Furniture confusion question

BMaidPlanner

I was going to go with a combo crib/changing table but it's not working out. Now I am looking at options for a separate piece from my crib and I see folks have used changing tables, dressers with changer trays built-in, and regular dressers with a changing pad placed on top.

My silly question is about that last option. How does the pad stay put on the regular dresser/how do you secure it? Or, is that not even important to secure it and if it moves around it's NBD and doesn't bother you or pose any safety issue?

Thank you for your help in advance. Also, if you have any specific furniture or nursery questions feel free to drop them into this thread. 

k318

I used the changing pad on top of the dresser. I used a terry cloth cover on the pad and it kept in place well enough. The dresser top and the pad were around the same size and I only used this set up when the baby was small and not very mobile. Now that he is all over the place I either change him on the floor if we are in his room upstairs or on the changing table downstairs.

Kristalyn85

Wasn't really worried about it...until I read this...

MrsCase1

I think the crib with the built in table is useless because then you are forced to change their furniture when they're out of the crib. I have a dresser that has straps bolted on that come off to turn it into a regular dresser. This time around I am just going to buy a regular dresser and put a changing pad on top. The straps are not to be trusted, anyway, as kids can still fall so it doesn't matter to me if there are any straps, etc.

Read247

BMaidPlanner said:

I was going to go with a combo crib/changing table but it's not working out. Now I am looking at options for a separate piece from my crib and I see folks have used changing tables, dressers with changer trays built-in, and regular dressers with a changing pad placed on top.

My silly question is about that last option. How does the pad stay put on the regular dresser/how do you secure it? Or, is that not even important to secure it and if it moves around it's NBD and doesn't bother you or pose any safety issue?

Thank you for your help in advance. Also, if you have any specific furniture or nursery questions feel free to drop them into this thread. 

If you're worried about it slipping you an always line the top with a non slip shelf liner. It's kind of a rubbery texture and the blanket or towel will grip it and not slip. They sell them at target and Walmart.

I set up my pack and play and used the built in changing table. It holds up to 25 lbs so I used it almost until DS's 3rd birthday. (He's a little guy.)

Ashes92813

Wow, this has been on my mind all week! Thanks for posting. I don't even know if I can find a changing table to match but if a dresser is suitable, I will use that!

liberty95

My changing pad has a safety strap that easily attached to the back of the dresser - I believe there is just one screw. No slipping whatsoever

jshrop

I repurposed an old entertainment center into a deluxe changing station/storage unit. We will use the no slip under the pad. Sometimes they have straps that you can secure (I think) but you'll have to check out each manufacturer. It isn't like you are going to lay them down and walk away (not safe!).

nunzchucks

Bad parent warning. Mine is unsecured...

tbmadeamistake

I'm with @lilnunz1, mine's unsecured.  I never leave her alone if she's laying on it, so I don't worry about it sliding around at all, and she's a super active 2 year old at this point.  As long as you're standing right there, it's not really going to go anywhere.  I bought this dresser/changer combo from Target that works really well and doesn't look like it's a changer so it will grow with the kids as they get older. 

kks4471

I plan on just putting the changing pad on top of the dresser.  I was thinking about placing a nonslip mat underneath, but @jmar2011 confirmed my fear of it scratching the nice new dresser surface.  I love the dresser we bought, it can be used with him for many years.

Katieluc106

We used the changing pad on top of the dresser. The changing pad had straps with snaps on the end so DH super glued the opposite end of the snap on the back of the dresser and we just snapped it on. We honestly only used that for like 6 months. After that she was changed where ever she was in the house. So glad we didn't purchase a separate piece of furniture.

steprozz

I'm old school I guess. I have a separate changing table

curlylocks3

We are just using a regular dresser with a changing pad on top. Not strapping it down or screwing it down, I'll be right there the whole time baby is on it.

mattanda2011

Most of them have a strap. DH secured it down before DD came and I originally thought it was ridiculous - but now that she squirms all over the place while changing her it's actually really useful. We have a few changing pads and all have come with the straps to secure it

obscurereference

mattanda2011 said:

Most of them have a strap. DH secured it down before DD came and I originally thought it was ridiculous - but now that she squirms all over the place while changing her it's actually really useful. We have a few changing pads and all have come with the straps to secure it

This exactly.

BabyCurtiss2014

I bought a changing table on over stock for $75 and I would recommend it :-) its nice bc it's mobile so I can have it either downstairs or upstairs

BMaidPlanner

Thanks all! Question thoroughly answered.

dragonfly711

I am either using the dresser or my pack n play that will have a changing table.  I would love to get the changing table to match my crib/dresser but it costs more than the crib.  I dont want to spend $200 plus on something I can use something else for.  I have been checking Craigslist ect just in case, if I find a good deal on one that will go then I will get but there are other things I would rather have.

MarciP83

I have a dresser that we've just put a changing pad on for both of my girls, and intend to do the same with this baby, too.  Our changing pad has little rubber gripper things on the bottom, too, and I never felt the need to secure it any further.  The little roll of rubber gripper stuff that @jmar2011 would be a good idea, too...just beware that depending on the finish of your furniture, you may have little dots leftover after you are finished using the changing pad.  Anything rubber-ish can do that a little bit.  We have some spots left just from the grippers on our changing pad, but it doesn't bother me.  If you buy a dresser that's meant to be used as a changing table at first, a lot of time there will be spots to secure the changing pad with straps, as well.  Good luck!

hollygb22

We have the Ikea Hemnes 8 drawer dresser in DD's nursery. I love that thing and it's perfect height for the changing pad. We took a piece of non skid carpet pad and put it under it. Most have straps you can screw into the bureau. No issues with it.