XP: If anyone is considering a crib with an attached changer

moosebaby2011

Something to consider about cribs with an attached changer: when toddlers get into the climbing stage it is far, far easier for them to climb up onto the changing table than it is for them to climb directly out of the crib.

My DS proved that this weekend when he didn't feel like napping. He climbed onto the changer, and then promptly fell off with a very loud crash. He's absolutely fine, but the experience scared the crap out of me.

(I haven't posted on this board before, but someone on my BMB suggested I post this here)

moosebaby2011

@SandAndsSea: There are definite advantages to the combo, but I feel like the climbing issue is something for people to consider.

We weren't 100% sure that DS climbed onto the changer until everyone had calmed down and we put him back in the crib to see what he would do. He grabbed onto the far edge of the changer and used that to pull himself up much in the way that he climbs up onto chairs. He's only really been climbing up on furniture for the last few weeks and it's making my heart skip a few beats, that's for sure.

To solve the issue we're transitioning to a toddler bed. I'm not sure that's he's ready, but as it has become a safety issue I don't think we really have a choice.

jess9802

We have a combination crib/changing table, and I considered the climbing issue when buying the crib, but at the time we did not have space for another piece of furniture to use as a changing station. DS is now entering the climbing stage, but he has shown no interest (yet) in climbing out of the crib. He's so short that I think it will be a while before he could even get his leg up to the top rail. I've joked that I'm going to start greasing the sides of the crib if he attempts to climb out. He does, however, like to pull the changing pad into the crib with him.

Glad your little guy is okay!

LittleFish1

thank you for sharing that; my Dad tried to convince me that it would be a great space saver for LOs small room. Went with seperate pieces fortunatly.

staceynh

I was actually considering buying one this weekend. I like the idea of it being a night stand later and the room is kind of small. So all in all would you recommend this item?

moosebaby2011

@staceynh: I don't really recommend the combo. It does have some advantages. The changer turning into a nightstand is one advantage, plus I really liked that the changer is oriented so you can stand at the baby's feet rather than next to the baby for diaper changes. However, I'm finding that for my situation the negatives are outweighing the positives. Mine is a Davinci Kalani, so some of these things might not apply to the crib you are considering.

For example:

The crib fit perfectly in my son's room initially, but then we moved to a different house and we found that we were very limited in where we could place the crib without blocking access to the storage shelves on the side of the changer (The changer I have has 3 shallow drawers in the front, but behind them is shelving you can only access from the side). If you could switch the changer to the other side of the crib it would be much better.

As soon as my son was able to pull himself up to stand he could also pull everything off of the top of the changer and also out of the top drawer of the changer, so I could no longer store anything in there that I didn't want him to access i.e. wipes, diaper cream, etc.

I have the espresso finish, and I found that both the crib and changer scratched very easily.

Then, of course, my son learned how to climb on top of the changing table and I'm now worried about the safety of the whole thing.

It really depends on your situation and the exact model you have chosen.

staceynh

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at the storkcraft portofino crib and changer. I really like it, but the climbing out is an issue for me. I definitely want a crib in espresso but all the ones I like got a bad review on the dresser. Plus we have a closet organizer so not sure we need a dresser.
https://m.target.com/p/stork-craft-portofino-crib-and-changer-combo/-/A-13521648

amandaleigh1

I have the Oeuf changer that is actually over/on the crib. I think DS would have to be able to do a pull up or grow very long legs before he is capable of using it to climb out. But I will keep an eye on it. I love my changer so am really reluctant to remove it.

DS also sleeps in a sleep sack most of the time, which I think makes it harder to climb.

https://www.oeufnyc.com/oeufchangingstation.aspx#section=overview

signlanguage2005

I have been baby sitting for several years and have been in situations of both kinds and now looking for myself. I not recommending the combo. Simply because they change into bedside tables but my aunt had one and her kids don't even like that bed anymore now all the have is the frame. I recently remodeled our bedroom and I have my old furniture that I had since 1998 and the dresser is in great condition that I am just going to use that as a changing table and use it as a dresser for the this little one. I highly recommend you finding what you have if you have remodel you home if you can repair some old furniture to make a changing table or anything like that.

moosebaby2011

Laurendag said:

I know I'm a little late to the party but is the mattress all the way down? My friends son was climbing out of his crib and falling out. When I went into the nursery I immediately saw that they still had the mattress in the highest position. Since moving it down to the lowest they haven't had any problems.

@Laurendag: We've been adjusting the mattress down as DS grows, so in my case that was not the problem.