How to choose a chest of drawers for your baby? The complete guide to setting up your child’s bedroom in style and comfort

How to choose a chest of drawers for your baby? The complete guide to setting up your child’s bedroom in style and comfort

Even before your baby arrives, every detail matters when organising their future bedroom. Among the essential pieces of furniture, the chest of drawers plays a key role. Both practical and decorative, and designed to last, it supports all those everyday little rituals, from getting dressed to nappy changes, as well as storing your baby’s tiny clothes.

But how do you choose the right chest of drawers? Size, safety, design, the presence of a changing top… There are as many options as there are needs. To help you make the right choice, here is a complete guide, designed to support you calmly as you set up your child’s bedroom.

 

Une femme change un bébé sur une table à langer beige, tout en prenant des vêtements dans un tiroir ouvert dans une chambre lumineuse.

 

Why choose a baby chest of drawers?

 

An essential piece of furniture from the very first months

From the very first weeks, a chest of drawers quickly becomes an invaluable ally. It offers practical storage for clothes, nappies, care products and all the other everyday essentials. Its well-considered height allows you to care for your baby while maintaining a comfortable posture, a real relief over time and through countless nappy changes.

 

A decorative element in its own right

A chest of drawers is not only useful, it also helps create a soft and calming atmosphere in your child’s bedroom. In light wood, white or grey, it blends effortlessly into a childlike, natural or Scandinavian-inspired interior. With its clean, timeless design, it can remain in place as your baby grows, always fitting seamlessly into the décor.

 

A long-lasting piece that grows with your child

A baby chest of drawers is a long-term investment. Made from sturdy, durable materials, it naturally earns its place in your child’s bedroom for many years. Its timeless design and generous storage capacity allow it to adapt as your child grows, evolving alongside their needs, from clothes and bedding to accessories and everyday little treasures.

 

The changing chest of drawers: a smart and practical choice

 

A practical and functional two-in-one piece

Choosing a chest of drawers with an integrated changing top means opting for a dual-purpose piece of furniture that makes everyday life easier from day one. In one single place, everything you need is within easy reach, nappies, clothes, care products and the changing mat. No need to move back and forth, everything is grouped together so each nappy change can happen calmly and smoothly.

The changing top is securely integrated into the structure of the chest of drawers, creating a small, dedicated cocoon for caring for your baby without taking up extra space in the room. This type of furniture quickly becomes an essential during the first months.

 

Une femme prépare un bébé sur une table à langer en bois, en ouvrant un tiroir rempli d’essentiels de change dans une chambre chaleureuse

 

Saving space in your baby’s bedroom

In a small bedroom, every centimetre counts. A changing chest of drawers replaces two pieces of furniture with just one, helping to reduce clutter while keeping all the practicality you need. It is ideal for creating a discreet yet fully equipped changing area, whatever space you have available.

 

A long-lasting investment

With a well-designed changing chest of drawers, nothing is set in stone. Most models come with a removable changing top. Once your baby no longer needs it, you can simply remove the extension to turn it into a classic chest of drawers.

This evolving design allows you to make a durable and responsible purchase, avoiding the need for multiple short-lived pieces of furniture. The result is a piece that will serve you for years, while retaining both its quality and its style.

 

The essential criteria for choosing the right baby chest of drawers

 

1. Strength and build quality

A baby chest of drawers is used every day, sometimes several times an hour. That is why sturdiness is essential. Choose drawers with soft-close runners, which are ideal for avoiding noise and not waking your baby when closing them.

The stability of the structure is just as important to ensure your child’s safety, especially if the chest of drawers is used with a changing top.

 

2. With or without a changing top

Some chests of drawers are sold with an integrated or removable changing top, while others are not. This is a key point to consider depending on how you plan to use it.

A removable changing top is perfect for the first months and can later be taken off without leaving marks, turning the chest of drawers into a classic piece of furniture.

 

Practical tip: most Petite Amélie changing tops are securely fixed to the chest of drawers without damaging it and can be easily removed once the changing phase is over.

 

3. The right height and dimensions

To change your baby comfortably, your chest of drawers should be at the right height, generally between 85 and 95 cm. This helps protect your back, especially during the first weeks when nappy changes are very frequent.

Allow at least 50 by 75 cm of usable surface, and a width of 80 cm or more if space allows.

 

Ergonomic tip: choose a chest of drawers with legs. This allows you to place your feet underneath and adopt a more natural and comfortable position during nappy changes.

Commode à langer Petite Amélie couleur avoine avec trois tiroirs, montrée avec ses dimensions : 90 cm de hauteur, 94,5 cm de largeur et 55 cm de profondeur.

