Baby changing tables: types and features
The changing table can be stationary or portable, collapsible or solid, and can be included in other furniture (crib, chest of drawers). Based on the distinctive appearance features and component parts, tables can be divided into the following types: classic, collapsible, transformable, children's changing table-chest of drawers, tables with shelves and changing tables for the bathroom.
Collapsible table
“You can take these baby changing tables on a trip”
The way it works is similar to an ironing board. It is a metal frame with sliding stands that are fixed at a certain height. A changing surface (usually plastic, with sides) is attached to the top. On the side, manufacturers usually attach a special section for baby accessories, and at the bottom there is one or two shelves for the most necessary children's clothing (diapers, bodysuits, socks).
Folding changing table
There is also an attachment in the form of a bath located under the changing surface.
Folding changing table with bath
This option will be a reliable assistant in a small apartment, so that the table can be moved to another convenient place. These baby changing tables can be taken on a trip. But there are also disadvantages - the small size of the changing surface, the small area of sections for baby supplies, as well as the insufficient reliability of the folding legs.
Console table
This model is attached directly to the wall. When not working, it is completely pressed against the wall. If necessary, the changing board is placed in the working position. Underneath there is usually a small shelf for the most necessary children's things.
Wall-mounted changing table
The advantage of this model is that it is very compact and does not take up extra space. But there is also a drawback: the impossibility of arranging additional shelves or sections for things.
A wall-mounted changing table will save room space
Changing board
This board resembles a tabletop. Along the edges of the board there are sides; they limit two or three sides of the board. This is the most convenient and compact element for a small space. The changing board can be placed directly across the crib (on the side walls), or on the parents' bed. The main thing is to create a solid foundation for the baby.
The changing board is placed across the bed
Changing mat
This device looks like an ordinary rug; it consists of a soft elastic mattress covered with oilcloth material on top. This mat is very convenient because it can be used on any flat and smooth surface: table, washing machine, chest of drawers.
Comfortable changing mat
Nowadays there are rugs that transform into a bag; you can take such a device with you anywhere, for example, to the hospital or to guests. For forced “hiking” conditions, this is an excellent option for mother and baby.
Changing mat-bag
Removable changing board for bathroom
This model is not particularly popular on the children's goods market, but it can be easily ordered online. It consists of a changing base with a stand and a small bath. These two items attach directly to the large bathtub. But such a changing board has disadvantages, in particular, the child outgrows the small bath in just two months.
Changing board for bathroom
Non-portable baby changing tables
If we talk about the types of stationary, non-portable changing table, you need to decide in advance on its location so that it fits freely in the room and matches the interior:
- Table with whatnot. This type of table has additional shelves that form retractable tiers. Such tables are made of wood and plastic of proper quality. Wooden tables look more beautiful, but differ significantly in price. Plastic tables resemble collapsible changing tables, but are more stable, plus the model can be equipped with wheels.
Changing table with whatnot
- Children's changing chest. This type of children's furniture looks like an ordinary chest of drawers, reduced in size, with retractable drawers for children's clothing. The base - the changing board - is attached directly to the top, always with protective sides. The model is convenient because when the baby grows up, the board can be simply removed, and the chest of drawers will become an item in the children's room and can also be used to store children's accessories. Baby changing chests are made from wood. They are very stable and reliable in use. But the prices for such models are significant, and such a chest of drawers requires a certain space - preferably a separate children's room.
Traditional baby changing chest
Rating of quality changing tables for 2021
Which is the best diaper changer to buy? The editorial rating of the Yanashla website, compiled by price segments, will help answer the question.
Budget models, priced from 1 to 5 thousand rubles
Among the inexpensive “swaddling machines” you can choose a high-quality product that will meet all safety requirements. There are regular tables and chests of drawers. In this spectrum, products sold at IKEA have become very popular.
5th place: Globex
Type: changing board. The base is solid, with a waterproof mattress on top. There are sides on three sides. With clamps for the crib.
Globex changing board
Advantages:
- Convenient to use;
- Compact;
- Safe;
- Beautiful coloring.
