Planning a nursery sounds simple… until you realize how many decisions come with changing a diaper. One of the big ones? Do you want a changing top on your dresser, or a standalone changing pad like the Leander Matty?

Both can create a convenient place to handle diaper changes, but they work very differently in everyday life. Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons—including storage, cleaning, and, yes, laundry.

Changing Top on a Dresser

A changing top turns a compatible nursery dresser into a dedicated changing station. It gives you a defined spot for diaper changes while making use of the dresser underneath for clothing, blankets and other baby essentials.

One of the biggest advantages is organization. Changing tops typically have compartments built into the top, giving you easy access to diapers, wipes, creams and other frequently used supplies without having to open a drawer every time.

The Pros

Everything has a place.
The built-in compartments keep diapering essentials right where you need them. No more in a diaper caddy for wipes while your baby is having a particularly wiggly moment.

You maximize your nursery furniture.
Instead of having a separate changing table and dresser, you can combine the two into one piece of furniture.

It creates a coordinated nursery look.
A changing top is designed to work with a specific dresser or furniture collection, so the changing area can feel like part of the overall nursery design rather than an item simply sitting on top.

But There’s More Laundry

This is one of those small details that can become a big deal once the baby arrives.

A changing top holds a changing pad, and that pad typically uses a washable changing pad liner and decorative cover. The liner helps protect the pad, while the decorative cover lets you coordinate the changing area with the rest of your nursery. 

It's always recommend to have a few of each, changing pad liners and decorative covers, on hand. Which means… more fabric pieces to wash.

And if you've ever wondered how a tiny baby can somehow create so much laundry... welcome to parenthood.

Things to Consider

A changing top is a more permanent setup. It generally needs to be compatible with the specific dresser or furniture collection, so you’ll want to make sure the pieces are designed to work together.

And because the changing station is part of the dresser setup, it stays where the dresser stays and will often require more storage space when the diaper changing stage is done.

Standalone Changing Mat: The Leander Matty

A standalone changing pad, such as the Leander Matty, takes a much simpler approach. Instead of attaching a changing area to the dresser, the pad simply sits on top of an appropriate, stable surface.

The biggest difference? Flexibility.

The Pros

Easy to wipe clean.
The Matty's smooth surface makes everyday cleanup simple. Instead of removing a fabric cover and tossing it into the wash, you can wipe the pad down after those inevitable diaper mishaps.

Less laundry.
Because you don't need a decorative fabric cover in the same way you do with a traditional changing pad, there are fewer fabric pieces to wash, dry and put back on.

Easy to move.
Need a changing station upstairs and another downstairs? A standalone pad gives you more flexibility to move your changing setup around the house.

Easy to store when you're done.
When the diaper-changing years are over, you can simply put the pad away rather than figuring out what to do with a dedicated changing top, changing pad and extra changing liners and covers.

More freedom when choosing your dresser.
You aren't limited to purchasing a specific dresser designed to accommodate that specific changing top. You can focus on the dresser itself—its size, storage, quality and style—and add your changing pad separately.

What About Your Dresser?

Because the Leander Matty simply rests on top of the dresser rather than being attached to it, you don't have to modify the dresser to accommodate a changing top.

That also makes it the easier option if you want the flexibility to use the dresser as a regular piece of furniture later.

As always, make sure your changing setup follows the manufacturer's instructions and is placed on an appropriate, stable surface. Never leave a baby unattended on an elevated changing surface.

Changing Top vs. Changing Mat: At a Glance

So, Which One Is Right for You?

Choose a changing top if you:

• Want a dedicated changing station
• Love having diapers, wipes and supplies organized in built-in compartments
• Want your changing area to coordinate with your nursery furniture
• Like the idea of combining a dresser and changing station
• Don't mind the additional washable covers and liners
• Are purchasing a compatible nursery dresser

Choose a standalone changing mat if you:

• Want something simple and flexible
• Prefer something that's easy to wipe clean
• Want to keep laundry to a minimum
• Like the option to move your changing station around the house
• Want something that's easy to store once the diaper years are over
• Don't want your changing setup tied to a specific dresser

Both setups can work beautifully. The better choice really comes down to what you will be ok with in your daily changing routine. Do you want everything organized and within arm's reach? A changing top can be incredibly convenient. Would you rather wipe down a changing mat than add another cover to the laundry pile? A standalone mat may be the better fit. The best changing setup is the one that makes those hundreds (and hundreds) of diaper changes a little easier for you.

Shop Nursery Furniture & Changing Solutions in Chicagoland

Looking for nursery furniture, changing tops or changing pads in the Chicagoland and North Shore area? Galt Baby's Northbrook location features a larger selection of nursery furniture, dressers and changing solutions to help you find a setup that works for your space and your everyday routine.

Whether you're shopping from Northbrook, Glenview, Winnetka, Wilmette, Lake Forest, Highland Park or elsewhere around the North Shore, our team can help you compare your options and find the right fit for your nursery.