4. Safety above all

Safety is, of course, an absolute priority. Make sure the chest of drawers complies with current European safety standards and that the paints used are water-based, free from solvents and volatile organic compounds.

Rounded corners, sturdy fixings and an anti-tip structure are all essential features to ensure peace of mind for parents.

 

Which baby chest of drawers should you choose according to your needs?

 

A complete baby bedroom: harmonising your furniture

If you have chosen a complete baby bedroom set, it makes sense to select a chest of drawers that matches the cot, wardrobe or bedside table. This helps create a cohesive, soft and harmonious atmosphere that will grow with your child.

 

“Chambre bébé complète en bois style Japandi avec lit à barreaux en chêne, commode à langer et grande armoire assortie, décorée d’une guirlande lumineuse lune et étoile et d’un cheval à bascule licorne.

 

Small space: prioritise compact design

When your baby’s bedroom is on the smaller side, every square metre counts. Choose a chest of drawers with a shallow depth that remains functional while taking up minimal space.

Another clever option is to choose a removable changing top that can be taken off once the changing phase is over. This helps optimise space without compromising on practicality.

 

Timeless or contemporary design?

Tastes change, and so do decorative preferences. For a choice that lasts, opt for a timeless design in neutral colours such as white, grey or light wood. These shades pair easily with all kinds of bedding, toys and accessories.

It is often the small details that make all the difference. Wooden handles, angled legs, soft rounded shapes, all elements that add charm to your baby’s bedroom while remaining part of a durable, long-lasting aesthetic.

 

Tips for arranging the space around the chest of drawers

 

A safe and practical area

The layout around the chest of drawers should first and foremost ensure your baby’s safety and make things practical for parents. Here are a few simple but essential recommendations.

Do not hang anything above the changing top, neither open shelves nor heavy decorations. This helps prevent any risk of accidental falling during nappy changes.

Place a soft rug on the floor for extra comfort if you move around barefoot, especially during night-time changes.

Keep everything within easy reach, wipes, nappies, spare outfits. Everything should be accessible without taking your eyes off your baby or letting go with one hand. A nearby wall shelf or basket can be very helpful.

 

Commode à langer bébé

 

Creating a calming atmosphere

Beyond its practical function, the environment around the chest of drawers can help soothe your baby, especially during nappy changes or getting dressed, moments that can become precious times of connection.

  • Soft lighting: install a gentle night light to avoid overstimulating your baby, particularly during night-time changes.
  • Soft colours: choose neutral or pastel tones around the changing area to reinforce a feeling of calm.
  • Light and poetic accessories: a small nappy basket, an animal-shaped night light, a subtle mobile. All of these elements help create a reassuring and gentle atmosphere.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

What is the ideal height for a changing chest of drawers?

The recommended height is between 85 and 95 cm. This allows you to maintain a comfortable posture while changing your baby, without bending over, which is essential for protecting your back, especially on a daily basis. Remember to take into account the thickness of the changing mat, which adds a few extra centimetres.

 

What depth should you allow for a baby chest of drawers?

For optimal use, the minimum recommended depth is 54 to 55 cm, especially if you add a changing top. This allows a standard changing mat to be placed securely, without overhang. Always check the exact dimensions if you have limited space.

 

Until what age can you use a changing chest of drawers?

You can usually use a changing chest of drawers until your child is around 12 to 18 months old, or even longer depending on their size and mobility. As soon as your baby becomes very active or starts to turn quickly, it is important to be extra vigilant or consider removing the changing top.

 

Removable or fixed changing top: which should you choose?

A removable changing top offers greater flexibility. It can be taken off once the changing phase is over, turning the chest of drawers into a classic piece of furniture. This makes it an evolving and long-lasting solution. A fixed changing top may feel more stable, but it limits use over time.

 

How can you make a baby chest of drawers safe?

Make sure the chest of drawers meets current safety standards, has rounded corners, an anti-tip system such as wall fixing if needed, and uses paints free from solvents and toxic substances. Never leave your baby unattended on the changing top.

 

Which materials should you choose for a healthy chest of drawers?

Choose solid wood or high-quality panels. Also check that varnishes and paints are water-based and low in VOCs, to ensure a healthy environment in your child’s bedroom.

 

How do you turn a changing chest of drawers into a classic piece of furniture?

Simply remove the changing top if it is removable, usually fixed with discreet screws or clip systems. The piece then becomes a classic chest of drawers, perfect for storing clothes, bedding or toys.