Taking care of a baby is a challenge in itself but buying the right products to care for your baby can be as challenging. There are a lot of questions about the importance of having a changing table for your baby and we are to clear your doubts. If you are planning to buy a changing table for your bay, then you need to know exactly what you’re looking for.
Do You Need Changing Table?
A changing table can be a valuable addition to your nursery. Changing tables can be quite useful with multiple features like extra shelves, storage space, baby baths, drawers, and more. However, they are not a necessary item for your baby, especially if you don’t have ample space for a changing table.
Different Kinds Of Changing Tables
Whether it is your first time buying a changing table or not, it can still be confusing to choose between the different types of changing tables. You can select a table according to your needs, the space and the location for the changing table.
Change Station
Along with being a designated space for changing your baby’s nappies and clothes, a change station is actually a chest of drawers that has a changing surface at the top. A change station is often a chest of drawers that is converted into a changing table when a changing surface is attached to it.
Change Mat
One of the primary parts of a changing table is the change mat or pad. This has raised sides to prevent the baby from rolling off. Moreover, these can easily be used on just about any flat surface. In fact, changing mats or pads can be carried with you anywhere you go.
Changing Table With Shelves
An open shelf with a changing mat attached to the top is what this is. The open shelves offer storage for any and everything you need to change your baby’s nappies and more. Furthermore, you might just get extra storage shelves if you have more than two shelves which is always a good thing.
Portable/Foldable Changing Tables
The name says it all. These foldable changing tables are meant for parents who have to travel with their little ones or for people who don’t have enough space in their homes for a changing table. The changing surface is usually made of a soft fabric and the frame is made of sturdy metal.
What To Look For In a Changing Table?
If you’re confused about what type of changing table you need to purchase, you can look at the different aspects of a changing table you need to make your decision. Safety is a priority and should be standard for all changing tables. The durability, storage and ease of assembly are all factors one should consider before buying a changing table.
Safety First
Before anything else, you need to make sure that the table you buy is safe. The official website for product safety mentions that changing tables have some “form of roll-off protection such as a child safety harness or raised edges and barriers (100mm is a rough guide).” Along with that, they also state that there should be no spaces near or on the changing surface and that all “locking devices on a folding change table are strong so that the table cannot accidentally collapse.”
It is extremely crucial that you keep these points in mind when purchasing a changing table.
Select Your Type
We have already mentioned the different kinds of changing tables that you can choose from. However, in order to choose the right one you should take certain points into consideration.
- Easy access is very important when you’re dealing with a wriggly baby. To make sure that the nappies, wipes and lotion are within your reach a drawer or shelf can be handy. If you opt for drawers, it is important to ensure that they are out of the baby’s reach. On the other hand, open shelves are pretty easy to access as well.
- Extra storage is also important. If you are opting for open shelves or drawers, you need to keep in mind that there is enough storage space for a lot of nappies. Babies go through a lot of nappies and you can’t keep them locked away in a separate cupboard in the house. They need to be available to you the moment you need one. So, a few extra shelves or drawers are always a good idea when considering the type of changing table you are buying.
Placement Is Crucial
Determining the right size and type of changing table you buy will depend on where you will be placing it in the house. If you have a nursery then you already have space specifically for the changing table. However, if you don’t have a nursery then you need to figure out the location of the changing table and whether you should be getting a table, station or changing mat.
Bathrooms are considered perfect for changing tables. If you have the space then a whole changing table or station can be placed in the bathroom. For other areas in the house, you can opt for a portable/foldable changing table.
Ease Of Assembly
Whether you are planning to buy a changing table before the baby is born or after, you need time and energy to put it all together. Things can get complicated when you have to assemble a changing table that has hundreds of small parts strewn out on the floor. So, look for something that is easy to assemble and comes with clear instructions. Changing stations will take more time to assemble which is why we suggest going for a simple design.
A changing table with shelves is usually quite easy to assemble. The assembly for some changing tables might take a lot of time but firstly, you’ll only be doing this once and secondly, assembling it correctly will ensure the baby’s safety. The assembly process will give you the assurance that the changing surface fits perfectly in the frame and nothing will give way while you’re changing your baby’s nappy.
Easy Change = Less Stress For You
At the end of the day, after considering all the factors mentioned above it is your decision to choose a changing table that is perfect for you, your home and your baby. We just want your baby to be happy and safe at all times. So, take a good look at what you like and make your purchase.
Happy Nappy Changing!!
