The Ultimate Baby Changing Table Is Just One IKEA Hack Away

A storage system to keep diapers, wipes, creams, and powders near your baby-changing station is a no-brainer, which is why a dresser seems like such a great option for it. Changing tables are often pricier than a chest of drawers, so when you want to save on your newborn's lengthy supply list, why not repurpose a piece of bedroom furniture with tons of drawer space? The only real downside is the depth. The standard dresser depth is around 18-24 inches, which typically isn't enough for parents to confidently manage a moving baby. Take the IKEA MALM dresser. At 40 inches high, it's a near-perfect size to stand at, and the modern, four-drawer design offers an attractive, spacious storage area. But at just under 19 inches deep, it's also at the lower end of the dresser depth spectrum. To make it complete with a changing table top, you'll need a few pieces of wood for a DIY upgrade.

While there are many ways to expand the changing surface with a folding table, YouTuber Unlucky Luke supplies one of the more practical and aesthetically pleasing designs most DIYers can manage. A few 1x8 boards expand the usable surface while making extra shelving to hold supplies. Add a matching stain, and the finished product can make a perfect addition when you're designing your baby's nursery. If you have a few essential tools, there's no reason you can't knock out this IKEA hack in an afternoon.

The basic build for this table uses 1x8 boards to form the folding surface and 1x4s for the hinges and side walls. Combining two 1x8s creates a 16-inch surface front to back. When pushed flush against the back of the MALM dresser, you're left with a little under 3 inches of space on the front of the dresser to support the folding platform when the changing table is open. For this section that folds down, you'll combine two 1x6 boards, making a surface slightly shorter than the one laying flat on the dresser.

To form your boards, you'll need a table saw, a Kreg jig for pocket holes, wood glue, and a palm sander for smoothing the surface. If you don't have a table saw, you can also rip boards with a circular saw. Finally, you'll use a disc sander to form the rounded hinge ends. Again, you can take another route by using a scroll saw, jigsaw, or even a manual saw (e.g.,bow saw) to cut out the semi-circle shape. You can then clean it up by hand-sanding it smooth. Beyond that, you'll only need some screws, nuts, and bolts for the hinges, and a finishing paint or stain.

Unlucky Luke assembled this changing table by cutting 1x8 boards to the MALM's width and connecting them with pocket screws. The creator makes another board of equal width but slightly shallower (~12 inches deep) to attach to the hinge, completing the changing surface when open. A few 1x4 boards form the sides, connected with glue and pocket screws. You'll have to round the hinge board ends and the top corners of the side walls before attaching them to the base so the platform won't stick when opening or closing. You can then pre-drill holes and install a bolt for the hinges.

Following this design provides a functional, flexible changing surface that beats many alternatives. Products like the Puckdaddy Peer changing top offer simple solutions that fit perfectly over the MALM, but they aren't as convenient or versatile. If you want to maximize space, keep drawers accessible, and have flexibility for setups like a closet diaper-changing station, this folding design is more practical. Plus, you can simplify steps if they're too complicated. For instance, you could drill pilot holes and screws into the board edges rather than use pocket screws. You can also try folding table hinges, like these Marine Part Depot Store hinges to connect the top and bottom pieces instead of making wood hinges. Going this route, you can complete the build with only 90-degree cuts, removing the need for rounded boards. The look may not be as attractive, but you'll still get the sturdy operation you need to make frequent diaper changes an easy chore.