- Cheap.
Minuses:
- Unstable corners.
4th place: IKEA SPOULING
Dimensions: width – 60 cm, height – 90 cm, length – 70 cm. With additional pockets for hygiene products. Mobile, light, durable.
IKEA SPOULING
Advantages:
- Easy;
- Saves space;
- Cleans well.
Flaws:
- Not noticed.
3rd place: IKEA Sniglar
Compact model equipped with an additional surface for storing children's things and hygiene products.
IKEA Sniglar
Advantages:
- Easy;
- Stable;
- With shelf;
- Nice price.
Flaws:
- Small functionality.
2nd place: Sweet Baby Venerdi Avorio-Bianco Giraffe
Changing table-chest of drawers. With drawers, on wheels.
Changing table-chest Sweet Baby Venerdi Avorio-Bianco Giraffe
Advantages:
- Looks aesthetically pleasing;
- Convenient to move thanks to wheels;
- You can store things;
- Good price.
Flaws:
- Guides made of cheap materials.
1st place: Polini
Folding. Dimensions: 52x91.5x78 cm (width – height – length). Suitable for small spaces. Thanks to its compactness, it does not take up space.
folding changing table Polini
Advantages:
- Convenient to change clothes;
- Inexpensive.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The average price of models from this section is about 3 thousand rubles.
Products priced from 7 to 12 thousand rubles
The best changing pads, according to buyers, are equipped with additional devices: baths, shelves, organizers. The magnificent “seven”, according to reviews, looks like this:
7th position: Ceba Baby Laura
Main characteristics: material – wood; on wheels; with a bath; with a shelf for things. Working surface width – 54 cm, length – 75. Product height – 96 cm.
Ceba Baby Laura
Advantages:
- Safety – wheels are fixed;
- There is somewhere to put baby hygiene products;
- Multifunctional, has a bathtub.
Flaws:
- Weight – 12 kg;
- A bit expensive.
6th place: Combelle Alice
Made from beech. Compact, with a shelf for children's things. With safe sides. Dimensions: 70x50x90 cm. Withstands weight up to 11 kg. Created according to safety standards.
Combelle Alice
Advantages:
- With wheels;
- Made from solid beech;
- Takes up little space.
Flaws:
- A little expensive.
5th place: CAM Cambio
With a children's bath and a wide changing area. Equipped with a lying and sitting place. Metal carcass. With a shelf for things. Design with wheels.
CAM Cambio
Advantages:
- Safe model;
- Convenient to use;
- Beautiful design.
Flaws:
- Not cheap.
4th position: CAM Volare
Made of metal and plastic. Withstands up to 15 kg. Folding. With shelf, bath. Width – 69 cm, height – 101 cm, length – 77.5 cm.
CAM Volare
Advantages:
- Compact;
- Multifunctional;
- Wide.
Flaws:
- I would like it to be cheaper.
Bronze: Brevi Acqua
Model with a bathtub with a tube for draining water. On wheels. Easy to transport from room to room. Mattress with high sides.
Brevi Acqua
Advantages:
- Multifunctionality;
- Safety for the child;
- Easy;
- Practical.
Flaws:
- Not noticed.
"Silver": Brevi Lindo
Dimensions: width – 73, length – 61, height – 100 cm. Design with shelf. For babies up to one year old. The bath is equipped with a drain tube. The model has a folding mechanism, which adds compactness.
Brevi Lindo
Advantages:
- Convenient to use;
- Practical.
Flaws:
- Expensive.
"Gold": Chicco Cuddle & Bubble
An ideal place to change clothes for children under one year old.
Description: surface length – 85.5 cm; width – 32.5 cm; height – 103 cm; with wheels; with soft insert for babies; with organizer; There is a bathtub with functionality - you can bathe the child in a lying or sitting position; with folding mechanism.
Chicco Cuddle & Bubble
Advantages:
- Height adjustment – three levels;
- Convenient to transport;
- There is a shelf for things.
- Convenient to fold and store;
- Takes up little space;
- With replaceable insert.
