As they say, it’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it. Here are my top picks for changing tables and accessories that will help make the task stink a little less.
1. Giggle Better Basics Harper Changing Table. As I was approaching the end of my pregnancy, the thought of walking up the stairs to the 2nd floor nursery for every diaper change sounded like far too much work. That might just be called laziness, but we decided to purchase a changing table for downstairs nonetheless. Since this table would be going in a highly visible living area, we wanted something a little less “nursery” that would blend in with our other furniture. The Harper changing table was just that, and has been one of our most valuable baby purchases. It’s sturdy with a simple design, offers plenty of room for storage baskets yet doesn't take up too much space, is constructed from eco-conscious materials, and can be used later as a bookshelf or for toys.
2. Ferm Living Olivia Music Mobile. Installing this mobile on the wall above the changing table was one of the best ideas we ever had. For a good 6 months M was mesmerized by its black and white pattern and beautiful sounds. It’s also beautiful for adults to look at as well, which is an added bonus.
3. RH Baby and Child Dresser Toppers. RH Baby makes an assortment of beautiful toppers that turn any dresser into a changing table. Technically they make them for their dressers, but I purchased one for a vintage dresser I already owned and it was a perfect match. There are so many styles and finishes to choose from, chances are they have one that will work with your dresser too.
4. RH Baby, Satsuma Designs and Oeuf Changing Pad Covers. All of these changing pad covers are made from super soft organic materials that feel luxurious against baby’s sensitive skin. They also all wash up beautifully.
5. Naturpedic and Oeuf Changing Pads. I have one of each and I can’t decide which I like best. Both are eco-friendly, wetproof, perfectly soft-yet-firm and have optional safety straps. I believe the Naturpedic changing pad is a little more non-toxic, if that’s possible, but the Oeuf is half the price. As my husband would say, six of one, a half dozen of the other…
6. TL Care Organic Cotton Sheet Saver. Using these waterproof pads on top of the changing pad cover means you don’t have to wash the cover as much, and these come off for the wash a whole lot easier.
7. Ubbi Diaper Pail. The absolute BEST diaper pail on the market. To be fair, I didn't try any others, but why would I when I found a stylish, well-constructed pail that actually contains odors without the use of deodorizers? (Disclaimer: this diaper pail contains odors when the lid is closed. When you open the lid to toss in a diaper or remove the trash bag, yes, you will be reminded that this is, in fact, a container of dirty diapers. This diaper pail is not magical, after all.) Initially, I was concerned about the lack of foot pedal, but the lid on the Ubbi is actually quite easy to open and close with one hand, and this lid design definitely keeps odors to a minimum. The stainless steel material holds up well and means no odor-absorbing plastic is involved. The Ubbi comes in a plethora of colors to match any décor but I’m partial to the ivory. In case you were wondering.
8. The Honest Company. I can’t say enough good things about the Honest Company (And no, I am not getting paid to say them. Though I should be). Having all of our diapers, wipes, and cleaning supplies delivered right to our front door whenever we need them is a godsend. Not to mention, all of those diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies are reasonably priced and work amazingly well, are better for our health and the environment, and come in the kind of beautiful packaging that I am a sucker for. The wipes are phenomenal, the diapers the best I’ve tried, and the hand sanitizer something our changing table and diaper bag cannot survive without.
9. Diaper Creams. If you’re looking for an organic, non-toxic diaper cream, Honest Healing Balm and OG Baby Barrier Balm are the bomb. (sorry) If you need a zinc oxide based diaper cream, Badger is a great non-nano, organic option but beware – it does stain. Sweetsation Therapy (one of my favorite brands for both adult and baby bath and skincare products – stay tuned for reviews) offers a non-nano zinc formula in a handy (but hands-free) stick form that smells nice and is great for the diaper bag.