The Best Changing Tables

Baby Changing Table Buying Guide

When setting up a nursery, there is such a variety of baby products available that many parents become overwhelmed and wonder which products they really need. This buying guide will examine all the choices and factors for baby changing tables so you can select the options that will be best for you and your baby.

Options

Changing Pads

Pads are portable and can be used anywhere, including on the top of a dresser. They should be thick and concave in the center to prevent your baby from moving over the edge. Safety straps on pads keep your baby more secure, but you should always stay near your baby with your hands as free as possible. Pads can be made of fabric-covered foam or vinyl. If you choose a vinyl pad, replace it if it becomes cracked or torn. Some other features to look for in pads are a nonskid bottom, a washable pad, and pads with an easy-clean silicone surface. Washable covers for your pads are recommended.
Changing tables are specifically made for changing your baby. The top looks like a bed, and there may be places to storage some supplies on top. Changing tables will also have shelves underneath for supplies.

Dressers with removable changers are sturdier than a changing table as long as the changer fastens securely and is safe for a more active older child. They provide a dual-function piece of furniture which helps both costwise and spacewise.

Features

Safety

The American Academy for Pediatrics offers the following guidelines when choosing a baby changing table.

• Make sure that the table, dresser, crib, playpen, or playyard is sturdy and stable. If it is rickety or tips easily, do not buy it. As your child gets older, he or she will climb and pull on the dresser so making sure furniture does not tip too easily is really important.
• Place the changing table against the wall, preferably in a corner away from windows, registers, and doors.
• There should be a 2" guardrail on all four sides.
• The changing area should be concave in the center.
• A safety strap adds an extra dimension of security, but do not leave your child alone and have your hands ready for any emergencies.
• Have supplies within your quick and easy reach, but out of your baby's reach.
• Be careful that your baby can not tear off and swallow pieces of the plastic liner of the disposable diapers they are wearing or the ones among your supplies.

Dimensions

First consider the height of the changing table or dresser. It needs to be a comfortable height for you to use because you will be using it a lot. Babies are usually around 20" long when they are born, and it is extremely helpful if the table or dresser is deep enough from front to back so you can change your baby with him or her facing you rather than from the side. Also, a larger surface gives your baby more room to roll and stretch.

Storage

Look for a changing table with drawers or shelves where you can easily reach supplies without bending and without taking your eyes off of your baby. You will need room for diapers, wipes, and lotions.

Babies also need a lot of clean clothes. Using a baby dresser with a removable changing top gives you the top drawer for changing supplies and other drawers for clothes. If your baby's room does not have closet space, then you might need a dresser with a cabinet area with a bar for hanging coats and dresses. Deeper drawers will hold the bulkier clothes that your child will wear as he or she gets older.

Versatility

Sometimes babies' rooms are small. So selecting furniture that has dual uses such as a dresser with a removable changing top is better than a dresser and changing table. The top drawer of the dresser can be used for supplies. Then, as your child gets more active, there is more room for play space in the room with only one piece of furniture.

Whether you choose a changing table or something with a removable changer, such as a dresser, a crib, or a playyard, you should consider if it can have other uses when you no longer need it as a changing table. Children can use diapers for up to three years. However, that does not mean that you cannot find other uses for this item in your child's room. A changing table can be used for toys, bedding, or other items. A good dresser with a removable changing top can stay in your child's room through their teen years. So pick a piece that will not look dated or immature as your child gets older.
Construction

Buying furniture that can be used for years is a good investment. So, examine the construction carefully. Solid wood is a good choice. Check the drawers for dovetail joints. English-style dovetail joints do not reduce storage space as much as French-style dovetail joints, which are used more for curved or bowed designs. Look at the rest of the materials and construction, does it look like it will hold up to potentially rough usage from your child.

Another consideration for many parents is whether items are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Formaldehyde-free MDF (medium-density fiberboard) furniture or solid, unfinished wood furniture can be good options. To paint it or repaint other furniture, consider non-toxic latex paint, other non-toxic water-based paints, or milk paint.
Forest Stewardship Council FSC-certified wood is produced from responsibly managed forests. The American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) certification guarantees that the construction, the toxicity, the finishes, and other safety issues have been tested. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification also assures that you are buying good furniture. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, an agency of the federal government, provides certification on lead, phalanges, safety, and durability of infant and toddler products.

New or Used

The condition of used furniture should be examined carefully even for things like splinters, and, as a final recommendation, always check for recalled products at the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Recall List.

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This page about Changing Table was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-11-25 08:04:34 and has been viewed 2773 times.