Picking & Stocking the Perfect Bar Cart Changing Station
When I started planning the nursery, I knew I didn’t want a traditional changing table and once I landed on the cabana stripe idea, a bar cart immediately felt right. It was fun. It was on vibe. And it was a little unexpected.
Instead of another nursery-specific piece, I wanted something that felt like it belonged in the room aesthetically. Something that added personality, felt styled, and could live on in the space long after we’re done with diapers.
The idea of a bar cart also gave me flexibility early on. We knew we’d be keeping the bassinet in our bedroom for the first few months, and I liked the option of having a changing station on wheels if I wanted it nearby. In reality, we’ve left it in the nursery the entire time and it’s been completely fine walking back and forth, but having the option felt thoughtful at the planning stage.
The Bar Carts I Considered
I looked at four different bar carts before deciding on the one we ultimately used:
• World Market Rattan Bar Cart
• Bay Isle Home Lombok Modern Cart on Wayfair
• Ballard Designs Santiago Tan Bar Cart
• Amazon Rattan Rolling Bar Cart (the one we chose)
All four had a similar woven, natural look, but they varied in size, shelf spacing, and overall proportions.
Why I Chose the One I Did
The Amazon rattan rolling bar cart ended up being the best fit for the room and how we planned to use it. It fit the Skip Hop changing pad on the top shelf perfectly, like it was made for it.
I loved the color and texture. It tied in seamlessly with the rattan and hyacinth elements elsewhere in the nursery and felt cohesive rather than like an afterthought. It was also on the larger side compared to the others, which made the storage feel generous instead of tight.
The open shelving was another win. Everything is visible and easy to grab, and it doesn’t feel heavy in the space. The top has a railing around it, which I liked both visually and practically.
As an added bonus, it comes with a removable tray that could easily be repurposed elsewhere later on.
How We Use It Day-to-Day
This cart gets used constantly. Every single diaper change happens here, and everything we need is within arm’s reach.
Here’s how it’s organized:
Top Surface
• Skip Hop wipeable changing pad
• Small essentials pouch with:
• Joik Relaxing Lavender Bath & Body Oil
• Joik Extra Gentle Body Lotion
• Aquaphor Tub - easier to scoop with a Bum Brush
Middle + Bottom Shelves
• Lansinoh breast milk storage bags
• Nursing supplies (Lanolin, Silverettes, disposable nursing pads)
• Cotton rounds for face cleaning
• Frida Baby Electric nail file
Everything is grouped into soft handled baskets and rattan bins so it feels organized but not rigid. It’s easy to restock and easy to adjust as our needs change.
I also use the handles on the top of the cart to hang our diaper bag and nursing bag.
How It Fits the Room
The bar cart ended up being more than just functional. It’s become a focal point.
It’s usually the first thing people comment on when they walk into the nursery, and I think that’s because it immediately sets the tone. It doesn’t read as a typical baby item. It feels styled, intentional, and a little unexpected, which is exactly what I wanted for the space.
Most importantly, it works beautifully. It’s comfortable to use, easy to keep stocked, and feels like it truly belongs in the room rather than something we’ll rush to remove later.
