As a new parent the list of items you need to purchase before you welcome your bundle of joy can be overwhelming not to mention expensive. As we progress through the first year of a baby's life, parents often realise many essential items remain unused. Especially in a time of less is more you may find yourself wondering what exactly is necessary. One such item is the changing table.
A changing table is a standalone piece of nursery furniture with a raised platform and curved edges to change your baby on. Most changing tables have shelves or storage space for diapers and other items needed to change your baby. Many changing tables require the purchase of a separate changing mat, like the Bumbo® changing pad, which is designed to fit safely onto most standard changing tables or chests of drawers with a minimum support surface dimension (of 19 by 29 or 483mm x 737mm ). Changing tables can certainly be convenient, but is it a necessity? If you question whether you need one for your family, consider the below points.
Flexibility
Consider how often you'll change your baby in other parts of your home like the lounge or your bedroom versus ONLY in the nursery. If you opt for a portable changing mat like the Bumbo® changing pad, you'll be able to change your baby wherever you have diapers handy; provided the support surface is level, stable and structurally sound. On the other hand you may prefer to keep all your supplies for diaper changes in one place, but a chest of drawers with a changing mat is a good substitute for a changing table without the sacrifice of flexibility when you need it.
Space
Your baby's crib may be in your room, or the nursery is full of other baby essentials, but even if you have a large home, you may find space to include another piece of furniture limited. In addition, it may not be convenient to walk up the stairs or across your home for every diaper change, which is what you'll have to do if you have a single dedicated space to change your baby. The Bumbo® changing pad can be easily stored out of sight when not in use and can conveniently be used wherever it suits you
Cost
Unless you're purchasing it second hand, changing tables don't come cheap, and the money spent can be used for something else your baby requires. Many parents feel that a changing table is not worth the money because it can be used only for a short period of time and doesn't repurpose well. Using a changing mat on a chest of drawers or its own saves money as you're likely to be purchasing these items anyway. The Bumbo® changing pad can be used from 0 to 18 months, its longevity and flexibility make it a far more economical option.
It's a no-brainer that your baby needs to be comfortable when changed, but what about you. Many parents find it far more comfortable to stand and change their baby, especially if they're tall or suffer from back and neck pain In this case a changing table may be a good option for you. As an alternative, a changing mat on a chest of drawers at the right height will work just as well. The Bumbo® changing pad is designed to fit safely on most standard changing tables or chests of drawers.
Safety
Once your baby starts to roll or is strong enough to sit, there is the potential hazard of your baby falling off the changing table if not strapped in or constantly supervised. Many parents find that changing tables generally work for the first six months, but it becomes safer to change their baby on the floor or a bed thereafter. In terms of safety and longevity, a changing mat may be a better option. The Bumbo® changing pad can be used from 0 to 18 months old and has safety straps to gently secure your baby in place.
So Whats The Alternative
In short a changing table may be a "nice to have" for some but its not a necessity. A changing table offers no flexibility, has a short period of use and takes space. The most practical alternative is a changing mat like the Bumbo® changing pad. This changing mat is comfortable, can be used anywhere and is easily wiped clean if accidents happen. If you'd like to know more about what features to look for in a changing mat, we've discussed that HERE.
Alternatively a changing table that comes as a crib attachment or simply a towel or blanket on the floor or bed will suffice
As a new parent the list of items you need to purchase before you welcome your bundle of joy can be overwhelming not to mention expensive. As we progress through the first year of a baby's life, parents often realise many essential items remain unused. Especially in a time of less is more you may find yourself wondering what exactly is necessary. One such item is the changing table.
A changing table is a standalone piece of nursery furniture with a raised platform and curved edges to change your baby on. Most changing tables have shelves or storage space for diapers and other items needed to change your baby. Many changing tables require the purchase of a separate changing mat, like the Bumbo® changing pad, which is designed to fit safely onto most standard changing tables or chests of drawers with a minimum support surface dimension (of 19 by 29 or 483mm x 737mm ). Changing tables can certainly be convenient, but is it a necessity? If you question whether you need one for your family, consider the below points.
Flexibility
Consider how often you'll change your baby in other parts of your home like the lounge or your bedroom versus ONLY in the nursery. If you opt for a portable changing mat like the Bumbo® changing pad, you'll be able to change your baby wherever you have diapers handy; provided the support surface is level, stable and structurally sound. On the other hand you may prefer to keep all your supplies for diaper changes in one place, but a chest of drawers with a changing mat is a good substitute for a changing table without the sacrifice of flexibility when you need it.
Space
Your baby's crib may be in your room, or the nursery is full of other baby essentials, but even if you have a large home, you may find space to include another piece of furniture limited. In addition, it may not be convenient to walk up the stairs or across your home for every diaper change, which is what you'll have to do if you have a single dedicated space to change your baby. The Bumbo® changing pad can be easily stored out of sight when not in use and can conveniently be used wherever it suits you
Cost
Unless you're purchasing it second hand, changing tables don't come cheap, and the money spent can be used for something else your baby requires. Many parents feel that a changing table is not worth the money because it can be used only for a short period of time and doesn't repurpose well. Using a changing mat on a chest of drawers or its own saves money as you're likely to be purchasing these items anyway. The Bumbo® changing pad can be used from 0 to 18 months, its longevity and flexibility make it a far more economical option.
It's a no-brainer that your baby needs to be comfortable when changed, but what about you. Many parents find it far more comfortable to stand and change their baby, especially if they're tall or suffer from back and neck pain In this case a changing table may be a good option for you. As an alternative, a changing mat on a chest of drawers at the right height will work just as well. The Bumbo® changing pad is designed to fit safely on most standard changing tables or chests of drawers.
Safety
Once your baby starts to roll or is strong enough to sit, there is the potential hazard of your baby falling off the changing table if not strapped in or constantly supervised. Many parents find that changing tables generally work for the first six months, but it becomes safer to change their baby on the floor or a bed thereafter. In terms of safety and longevity, a changing mat may be a better option. The Bumbo® changing pad can be used from 0 to 18 months old and has safety straps to gently secure your baby in place.
So Whats The Alternative
In short a changing table may be a "nice to have" for some but its not a necessity. A changing table offers no flexibility, has a short period of use and takes space. The most practical alternative is a changing mat like the Bumbo® changing pad. This changing mat is comfortable, can be used anywhere and is easily wiped clean if accidents happen. If you'd like to know more about what features to look for in a changing mat, we've discussed that HERE.
Alternatively a changing table that comes as a crib attachment or simply a towel or blanket on the floor or bed will suffice