Flaws:
- The width of the changing pad is narrow;
- Expensive.
Using a baby changer in the bathroom
If the bathroom in the house is spacious, then you can easily place a baby changer there. It will be convenient and comfortable for the child and for the mother. In the bathroom you can place both a stationary changing table and a folding one, or use a combined model - a table with an attached bath.
Bathroom changing table
This device is really convenient, because the first days of life, months, the baby very often requires water hygiene procedures. In addition to the mandatory evening full bath, daily routine washing and changing diapers. There are many options for using such a device. If the size of the bathroom does not allow the use of a full table, you can use a changing board located, for example, on the washing machine.
Special changing board for the bathroom
Where to install the changing surface?
There is no definite answer to this question - too many factors influence the choice of place to install a changing table or chest of drawers (everything is clear with the changing board - it will most of the time be located between the sides of the crib or constantly lie on the surface of the chest of drawers). If the installation of a changing table or chest of drawers is carried out in a room for a newborn, then choosing a suitable area is not difficult. Experts recommend placing the changing surface near the window, because you will need to be able to examine the baby in detail, clean his ears, nose and trim the corners, and in conditions of good natural light this is easiest to do.
But in Russian apartments (and most private houses) there are most often heating radiators under the windows, which means that for more than six months in this area there will be increased temperature and dry air. This means that you should be guided by the rules of ergonomics for installing desks - we install the changing surface on the wall perpendicular to the window on the right side, if you are right-handed (so that sunlight falls on the changing table on the left).
In addition to being located close to a window as a source of sunlight, it is obvious that the changing table or any alternative to it should be located close to the crib. But in this case, much depends on the dimensions of the room, layout, location and number of window and door openings.
Changing chests
The baby changing chest is recognized as the most convenient and multifunctional model for changing. In terms of volume, it is quite large and requires a lot of space, but if the baby has his own room, then such a piece of children's furniture will fit perfectly into it and provide comfortable care for the baby.
Children's chest of drawers with changing table
Basically, chest of drawers do not differ in special characteristics from each other. They have drawers, and the changing board is attached to the top. It can be easily removed, and when the baby does not need a changing table, all that remains is just a chest of drawers for children's things. The material for production is wood, or more economical versions of wood materials.
Traditionally, baby changing chests are made of wood
The difference is, of course, the color and texture of the chest of drawers. For children, it is recommended to use neutral light colors - white, beige. An additional accent can be the presence of drawings and patterns on the drawers, which will subsequently delight the baby.
Changing table-chest of drawers with a child's drawing
Combination of table with children's bed
This design is considered universal because it can serve a child for several years. Cribs with a changing table for newborns are practical pieces of furniture that allow you not to burden the family budget:
- The design, which combines a crib and a surface for changing a baby’s clothes, serves as a comfortable sleeping place for a child until he is 7-8 years old. As the baby grows, the table changes its purpose, turning from a changing room into a place for placing toys.
- A small cabinet, built into the structure below the table, serves as a convenient storage place for diapers, rompers, baby vests, caps and many other items necessary for a baby. Thanks to its convenient location relative to the sleeping place, children's things that are often used are always within close reach. This allows you not to waste time on long searches when every second counts.
- Beds for newborns with a portable table in the form of a mobile changing mat are a simple design. If necessary, its components can be used separately. The assembled portable changing device is a bag equipped with handles. He is often taken to the doctor for a regular medical examination or to visit relatives and friends.
- The variety of color shades makes it possible to choose a combined design of a certain shade for its harmonious combination with other pieces of furniture located in the children's room. A children's changing table or crib with a table included can be made in a single color or using two or three soft shades. A model with a changing table for a crib usually has one color scheme.
Features of the material in the manufacture of changing tables
The main rule in the manufacture of any children's furniture is strength, reliability and safety. The best and most suitable materials for baby changing tables are considered to be wood or wood boards of appropriate quality. It is safe to use. Depending on the model of the changing table, metal and plastic are also used, there is nothing wrong with that, the main thing is to choose a good manufacturer, check the fastenings and reliability. All auxiliary substances for children's furniture, especially changing tables, must be safe: non-toxic varnishes and environmentally friendly mixtures are used.
