Change tables can morph into bookshelves, chest of drawers or student desks. Some sit atop cots or dressers, whilst others fold out from the wall. But do you actually need one?Nappies are a constant during the first three years of your baby’s life. With a minimum of 5700 nappy changes, a dedicated area with the tools of the trade at hand is a must, be it the floor, a bench or a change table. This saves you time preparing for the change, and more importantly, means that you don’t have to leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.
Most change tables have in-built storage. Shelves, drawers or hanging pockets provide easy access to your essentials, and you can restock them at a glimpse. Some are height adjustable, so you won’t have the added strain on your back. Others form part of a set, so you can co-ordinate your baby’s furniture.
But change tables take up space. What if your baby’s room is small?
Folding change tables fold flat, so you can tuck them away when not in use, and are easy to transport. They make a great option as a second change table if you live in a multi-level home, or if your baby will be spending time with another carer. They don’t tend to be as sturdy as fixed change tables, with the flimsiest holding up to 9kg, so your baby may outgrow it within 10 months.
New to the market are wall mounted change tables. Similar in concept to shopping centre change tables (but much more stylish), these tables screw in to the wall. Like a foldaway bed, the table pulls down from the wall to change your baby, then pushes back up to sit flush against the wall. They don’t take up any valuable floor space, and your baby-turned-toddler won’t be able to climb it.
Another option is change table attachments. These sit securely atop the width of the cot (and some bassinettes). They take up much less room than a standing change table, but you need to remove it before placing your baby in the cot. These tables don’t have any in-built storage, so make sure the paraphernalia is easily accessible.But what will you do when your baby begins to roll, wriggle and writhe? Will using a change table become too stressful – or too dangerous?
Change tables with raised sides are an additional safety measure against accidents. Some have in-built harnesses; they make changing more awkward for you, but your baby is more secure. And don’t underestimate the power of distraction! The key is to keep two or three toys at hand so you can alternate between them (avoiding boredom), winning yourself enough time to finish the change.
And then the change table will be outgrown. What will you do then? Will it sit dormant, collecting dust – adding even more clutter to the garage?
Many change tables convert into other furniture, such as shelving, desks or toy storage. They tend to be more expensive, but can be good value due to their longevity.
Remember, every baby (and parent) is different, and will have their own hidden agenda. To buy… or not to buy? You be the judge!
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4 comments:
Posted by Helen Wiseman, Sydney
What an excellent article.
Of all the things that money could be wasted on, a fancy nappy change table was one of them. Luckily, we bought a change mat (around $30), and a largish any-purpose plastic see-through container with a handle from Big W ($12) that is large enough to hold the nappies, nappy bags, wipes, cream and talc.
Floor or sofa has worked well for us! (unless you have a precious sofa of course). With floor, bub cannot fall off (ours started wiggling and rolling at just 6 months old). And easy to pick up bub, mat and container in one go and find a spot where the cat is not around to get in the way of events.
Not for everyone but even the lady at the baby store conceded that this was easiest approach (and then helped us spend the money saved elsewhere.....).
A change table is pretty obligatory if you want to save your back. We only use beds and floors when nothing else is available.
We bought one from Ikea that converted to shelving when bub is out of nappies and it was very affordable and also went with all the other white furniture. Our only problem is our 16 month old is very tall, so it's hard actually getting him to fit on the table!!
We also chose the $30 option: soft foam change mat with raised sides to prevent rolling. When he was little we put it on top of a set of draws (wide draws) which kept the nappies et al but now it's on the floor. It's perfect.
Great article.
With my little boy, it was an absolute necessity - I had a caesarean, he was a wriggler and had reflux- the only way to get his nappy changed without him screaming was with the change table, change table mobile and with the mat actually raised.
My little girl however, is the exact opposite. Currently she gets changed either on the floor or our bed. Occasionally on my son's toddler bed. It doesn't hurt my back as I maintain good posture. she's happy to be changed this way too. At the moment the $200 change table is draped with my wedding dress :)
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