When shopping for your baby needs, one of the most important pieces of your nursery is the changing table. However, not all changing tables are made equally. Here are five important tips for finding the best changing table for you:

Tip #1: Pick something study.

At first, your baby will possible just roll or move a little, but as he or she gets older, you need a changing table that is study enough to support them, even when they are wiggling around. Make sure you look at the floor models and choose a table that is study. Don’t forget to check the railings, which should not move when you pull at them.

Tip #2: Look for storage.

Your changing table should include storage for all of your diaper needs. Although the storage abilities will increase with price, even if you budget is limited, you can find a changing table with great storage. It is important that your table holds diapers, baby powder, and other changing supplies so you don’t have to leave your baby unattended while you gather these items.

Tip #3: The right height is important.

You should shop for a changing table together with your spouse because it is important that the height work for both of you. You’re going to spend a lot of time changing diapers, so you want something that is tall enough so you aren’t stooping a lot, but not so tall that you have to stretch to reach your baby.

If you’re short on cash you don’t have to buy a changing station. With a pad, you can turn the top of a dresser into a changing station or you can even just change your baby’s diaper on a washable blanket on the floor. However, if you do purchase a changing table, make sure that you’re making the most of your money. You can find lots of great options at the New Parents Guide.

When you think of a traditional diaper bag, you probably envision a large, soft, pastel-colored tote. While there are certainly those types of bags on the market, if that’d not your style, it isn’t your only choice. You can also find some really fashionable diaper bags that look great and serve their purpose well.

The Sweet Pea Baby Bag is a slouch that is big enough to hold all the items you need for a short outing. However, it isn’t so big that it gets in your way. The outside, smaller pockets are great to hold keys, credit cards, pacifiers, an other small items that you need to grab quickly.

The Lexington Leaf by Reese Li is large and functional – but even better is the unique strapping system that allows you to convert this shoulder bag into a stroller bag. It is waterproof, which makes it great for any kind of weather and easy to clean. There are also tons of pockets and a matching changing pad and dirty diaper bag.

In addition to the two beautiful bags shown above, you should also think of a stylish, fun bag for dad. DiaperBags.com has a ton of great back-pack style bags that don’t look like giant, fluffy purses!

If you have been caught up in the cloth/disposable debate, then maybe you have researched cloth diapers and found out how different they are from the diapers of generations past. Gone are the scary pins that can stick helpless baby flesh, at least unless you really want to use them.

In their place is a whole world of new diapering alternatives that are meant to provide people with a supposedly healthier alternative to disposable diapers. Although the environmental benefit of cloth diapers is dubious because of the energy and water that is wasted in washing them day after day (or sending them out with a service, which also uses up gasoline), they are still the new diapers of choice for many modern parents.

Today’s featured diaper is the bum Genius pocket diaper. These diapers claim to be eco-friendly and economical, and easy to use, with tabs that stretch for a fit just like a disposable. The diapers are designed to fit a huge range of baby sizes, from 6 pounds all the way up to 35 pounds. To change your baby, just remove the insert and replace it. The inserts can be washed, as can the diapers when the need arises.

Picture via Comfy Bumy