Before purchasing a changing table, make sure it is reliable.
Varieties
The following types are distinguished:
Board
It is distinguished by the presence of two limiting sides to protect the baby from falling. The base is wooden, the coating is latex. All materials are absolutely safe for the child’s body.
Advantages: transportability; ease of care and cleaning; low cost; take up little space.
Disadvantages: lack of additional options in the form of shelves for diapers, a cabinet for children's things and care products for a newborn.
The changing board is a dense, reliable surface that does not cause any discomfort to the child.
Mattress
A budget option. The mattress is made of oilcloth material and filling. There are low sides, sometimes of an inflatable type.
The main advantage: mobility and low price.
Minus: lack of additional options.
A soft and comfortable changing mattress on the chest of drawers will provide your baby with maximum comfort during procedures
Folding table
This is a tabletop in a box, which is usually attached to the wall surface and opened if necessary. In appearance, the design resembles a table on an airplane.
Pros: compact; convenience; availability of compartments for storing things.
Cons: low capacity for things and the need to install the structure.
This model allows not only swaddling, but also hygiene procedures and massage.
Whatnot
Can be metal, plastic or wood. It has shelves for cosmetics, side trays, pockets and hangers. Significant space savings are observed. The models are mobile and easy to move thanks to the presence of wheels.
Even when the baby can roll over and crawl on his own, the mother will always be there to hold him with her hand.
Changing chest
Its upper surface acts as a pelinal table.
You will need an additional accessory - a booster or, in other words, a changing mattress, limited on two or three sides by soft sides.
Pros: wide range of colors; interesting design; presence of decor; boxes for clothes, which at first can replace a baby’s wardrobe.
Cons: the mattress can slide on the chest of drawers; The drawers are difficult to open.
The changing chest combines two items designed to make caring for your baby easier: a chest of drawers and a table
Transformable bed with table
The design is a pelinator combined with a bed. Depending on the model, it is suitable for children from birth to 10 years.
Buying one such crib is cheaper than buying several separate ones, but the functionality does not suffer from this
First furniture for a newborn: at what age does a baby need a changing table?
Such a piece of children's furniture as a changing table can be purchased even before the baby is born, because it will be needed immediately from the first days of life. It is better to approach the choice in advance, taking into account which model you will choose, which model will suit the size of your apartment, where the table will be located, so that it is most comfortable for you to provide care for your baby.
Place the changing table in a place convenient for you
You can also place the essentials on the table, because when returning from the maternity hospital, you still need time to adapt to the living conditions, and advance preparation will play a good role.
Also, young mothers are often interested in the question, after what age does a changing table cease to be necessary? It depends on the characteristics of the child and the chosen model. If it is just a changing board attached to the bed, then due to its size and instability, after 5-6 months they stop using it. If this is a children's changing chest with a strong, large base, then the changing base can last up to 8-12 months
The baby changing chest will last you from 5 to 12 months
What are changing tables and why are they needed?
Someone may say: a changing table is not so necessary. The need for it will disappear in just six months, and why waste money on it? It is difficult to argue with this opinion, but let's look at it from the other side.
After 9 months of pregnancy and childbirth, your back needs rest. Many young mothers suffer greatly from physical activity in the first months. Sometimes you need to change your baby's clothes several times an hour, which means that you will have to bend over the bed where children are usually swaddled if there is no regular table. Working while bending over, and even in a position in which you block the light, is both difficult and uncomfortable.
Who said that you have to buy a changing table in its pure form? And it’s almost impossible to find such items on sale. You can only see them in children's clinics. Modern manufacturers are well aware of these doubts, which is why they produce multifunctional designs that include changing tables. So, by purchasing such a transformer, you can use it for many years. So what is this multifunctional furniture?
Folding tables
This is the cheapest and easiest option, which can be used later and not entirely for its intended purpose. The table easily folds and turns into a small platform.
