How to create the perfect changing area for your baby

Changing areas have changed (pardon the pun) dramatically in the past decade. Gone are the days when you’d shove this dirty part of having a baby in an unseen corner or tidy the change mat under a bed when not in use.  

Changing areas are now becoming a stylish part of the nursery décor. Follow these top 5 tips to create a stunning - yet functional - changing space – courtesy of The Gilded Bird.   

Decide on a theme or colour pallet for your nursery and make your change area a feature. It could be used as a way to add different patterns or textures to the room. For example, if you've decided on a blue room, choose a wedge changing mat with a soft blue ocean theme. The pattern will provide something fun for your baby to look at during changing times and it will give some visual interest to the room. For a pink room, grab a bold floral mat - again the change mat should complement the already established colour pallet in the room. 

Get creative with your change table. A fabulous trend that has proven so useful to new parents is to get a change table that can also double as a chest of drawers or even grab a beautiful antique chest of drawers and modify the top to safely take a changing mat (make sure the mat is secure at all times of course). Instead of white, add warmth to a room with natural wood tones or for that pop of drama, paint them a dark/rich colour. Your nursery furniture doesn't need to be the same style/colour - switch it up and play around with each item. 

Decorate the walls above the changing area. Use small simple shelves or a collection of 4 paintings (frames can be different shapes but the colours should match to ensure a cohesive look) to tie in the table and mat. This will make the space look intentional - an essential part of the room. 

Get organised! Whether it's in the drawers or under the table on shelves, the last thing you'll want is to be searching for a baby wipe when there's been a nappy explosion! So make sure your wipes and nappies are where you can reach them using one hand - the other hand should always be busy holding baby as it's incredible how quickly they learn to roll! - so practice before baby arrives and make sure that the essentials are easily reached. 

No change table? No problem. Some nurseries don't have the space for a changing table so consider another convenient space in your home. If you spend the majority of your time with your baby in your lounge for example, then section off a small area where you can put the essentials. A stylish, soft ottoman with storage for example can have a foldable travel size changing mat, wipes, and nappies all neatly stored away and ready for you at a moment's notice. No point running up the stairs every time baby needs a change! 

About the author: Mum-of-three Jeanie Bird is creator of The Gilded Bird a company with a vision to make essential items in the nursery better – in both look and quality. Find out more here.