Changing pad buckle?

Louisl

just recieved our changing pad and I see there's a buckle to strap the baby in. We're already going to bolt it to the back of the dresser so it doesn't slide around. Does anyone actually strap their kid in during a diaper change or is this just a safety feature the pads have to have but few people actually use? If the baby is never going to be on the changing pad unattended, it seems unnecessary. FTM, clearly...

J1D

I have never used the buckle because like you said I have never and would never leave a baby unattended on the changing pad.

vamomtobe

My in-laws watched our son two days a week, and I'm pretty sure they buckled him in every time!  Other than that, no.  Just a word of warning - my husband used to tuck the buckle in underneath the changing pad, and it completely scratched up the top of the dresser.  So just let it hang.

Louisl

Can I cut it off? If left hanging it's in the way of the top drawers. The other option would be closing it it in one of the drawers, but this seems annoying.

babyhansen15

I feel like I will cut it off too. I guess they have to come with the buckle but I personally don't ever see myself using it!

MommyPhoenix

We never used the buckle, I feel that it provides a false sense of security and I agree that if baby will never be left on the table unattended, there really is no use for it. I actually think it's a bit of a germ magnet especially when LO gets older and squirmy...if it's clipped on, you never know when some yuck will get onto it. In some cases, you may have to lift your LOs bum a bit higher to get at any "assplosive" poops that may have come out of the diaper and gone up the back! Last thing you want is to be dealing with that and trying to unstrap your LO at the same time to get at it! )

mommy_wife_nurse

I've found the straps help if your child is extra wiggly during changes. Definitely not to leave the child unattended.

KLHauck12

Are you talking about bolting the changing pad to the table? Is this something people do? We bought the changing table top that bolts onto the dresser but then the pad just fits inside. Ive never heard of attaching the pad. How would you remove the cover to wash it?

Louisl

KLHauck12 said:

Are you talking about bolting the changing pad to the table? Is this something people do? We bought the changing table top that bolts onto the dresser but then the pad just fits inside. Ive never heard of attaching the pad. How would you remove the cover to wash it?

If you have a topper I don't think it's necessary. Ours is just sitting on top of the dresser, nothing to hold it in place. I don't know if they all have this, but I made sure to get one that has straps on the back with little holes and comes with screws. The cover is no problem because (at least the cover I got on etsy) doesn't go all the way under the pad. The elastic just hugs the sides and goes around the edges of the bottom, kind of like how when you change fitted sheets on your mattress you don't have to lift up the mattress.

swelniak

I never have. Mine is just tucked under it. If they're going to launch themselves off the table, that lightweight pad is going with them. I never bolted ours to the back of the dresser, but I would like to this time.

Mbechara

I change my kids on the floor. Can't fall off the floor

AmyB421

I have actually used it a few times but not until recently when my toddler has decided he should roll all over with poop all over him. I decided it was easier to strap him down than clean poo from everywhere. Apparently it annoyed him enough that he's gone back to staying still.

mandala1107

I tried using the straps with DD but quickly found that was a hassle. I just tucked them inside the changing of cover along the sides so I didn't have to worry about scratching the dresser top. We don't bolt ours down or use a tray, it just sits on top. We didn't have any issues with this set up, spin don't anticipate us changing things up unless he proves to be extra wiggly.

erinboehme

I cut them off the day I bought it.