Transformable table with drawers for small items
Included with such a device, manufacturers offer a soft mat for changing. All this is compact in size and takes up very little space.
Changing chests
This is already full-fledged furniture with convenient drawers for storing linen and clothes. After the baby grows up, the top sides of the lid can be removed, and the chest of drawers will become the most ordinary furniture. True, this design costs a little more. There are chests of drawers with overhead tables.
Wall hanging tables
Can be attached directly to the wall anywhere and folded back when necessary. You can adjust the height to suit your height.
Tables with bath
Similar designs are installed in the bathroom. They are very convenient for undressing and bathing the baby, and the bath itself is at a comfortable height. You don't have to bend over to hold your baby in the water. The bath itself is relatively small.
Classic tables - whatnots
Can be made of metal or wood. They have at least one additional shelf for things and pockets for children's cosmetics. You can make such shelves yourself.
Transformable beds
For a newborn baby, a transformable crib with a chest of drawers and a table is excellent furniture. All this looks like a single set that decorates a child's room.
Caring for a baby in the first years of life: is a changing table necessary?
“The baby changing table is easy to use”
Many young mothers may wonder: is a changing device really necessary if it is used for only 6-8 months, the budget is limited, and the means for baby care and comfort are not limited to just a table?..
Firstly, the baby changing table is easy to use. All baby accessories can be placed in close proximity to the baby, taking into account the features of the model. The whole life of the baby and mother during the first days consists of the route bed - changing table - crib - bathroom. Therefore, the question arises: where to swaddle the baby and do the necessary hygiene procedures? The parent's bed is still an adult space, and it is not always possible to maintain the required level of hygiene. Besides, it's not safe.
The changing table can store all baby care accessories
Secondly, and most importantly, the changing base is necessary for the correct formation of the baby’s spine (posture and head). Also, the mother may not be very comfortable bending over the baby so low after giving birth.
A changing table will make caring for your baby more comfortable
If it is not possible to purchase an expensive and long-lasting model, you can choose a dense, hard, smooth board and install it on top of the baby’s crib. Only in this case you cannot take a single step away from the child - after all, such a homemade device does not have protection (sides).
Changing board for bed
What is a changing table?
This piece of furniture is designed for comfortable swaddling and changing of a newborn. In addition, the structure is used to store diapers, linen and baby care products. In this case, it can be considered a chest of drawers. Due to the versatility of the “diaper”, many parents find a place for it even in small apartments where there is no opportunity to equip a children’s room.
Today the industry produces a large number of models. Material from which the product is made:
- plastic;
- solid wood;
- wood fiber tiles;
- Chipboard.
In online stores and furniture showrooms you can select samples that will fit perfectly into your home environment. When choosing, you should not forget that the design is an essential item: it makes caring for the baby much easier and is suitable for storing the baby’s personal belongings.
Optimal size of changing table
The child must fit completely (with head and legs) on the table. You can buy such furniture to grow. Look for a model that will serve you longer. If the changing table involves the location of the changing surface on legs, then the height of such a device should be about 95-105 cm. This height is optimal for performing all important procedures and provides adults caring for the child with a normal back position to avoid tension and pressure. You also need to pay attention to the changing board and its length. For children up to six months, the length should be up to 70 cm. For older children (7-12 months), a length of up to 100 cm is suitable. The main thing is that the baby fits completely into the table (both head and legs)
Standard sizes of changing board
How to choose the best changing table?
If you have already decided on the fundamental choice of a model, pay attention to its characteristics that affect the ease of use and the degree of protection of the child.
- Sustainability.
- Dimensions. The wider the surface, the better - the only limit is the availability of free space or the size of the children's room.
- Material. The board and mattress must be environmentally friendly so as not to provoke an allergic reaction. When choosing between chipboard and MDF, they give preference to the latter composite - no harmful formaldehydes are used in its production. A metal or wooden frame is stronger than a plastic one. The surface of a synthetic mattress should be easy to wash, not get wet or slip.
- Safety . Curbs should be high enough to protect your baby from falling if he is already rolling from his back to his tummy. The surface must be absolutely flat and smooth, without burrs or sharp edges. If there are wheels, they must be equipped with brakes.
