If you are caring for babies, you may know the importance of owning a changing table. It allows one to change the baby’s diaper without having to bend uncomfortably.
When babies outgrow, changing tables may not be needed anymore. Hence many may prefer to convert their old dresser to a changing table. Is it comfortable?
We will discuss all these with more related queries on a changing table. So stay tuned!
What should be the standard changing table dimensions?
The standard changing table dimensions are 20″ in width, 26″ in length, and 36″ in height. In addition, the changing pad should be 17″ wide and 33″ long. You may get a bit bigger than usual, though. However, this is the basic you should follow. Shorter than this size could add to the discomfort.
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It is essential to get a changing table with standard dimensions. Otherwise, it could be uncomfortable. The perfect size can help you avoid health issues such as back pain. If the height is shorter than usual, you may have to bend further.
If it is longer, that too will create uneasiness.
We have brought the standard dimensions in inches and cm since different countries may follow different units system. In addition, we tried to give our insight on why you should follow the specific size.
Changing table dimensions in inches:
Changing table dimensions in inches, width 20″, length 26″ and height 36″. You may go up to 43″ for height. Again, the depth of the table should be 3.93″ for the changing pad to set perfectly onto the table.
When you follow the standard size, you should not feel uncomfortable. Imperfect dimension may compel you to bend too low and develop back pain.
Changing table dimensions in cm:
Changing table dimension in centimeter, width 50.8 cm, length 66.04 cm, and height 91.44cm. We have given the precise sizes. Anyone comfortable with cm units may get a clear view. Follow them to get the best result.
How tall should a changing table be?
The best height for a changing table is 36″. You may go up to 43″. It varies between different person’s heights. Better to follow the proportion of the height of a person and changing table. Anything shorter or taller would add to the discomfort. Either you need to bend low or restrict movements.
Though there is a standard height to follow, we can go up to 43″. Again, you may go down as low as 36″. This measurement should be proportionate to the height of the person.
Will it create any issues? It won’t! Since 36″ to 43″ is the standard measurement for a changing table.
Why do we need to stick to the standard? It will help you have the correct posture when using a changing table. You need to make sure not to bend too low. Again, the height should not be too high, which could make your movement uncomfortable.
How wide should a changing table be?
The width of a changing table should be 20 inches wide. It is the standard measurement you should follow. Otherwise, the table may turn out to be small-scaled. You may also find it less handy. You can get bigger, though. Nevertheless, it is not essential and would only occupy extra space.
We must follow the standard width for the changing table. Sometimes our room space may be smaller. As a result, we may feel tempted to make the changing table smaller. Does that help?
Unfortunately, this would create discomfort instead of saving you space. Remember that changing pads go on top of the changing table. It will settle into a 17″ wide by 33″ area.
The remaining place may not suffice for you to put things nicely. It may become not useful. Moreover, you may get a wider changing table that would not help much but only occupy spaces.
How deep should a changing table be?
The depth of a changing table should be at least 3.93″ or 10 cm deep. It is the standard measurement. It will allow enough space for you to place the changing pad comfortably. It will also ensure security and safety. Smaller depth than the usual may not fit the changing pad foam into the cavity.
Changing pad is the spot where you keep your baby when changing the diaper. It sits on the top of the changing table. Therefore, the table must have the perfect depth where the pad can sit nicely and securely.
We already discussed the ideal depth should be 10 cm or 3.93″ deep. Otherwise, you will have an issue placing the changing pad correctly. There may not be enough room to set it perfectly.
The straps or glue underneath should also be secured tightly with the changing table. It is about the safety of the baby. We cannot compromise with that.
Can you use a normal dresser as a changing table? Is it safe?
It is possible to turn a dresser into a changing table. It will allow you to save space. Again, when your kid grows up, you will no more need it. So why not recycle a dresser?
However, the dresser should fulfill the standard dimension of a changing table. When you do not need the changing table, you can use it as a Chester drawer. It is again safe to use.
Consider the ideal dimension to avoid discomfort. There should be an appropriate changing pad with Velcro or sticky bottom and enough storage drawers.
Ikea dresser:
Some dressers from Ikea are perfect for transitioning to changing tables. For example, Ikea HEMNES dresser, which comes with enough storage. You can also make changes by painting or changing knobs or adding a comfy changing pad.
Can I use a chest of drawers or a desk as a changing table?
You can turn the chest of drawers into a changing table. However, If it is too long, you may want to avoid it. Again, if it has the perfect dimension for a changing table, you should do this.
Add a changing pad with other necessary parts and accessories. The drawers are already there for storage.
Once again, you can change a desk into a changing table. Nevertheless, make sure it fulfills the standard dimension.
Desks may not have enough drawers. You may have to add some. In addition, the desk should also be sturdy and with a smooth surface.
How to convert a dresser to a changing table?
With little effort, turn your dresser into a changing table. Here is how to convert a dresser to a changing table.
size of the dresser:
Since you need to bend a lot, ensure the dresser has the standard dimension of a changing table. An imperfect size may result in back pain. The height should be between 36″ to 43″, width 20″, length 26″ and depth 3.93″.
Get a changing pad:
Get a changing pad that fits perfectly. Also, make sure the dresser has a 3.93″depth to it. An ideal changing pad should be 17″ x 33″ in dimension.
Safety:
Safety is necessary. Get a changing pad with restraint straps or sticky bottom. Also, look for something that is contoured to ensure comfort for the baby.
Attach the changing pad:
The changing pad should have straps or sticky bottom. Secure straps tightly or peel off the sticky base and glue it on the surface. The sticky residue may loosen over time. Hence, change if necessary.
Miscellaneous changes:
These kinds of changes are not essential. You can attach drawers if you want or change the knob or repaint.
Can you use changing pad without changing the table?
It is possible to use a changing pad alone without a changing table. The pad is detachable. You can take it outside and set it in a suitable place when changing your baby.
However, the biggest issue is comfort.
When placing the changing pad to various spots, they may not support your height or body shape. You may need to bend awkwardly or restrict your movements. Therefore, we do not recommend using changing pad on its own.
How tall and wide should a dresser be for a changing table?
It is easy to repurpose a dresser into a changing table. You only need to add a changing pad. The dresser may already have drawers for storage.
It will be best if the dresser has the standard dimension of a changing table. This way, one can avoid discomfort. The dresser should be 36″ to 43″ in height. Again, the width should be 20″ and the length 26″.
Without the exact measurements, you may feel uncomfortable using the changing table.
Final thoughts
It is crucial to follow the standard dimension when buying or remodeling a changing table. Otherwise, one may have to bend at an uncomfortable angle. It could lead to back pain. You can either purchase or rebuild your old dresser to a changing table. Ensure safety measures as well.