Which Changing Table Is Right For You?

by: Tammy Jordan

A baby changing table is one of the most important items to include when planning your new baby's nursery. It's something you'll need almost right away, and there are quite a few things to consider.

Changing tables may have changed over the years, but they all still serve the same purpose - to provide a safe space for you to change your baby when you have to worry about them rolling away, or when you have very little light in which to see.

Of course, safety should be your primary concern when buying one, but you should also be looking for convenience. They are not all created equal in these regards.

A diaper changing table should always have a soft pad on which to change the baby. You also want something that will help prevent a child from rolling off the table. You should never take your eyes off of baby, but we all know things happen.

Some come equipped with a belt you can put around baby if you need to do so, and those are always nice - just make sure they work securely.

The pad and the belt should be made of good materials that won't irritate the skin of your baby. If you have no need for the belt, see if the model you like comes without one, or if the existing one is easy to remove.

For ease of use, the table should be just high enough for you. You don’t want to have to bend over all the time when changing your baby, this quickly leads to muscle and back pain.

You also don’t want something so high that it feels awkward when using it. You might find the perfect changing table, with every available feature - but if it's the wrong height, it won’t do you much good. You might prefer the height adjustable type.

Other issues to consider are things like extra storage space and ease of use. Most people can always use more storage in a nursery, and this is a great way to get that space - especially when you buy one of the changing dressers.

You want to have room for all of the essentials that you need when changing baby so that you're never tempted to walk away while your baby is on top of it.

Sometimes, installing a storage shelf above the table is a great idea for things like powders, wipes and lotions that you use quite often. This will keep them within easy reach while keeping them out of the hands of the baby.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider when choosing a changing table. Just shop around and be sure to get the right one for you and your family. It's something you'll be using quite a bit.

Tammy Jordan is a freelance writer and married mother of three children. She enjoys sharing tips on families and children.