Are changing tables necessary?

sammy212121 · October 2014

What are your thoughts on changing tables? And if you're going to get one is it better to get the changer + crib combo? (26w and in the process of prepping the nursery)

harmonicbabe26 · October 2014

I don't think you need an actual changing table to use as a changer, but having something elevated is def a good idea. Both with our first and this baby we went with a dresser (for added storage) and put the pad on top. I have seen a lot of people here say 'oh just change them on the floor'. To me personally that's not so practical. I'm 5'9, hubby is 6'4 and honestly I can't imagine having to squat down or sit on the floor every time to change. That would be a real pain. Literally. Plus both mine will end up being csections and sitting down on the floor after that was not so easy or pleasant, so I can't imagine having to do it so many times every day. Even now MH prefers to plop my almost 3yo on the changer to get her dressed so he doesn't have to stoop down.

harmonicbabe26 · October 2014

Oh and about combos - this is a personal preferrence I think. To me personally they seem too big and bulky. Also not sure how that converts, and we wanted a convertible crib. But I'm sure they work for some people

AllTheTeaInChina · October 2014

We also went with a changing pad on top of a dresser. An actual changing table seems like an unnecessary extra piece of furniture. Personally I think the crib/changer combos are ugly and awkward looking.

abbyful · October 2014

We didn't have a changing table or pad for DS and are skipping it again this time. We just throw down a towel or receiving blanket and change baby whereever: floor, pack n play, couch, bed.

jess9802 · October 2014

We have a combo crib and changer and 99% of DS's diaper changes at home have been on the changing table. I hate changing him on the floor - too easy for a squirmy, active kid to get up and roll, crawl, or walk away, and it's murder on my knees and back, let alone for my 63-year-old mother (who watches him during the day). Our crib is a convertible, and in fact we took the front rail off last week to turn it into a toddler bed. We didn't have room for a separate dresser or changing table but needed a dedicated changing station of some sort with some storage. It's worked great for us.

dojo1 · October 2014

I got a stand alone changer for free from a work friend. I'm so glad I had it. I liked the extra storage and I have a hutch on DS's dresser - a change pad on top of that would not have been a good scene. I likely wouldn't have bought it on my own though as you can make other things work.

I didn't like the idea of crib/changer combos because I thought it amounted to extra climbing footholds and would make things easier for DS to escape. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just didn't sit well with me.

If you have the room and the budget, I would do it.

chicagobride_07 · October 2014

I could not live without something elevated. We use a changing table, but a pad on top of a dresser would also work. We use this daily and my DD is 17 months. I know a lot of people go without them, though.

dogperson11 · October 2014

Got this from Ikea. Perfect height and it's got a ton of uses.

dolanjj · October 2014

Changing pad on top of a dresser for us, too. We really prefer to having him elevated for changing and getting dressed. We use it multiple times a day still at 18 months. I would have hated having to get in the floor to change him all the time!

chinahyna · October 2014

@dogperson11‌ thanks for sharing that pic! I have the same ikea shelving unit. Currently used as part of our desk in the office, which will turn into a nursery next year. May just need to buy a changing pad. Whew! Love it!

tbarker14 · October 2014

We use a dresser with a change pad on it. I'm 5'9 and my DH is 6'2 so we needed something higher than the bed and or the floor to change our DD.
With the amount of changing we have done in the past month, I'm so glad we have the pad on the dresser! Our backs appreciate it!
We also went that route since our DD's room is small and I couldn't justify spending extra money on a change table.

sammy212121 · October 2014

This is all very helpful! I think we're probably going to go with a changing pad on top of the dresser... seems more practical for our space. Thanks again for the feedback :-)

JelloBean1 · October 2014

We use a changing pad on top of an IKEA dresser in her bedroom. For downstairs we use the changing table thing that is connected to the Graco pack n play. It's super handy.

missamERICA · October 2014

i say yes! b/c it really is convenient to have a consistent area to change the baby & store the diapers, wipes, etc.... but really that's all you need - an area.. so it's your call.

thursday · October 2014

I did not use a changing station and will not get one this time. I just need a good Diaper Caddy and will change baby on my bed

Are changing tables necessary?

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