Changing Tables

jmLink · October 2011

What's your opinion on changing tables? Do you think they're useful and safe? I have one I'm thinking of registering for, but my husband is against them. He thinks the baby could fall off and doesn't know what we'd do with it after the baby doesn't need it. He thinks we should just change the baby on the floor/bed. I'm thinking it would be ok if I just keep my hand on the baby and use the strap. I'm worried my back would start hurting if I'm always changing him on the floor. I also think it would be great for storage of diaper supplies and stuff, and when he no longer needs it we could always pack it up and store it for next baby or sell it. This is our first child so we really have no idea what's necessary and if changing tables are dangerous. Are you getting one?

kms34 · October 2011

I'm probably in the minority but I couldn't live without mine. We still use it and DS is 26 months. There was no way I was getting on the floor to change a diaper every single time....10-12 times a day? NO way. I also didn't want to have to take him into our room or the guest room just to change him on his bed. For us it was (is) easier to have his changing table next to the crib. Quick change, back to bed (until he STTN obviously).

DS prefers to be changed and get dressed on the floor now but I still use it first thing in the morning and it stores all his diapers, wipes, towels, sheets, etc.

When he was little I just kept a hand on him. I made sure to grab all his clothes, etc before changing him (diapers and accessories were right there anyway). If I forgot something I just picked him up and took him with me to get whatever I needed.

So, my vote is FOR the changing table (or some sort of dedicated changing surface).

Snowypumpkinqueen · October 2011

We are against changing tables. We will use the bed!

meenda7 · October 2011

We got one on Craigslist. ?I can't imagine bending over or kneeling down on the floor that many times a day, especially right after labor. ?Personally, I wouldn't want to change the baby constantly on the bed because, well, that's my bed, even if there is a pad under the baby. ?The baby will only fall off if he/she is not being attended to. ?As long as you or DH is with him/her, I would think everything is fine. ?But that is just MHO. ?

JayNina · October 2011

We are using a long dresser as our chnging table. I had some friends that used theirs as Toy storage when they no longer needed it as a changing table.

cabee310 · October 2011

I used my changing table for DS ALL THE TIME. We got another one for LO this time, I can't imagine living without it. It's so much easier than on the floor, couch or bed. Just my opinion...

ChristinaL27 · October 2011

We bought a long dresser and will be putting the baby up there for changings. We will have everything right next to us for changings so we won't have to walk away from our baby. (Which I'd never do anyways)

tjg5275 · October 2011

I say buy one if its really CHEAP or buy and used one from a thrift store and paint it a cute color and buy the changing pad.

I guess whatever you like and what is in your budget--

I did buy one that was on sale at JC PENNY bc it was only 100

it was so easy to put together and looks GREAT!

tjg5275 · October 2011

https://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?GrpTyp=PRD&ItemID=16ad508&DeptID=70676&CatID=77448&SO=1&SelDim=5~+18~&x5view=1&NOffset=0&Ne=5+18+904+949+833&N=4294940794+28+4294966550&Nao=0&PSO=1&bcCat=3&CmCatId=70676|77448

This was it- in White

Then I got the baskets for it from Target

jmccall79 · October 2011

I'm thinking yes to the changing table. My little sister used one, and still does for my nephew who is 2! She has 2 dogs and it was her way of 1) keeping the dogs at bay when he was little 2) keeping everything in one place, neat and orderly 3) was just easier for her. I think it does differ for everyone. As for safety, no, you're not going to want to put the baby on the table and walk away for anything, because even at newborn some babies roll (my nephew did, the day they brought him home). But, with everything being right there, there really wouldn't be a reason to walk away anyway. I say if you think you'll use it, buy it. Once you no longer need it for changing purposes, depending on how it's made, you can use it for just shelving books or toys.

MollySm · October 2011

I like them, so we're going to get one. I just think it's easier to have everything in the same place, and to not have to always bend down to change them. As PPs said, as long as you don't just leave your baby up there, it's completely safe. They can roll off a bed too.

That being said, I don't think it's a necessity. I just know I'll use it a lot. And that we are planning on more kids, so we'll use it with the next ones too.

HattieLove · October 2011

As far as what you can do with it afterwards goes, we got a changing table that is also a dresser, so it can just continue to be a dresser throughout childhood.

jf198400 · October 2011

I like my changing table. I know a lot of people use dressers instead, but they are too high for me (I'm 5'2"). I also think it would be uncomfortable doing it on the floor or bed. I have never used the strap on the changing pad, just keep a hand on DD at all times. It is perfectly safe as long as you are watching your child. Our changing table has 2 open shelves and I store diapers, wipes, burp clothes, etc. there. It only cost about $120 at Target, certainly worth it in my opinion. We plan to have more children so I know we'll get plenty of use out of it.

jmLink · October 2011

Thanks everyone for your replies. Lots of great advice. I'm going to go ahead and register for one. My husband even says I can order it today but we're low on cash so I think I'll wait awhile.

Daisy07gray · October 2011

We'll use the one from my MIL for now and plan on looking for a long dresser from craigslist/ a thrift store so that we use it for storage/ it can grown with our LO. I wouldn't mind changing baby on a pad on the bed/ couch but am sure I'll get used to standing plus I like cubbies/ drawers better than the open style we are borrowing.

nakianichole · October 2011

Would the dresser you have in LO's room accommodate one of those changing pads?

I think the risk factor is directly affected by the action of the parent - if you aren't turning or walking away from the baby while he/she is laying on the table, I'm assuming you probably won't have the type of accidents that involve the baby rolling off.

We chose to not get one (not because of safety reasons), but because it seems like an unnecessary expense. Although, I have friends who loved theirs and said they couldn't live without it.

RNmommyof2 · October 2011

We always changed Samantha on a towel on the couch, bed or floor. I even did daycare at home for 4 years and never missed having a changing table. We won't be getting one for this baby either.

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