables are practical furniture pieces made of wood or plastic that may come with wheels, storage shelves, and vary in width. They are better suited for larger spaces. Wheels are very handy as they allow you to move the changing table from one room to another, such as from the bedroom to the bathroom. Having ample storage is also a key feature: keeping essentials within reach (wipes, care products, towels, diapers, liniment, cotton…) will make your life easier and prevent you from moving around the house with your baby in arms. However, if you opt for a model with wheels, make sure they are securely locked before placing your baby on it. Finally, choose a model with raised edges to minimize the risk of falls. Also, consider what will be easiest to clean.

A Wall-Mounted Changing Table for Small Spaces

Wall-mounted changing tables are fixed to the wall. Their advantage? They are compact, fold up on themselves, and are a real space saver. They are not without storage options and can include baskets, bins, and pockets for all your child’s hygiene products. Make sure it is stable once unfolded and that its mounting system is sturdy, suitable for your baby’s weight, and meets European standards. Feel free to test it in the store and ask a specialized salesperson for information.

A Foldable Changing Table for Easy Storage

Like wall-mounted models, foldable changing tables fold up on themselves but have legs (so they stand on the floor) and often include a storage shelf. They can be easily stored behind a door or in a closet. Before purchasing, check its folding mechanism, locking system, and sturdiness: it should be very secure for the baby. Choose one with raised edges to prevent falls. Some models can be folded with one hand, while others include a bath that can be pulled out to the side or flipped under the changing table, which is very practical for saving space and time.

A Dresser-Style Changing Table for Plenty of Storage

Some changing tables are essentially dressers: they feature spacious drawers and often a removable changing top placed on the dresser. Its advantage? It offers numerous storage spaces and can be used to store baby’s clothes or other accessories. And once your child is older, you can simply remove the changing mat and use it as a regular dresser. However, it is bulkier than a foldable or wall-mounted model and cannot be moved from room to room (which is inconvenient if it’s in a bedroom far from a water source).

Affordable DIY Changing Table: Build Your Own!

You can certainly build a practical, secure, and functional changing table. Moreover, it will be more economical, customizable, and can be tailored to your needs and space. It’s important that the changing table height is adjusted to your stature: measure the distance from the floor to your navel to determine the appropriate height of the changing table surface. You can either select a furniture piece (table or dresser) of similar height, or construct one using wooden planks of your desired width. Visit the cutting section of your local hardware store. There are numerous online diagrams for building changing tables. Also, consider adding shelves or drawers if you need more storage. The easiest option is to start with an existing piece of furniture like a dresser and place a changing mat on top. If the dresser’s top isn’t wide enough, attach a wooden board using brackets to extend the changing surface.

Safety and Installation: How to Securely Fix Your Changing Table?

• How to choose the height of your changing table? It should be suited to the parents’ height so they do not have to stoop or stand on tiptoes while tending to their baby. Typically, changing tables are between 82 and 97 cm high, but some are adjustable. Regarding depth, ideally, a changing table should be 70 to 80 cm deep to accommodate your child as they grow.
• Prefer changing tables that allow you to face your baby rather than have them to your side. This is more convenient and lets you stay close to your child as you care for them.
• Place your changing table on a flat surface to prevent the baby from sliding. Ideally, position it against a wall for added stability and to prevent tipping.
• It is also advisable to set up the changing table in the bathroom to have a water source close by. The best option? A changing table with wheels or a changing station that you can set up on a piece of furniture in the bathroom.
• A fall from a changing table can happen quickly. Therefore, it’s advised to never leave your child unattended and, if possible, keep one hand on them at all times.
• Finally, don’t forget to place a trash can next to your changing table, and perhaps a mobile or a toy hanging above the changing table to keep your baby’s attention while you change them.