Diaper changes are a common occurrence for new parents and even though it is a dirty job, someone has to do it. The good news is if you have a secure changing table with supplies nearby; cleanup will be quick and very easy.
A Changing Table—Do You Need One?
It is not compulsory to have a changing table. When your child is still in diapers, it does, however, make life more manageable.
When changing your baby’s diaper, a specified, secure area is a great idea and in that case, a changing table is ideal. You will appreciate having a convenient place to change your baby’s diaper. You can even choose to repurpose a dresser by adding a changing pad on top.
Having wipes, diapers, and diaper rash ointment all arranged in one location makes it simple and convenient to change a baby’s diaper. For simple disposal of used diapers, keep a diaper pail nearby.
Categories Of Changing Tables
Changing tables come in one of two groups as described here:
- Independent Changing Table – This is a stand-alone table, or large wooden structure that has a changing pad on the top of it and whose design is made for it to remain stationary.
- Changing Table Dresser – These are dressers with top-mounted changing tables. Sometimes it is only a top that can be attached to a dresser, while other times it i a dresser built with a changing table top that can be removed.
Baby Changing Table Considerations
The first thing is to make sure your table is as safe as possible for your child. Thereafter, when assessing the quality of the baby changing table, bear the following in mind:
Material: Choose a changing table that gives you the best features. Consider picking one that has a waterproof surface. A surface that is also hard and smooth is favorable.
Such a changing table surface is easy to clean. Without a doubt, you need a surface that is not an uphill task to clean.
Quantity of Guardrails: The safest changing stations will have safety barriers on all four sides. The best baby changing table barriers are at least 2 inches high. Your infant will find it tougher to roll off.
Stability Of The Construction: First, ascertain if attachment-based alternatives can fit your current furniture tightly by checking if they are compatible. Also, shake and exert a lot of pressure on every table in the shop to check for stability.
Being Equipped With A Safety Strap: Ensure you understand how to use the safety strap that all professional diaper tables should include. A table without a safety strap is not one you ought to purchase.
Features Of The Best Baby Changing Table
Making a designated space for diaper changes is essential. It streamlines one particularly complex facet of first-time parenthood: diapering. The diaper changes however become less frequent but harder as your child becomes a toddler.
You will therefore require one of the best-changing tables to benefit your mental health and safety.
Some of the features that contribute to the best baby-changing table are as below:
- Safety: You can prevent your baby from falling off the changing table by having it against the wall. The anchors and tethers that help brace changing tables are also available in different models.
- Storage: Baby’s business needs swift attention and it helps to have diaper cream, disposable wipes, and diapers at hand when changing the baby. The most excellent option is a table that lets you store the items out of the baby’s reach but close enough for you to reach for them.
- Straps: Do not rely on changing table straps or grow too accustomed to them because you should never leave a baby unsupervised, not even to get a toy or some pajamas from the same room. Keep a hand on your child at all times, even though the straps are a great feature on your table, just don’t over-rely on them.
- Healthy Paint: Are you making use of a used changing table? Confirm that the paint finish is both secure and non-toxic. Lead paint can get concealed even on recently painted antiques and can be exceedingly harmful to the baby.
- Baby’s Size: A big, chunky baby is more difficult to diaper than you imagine. It is safer to change the baby on a pad or towel on the floor after the child weighs 30 pounds, usually around the age of one. But don’t worry; you will be an expert by that time.
- Sturdiness: You don’t want to attempt dressing your infant on a shaking table.
- Ideal Height: No parent wants to change their child’s diaper at an awkward angle or while bending over. Make sure the height of the table is such that you can change the baby comfortably.
Alternative To Changing Tables
You will require some sort of setup to change your baby even if you choose to do without a changing table. The alternatives listed below might help you save money if you decide to forego buying one.
Towel: Changing your baby on a towel or blanket is a great alternative if you do not have a changing table. You will not only save money, but you will have one fewer item to store if you use something you already possess.
Using a towel gives the baby some padding and covering in case of a mess. The best thing is that, unlike a changing pad they can be machine washed.
Changing Pad: A changing pad has extra padding, side walls, and a buckle to help hold a baby in place. It is however less portable than a changing mat. Buying the pad on its own is the closest alternative to buying a table as you would already be buying one to place on your changing table but is far less expensive.
Most changing pads include straps for securing them to the raised surface and the flexibility of changing pads is an advantage as they are simple to move across different rooms.
Changing Mat: Diaper changes can also be done on portable, waterproof changing mats. They are excellent if you have limited space because they are thin and fold up quite compact for simple storage.
Changing mats can fold smaller than a regular towel and are even machine washable. Once folded up, they fit easily in the baby’s dresser until needed.