- Completeness. The more additional shelves, the more useful things will fit on them.
- Functioning. If there are folding, locking, brake mechanisms, or drawers with guides, be sure to check their serviceability. There must be travel limiters so that the box does not fall out and injure the mother (besides, the child may be frightened by the noise).
Criteria for choosing baby changing tables
Each parent chooses the model independently, taking into account the parameters of the apartment and location. But with any model, it is necessary to take into account a number of important qualities and properties of the changing table:
- strength and stability;
- ratio of dimensions (large surface width is the best option if space allows);
- safety of the material used, content of natural environmental elements in the composition, ensuring easy care, non-slip. protection of the baby (we are talking about protective sides that prevent the baby from falling while on the table or when he rolls);
- functionality of components (equipping with additional shelves and drawers for storing children's things);
- functioning of the elements (after purchase, you must check all fastening and transformable fastenings in order to avoid uncontrolled undesirable moments.
Functional changing table
Changing table equipment
When equipping baby changing tables, you need to remember the recommended height - at least 1 m for a comfortable stay for mother and baby. A soft base is placed on the changing surface - a mattress (blanket), then an oilcloth, and a soft, clean diaper on top. The oilcloth will prevent the main soft base from leaking.
Oilcloth to protect the changing table
On shelves and drawers, that is, directly near the changing area, diapers, baby creams and oils, baby powder, napkins, and essentials are placed. Correct and neat arrangement of things guarantees time savings and comfortable organization of baby care.
Transformable models
The combination of drawers and a crib with a changing table forms an ergonomic design that can be folded out if necessary. Transformable cribs for newborns with a changing table are extremely comfortable to use. Many shelves and drawers allow you to store all your baby's accessories in perfect order.
A convenient device for a transformable crib for a newborn is the motion sickness mechanism - a pendulum system. Many designs can increase in size as the baby grows. The model's drawers are designed in such a way that, if necessary, it is easy to change their position, placing them on the right or left side of a child's bed with a changing table for a newborn.
In some models, the lower part of the combined structure is occupied by a spacious drawer that combines the structure. As the baby grows, the protective bars and chest of drawers are removed from the crib to increase the sleeping space. No less beneficial is a transforming changing table, which, if necessary, easily turns into a drawing table or a stand for toys and gadgets when the child grows up.
You can buy a bed for newborns with a changing table of a certain model at a profit in our Westwing shopping club at any time. To do this, we hold large sales every day, where the most expensive product will become an affordable purchase thanks to large discounts reaching 70%. If you have not yet become our subscriber, do not waste time and register on the site. Then you can buy a changing table for a newborn at incredibly low prices.
Safety rules when using a changing table
- It is necessary to have sides (high) to prevent the baby from falling; the mattress (blanket) on the table surface should not slide;
Sides will protect your baby from falling
- advance placement of all hygiene products in sufficient proximity to the table so that the child is not left alone, but all products must be kept at a distance from the child;
Keep all hygiene products within reach
- if the model is equipped with wheels, then you must check the fastenings and locking devices;
The wheels must have a locking system
- when using a wall-mounted changing board, you need to check the fastenings very carefully; if the baby’s weight exceeds normal, it is not recommended to use this type of table;
Check that the wall-mounted changing table is securely attached
- when using baby changing tables in the bathroom (baby changing tables), you need to check all fasteners to avoid their inadvertent operation, and the surfaces should not slide;
The changing table for the bathroom should not slide
- There are electric heated children's mattresses - if you decide to purchase one, be extremely careful - read the model instructions very carefully, make sure the cord is intact, avoid moisture, check the integrity of the cover.
Hanging changing table
A hanging changing table is also called a wall-mounted changing table . Most often, young parents prefer IKEA changing tables.
The wall-mounted table takes up very little space as it is mounted on the wall. Its height can be easily adjusted if necessary.
This design has a large number of unique “pockets” in which you can put the necessary items. If the table is properly secured, it will be very comfortable. The main thing is to do everything right.
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