Get Organized With A Baby Changing Table

A baby changing table is an essential piece of nursery equipment, yet it's often overlooked when planning for the baby's arrival. Many parents-to-be think it's not necessary as baby can be changed on a mat on the floor. Trust me, that's the hard way to do it.

Changing a diaper on the floor is really hard on your back, plus you have to get all the changing bit and pieces like wipes and cream and nappy sacks first, and then lay them on the floor until you're done. Then you have to try and stand up with the baby in your arms, and you're left with all the stuff on the floor to clear away. Newborn babies need changed a lot, so you could be spending quite a bit of time on the floor each day.

If you have a baby changing table, however, you simply place the baby on top of the unit, reach down to where all the necessary diaper-changing items are stored in it, and the job is made so much easier for you.

There are two main designs for baby changing tables. The first and simplest design is an open, three-tiered unit which holds a changing mat on top, with the remaining shelves used for storage. The other design is where the baby changing table looks like a piece of traditional furniture, and can include drawers, internal shelving, a cupboard or any combination of these. Although the initial cost may be higher than a tiered baby changing table, it can be used later as a clothes, bedding or toy storage unit and should last for years (mine did). Both designs are usually made of wood, and come in a choice of finishes to match your nursery.

You do have to be safety conscious when using a baby changing table, but this holds true for any baby equipment.  Many tables and changing mats come with a safety harness attached, but the best way to ensure safety is not to leave your baby unattended on the unit. You will have all the things you need to hand anyway, within easy reach.