Dresser/ Changing Table - DH thinks its unsafe

Nikjones08

Yesterday our nursery furniture was delivered. It was just as beautiful as it was at BRU. Soooooo excited. So, I grabbed the changing pad and put it on the dresser. DH said that he thought it was unsafe and that we should probably get a changing table. Ok, so I thought he would be ALL for us using the dresser for 2 purposes because I have the most fiscally responsible husband ever. He asked, "what happens if she rolls off, the pad just doesn't look secure, etc." I can strap the pad to the dresser with velcro, the pad also has an adjustable strap - so I'm like, "what is the big deal?"

So, a changing table does not come with the collection that we chose AND I don't want another piece of furniture in the room. So, my question is are you all getting a separate changing table? For those STMs, are there any safety issues with using the dresser as a changing table?

NoeliaV

Not getting a separate changing table. We'll just use a pad on top of the dresser while she's little. 

I know from experience that after she gets a bit bigger, it'll be a change-her-where-you-can sort of thing. ;-)

I don't know of any safety issues, unless you leave her unattended and/or the pad isn't secured to the dresser, but that would be the same with a changing table.

SingleMom31

We're just getting a dresser too. Personally, I look at a changing table and see a changing pad on top of a table (vs. a dresser) -- same thing to me. Besides, I can't see you leaving LO on top of either unattended where he/she could roll off.

FirefightersBride

Getting a separate changing table is a waste to me. We have a dresser and threw a changing pad on top...DH actually screwed the straps on the back of the pad to the back of the dresser. The pad doesn't move and we can still use the adjustable strap to secure LO.

wesandlauramcdonald

SingleMom31:

We're just getting a dresser too. Personally, I look at a changing table and see a changing pad on top of a table (vs. a dresser) -- same thing to me. Besides, I can't see you leaving LO on top of either unattended where he/she could roll off.

 

This

Nikjones08

I totally agree. I think a separate changing table doesn't make any sense for us. Just wanted to put the question out there to see if there were any "cons" against using a dresser with the pad on top.

nanabanana06

Dude, your hand won't be leaving the baby when changing, thus not having the opportunity to roll off. We used a dresser as a changer for DD (still do actually). It's perfectly safe if you secure it. Most pads come with a little screw thing to screw the pad to the back of the dresser/ changer.

SummerOH

FirefightersBride:

Getting a separate changing table is a waste to me. We have a dresser and threw a changing pad on top...DH actually screwed the straps on the back of the pad to the back of the dresser. The pad doesn't move and we can still use the adjustable strap to secure LO.

This.  The pad doesn't move when you secure it properly.  And it's not like you walk off and leave your baby on the pad, anyway.  I just couldn't see buying something that would have limited use and take up needed space.  Like a PP said, you pretty quickly get to the point where you change LO wherever.

mama2many

We had extra straps on the back of the contour pad that we screwed to the back of the dresser.

lmb5109

We got  3 drawer dresser that has rails on top for the changing table. It also has straps to secure DD.

hminer4

the changing pad that we bought had straps that need to be screwed to the back of the dresser/changing table. plus it had a strap to keep baby in.

Meli B

Congrats on receiving your furniture. I also ordered the crib and dresser from BRU. I will also use the dresser as a changing table. The way I see it is that i would not leave the little one unattended even if it were an actual changing table so I don't see the need in purchasing an additional piece of furniture. Just explain to DH that either way the child can't be unattended and the dresser will be just fine with the changing pad.

minervacullen

Major waste of money and space. Use the dresser, it's just as safe as the table. Like pps keep saying, you can secure them. I only used the pad on the dresser for maybe 2 months then would just change him wherever.

kerribear1717

We will continue to use this one. I liked it because of the lip in the back.  We put the changing pad on top and have enough room to keep the wipes on top as well.  Diapers go on the side part and clothes in the drawers.  It has never felt unsafe.  You will keep your hand on that baby believe me.  Pic of our changing pad too.

 

 

orinjuse

Agree with all PP. I felt that a changing table would be a waste of space afterwards.

BeccaLandes

we did not get a separate changing table. like other people have said- when they are first born, they can't go anywhere. then they get bigger and more mobile, and you just do what you can to get a diaper changed, period. i did a lot of diaper changes on the floor.

SingleMom31

Question... How does the changing pad secure to the dresser? I'm debating on what dresser to get, and won't get an expensive one if we have to drill a hole in the top to secure it.

nanabanana06

SingleMom31:

Question... How does the changing pad secure to the dresser? I'm debating on what dresser to get, and won't get an expensive one if we have to drill a hole in the top to secure it.

Most changing pads have little tabs on one side and come with screws to screw into the back of the dresser or table top. I just used sticky velcro though. Goo off will get rid of it later.

jsoubel

I think you can get rail-like or like a tray-type attachment for the top of the dresser so the pad can't fall off the edge.  Like this one from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Bloom-Universal-Change-Coconut-White/dp/B0033CZ214/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1347543352&sr=8-28&keywords=dresser+changing+table+top 

StefandTodd

We use a changing pad on top of a dresser, and have never secured it to the dresser.  My LO is 12 1/2 months, 26 lb, and has never come close to rolling/falling/jumping/etc off.  I feel totally safe with it and we'll use the same changing area for #2 (well, both at the same time since I"ll have 2u2 and they'll share a room and share the dresser, etc ).  And we use it for just about every change too b/c we cloth diaper so there is no keeping a bunch of diapers and/or a place to throw the dirties all throughout the house...all changing happens at the (unsecured) pad. 

A separate changing table is a waste, IMO (unless you decide to get it purely for additional storage, etc which I admit would be nice sometimes given all the "gear" we have for CDing).

choppinbroccoli22

My H and I use a low (hip level) dresser that we inherited with a contoured changing pad on top of it. I also placed anti-skid matting under the pad even though it's supposed to be non-skid. We never screwed the strap into the wall, and we don't use the "security" belt. We feel that those things might put our daughter at risk if someone else changes her and actually expects a strap to hold a very active child from falling to the ground and injuring herself (or even give US a false sense of security). We never take our hands and eyes off her. This is the system that we feel most secure with for that reason.