Need Changing Table Advice

I'm thinking I don't understand what you're using the changing table for, because I don't get why she would have to even be strapped in. Do you walk away from the table to get supplies or something while you are changing her? We always stored everything needed right there-even a supply of clothes.

Hi,

I've had 4 children and always just changed them on the floor. I guess I'm just a minimalist. Maybe that's why I have arthritis in my knees now. One of my children is disabled and still wears diapers (he's 14) - he get's changed on the floor also. They certainly aren't going to fall.

C.

I never had any success changing either of my kids on the floor--they would just wiggle or crawl away, the floor is a play place (although I know it works for a lot of people). I've never seen anything like what you're explaining. My best suggestion is just to keep a hand on her all the time. Also, you may give her a small toy to play with, or hang a mobile above the changing table to help distract her while you're changing her. That works for us. Also, our changing table has a drawer that holds diapers and wipes and her clothes are in dresser type drawers below the changing area, so everything is within very easy reach.

Hi K.,

I also used the floor, couch or bed. I used all 3 methods with my kids more than their changing table. Usually, it was way too inconvenient to go to another room to change them, especially since with my youngest, her room was all the way upstairs and the only time we were there was when we were sleeping.

You could get one of those cleaning caddies and load it up with all your diapering/changing materials for a few hours or for the day, whichever, and keep it handy to where you spend most of your time during the day. If using the couch, you could get a changing pad and store it under a cushion, for the bed, you know, slip it between the mattress and boxspring on your side of the bed.

Otherwise, the strap and one hand on baby always is the best thing I can think to tell you. You *may* be able to mount one of those rails that go on toddler beds on the wall somehow, but I don't know how well that would work.

K. W

We had a changing table that had "railing" all the way around it so our daughter couldn't roll off. We also had some toys on the table as well as a mobile to entertain her--which was beneficial since when they're so little, you change them constantly it seems!

Do you have a contour shaped pad on the table? that might help prevent her rolling out. Also, some tables have the straps built into the table, others have straps on the pad.We have straps on the table which seems more secure.

Our daughter is a very active and mobile 17 month old now and we still use the changing table the majority of the time (although she is learning how to use the potty now). She has LEARNED since she was little that she has to let the diaper be changed. It was mama & papa's expectation--which kids know and understand. Even if she wiggles a bit, she knows she can't "get up" until the diaper change is done.

Hi K.,

I am a SAHM (who works from home - I'm a business owner) with four children, ranging in age from 5-20. I know how popular changing tables are but I have always been more fond of changing my four on my bed. The main reason is that the bed is huge, I stood on the side and had a high headboard and footboard...so really no rolling off the bed could take place. I used a rubber-back changing pad, with a blanket over the top (ones I was willing to either throw out or toss in the laundry at a moments notice). Because of the pictures on my bedroom walls, the kids could see their mommy & daddy, and after the first...their siblings on the walls and it became a kind of sanctuary for them while I changed them, so I didn't experience much "activity". Once they became more active, I changed them on the family room floor...with the same setup underneath them. I know that you already have the changing table, but safety has to come first and frankly, they just aren't safe...strap or no strap. My suggestion is to get it sold on Craigslist and free up some space for yourself, change your little one on your bed and keep her safe.

Good Luck.

D. P.

To be honest with you I hated changing tables. I tried one with both kids and like you worried to death about them rolling off.... I changed my kids on the floor. That gave me some floor time with the kids and made it fun. They would both climb on me like a jungle gym - still do it now and I am getting too old! Me 40 them 7 and 9 lol. But it was really fun, it got to be a contest to see how fast I could change them and how fast they could squirm away. When I needed them to be serious I used a towel on my king sized bed, or the couch, that way they knew the floor was fun time with mom. Try that a few times, I am sure others will post great ideas too.

We had a changing table when my son was born, but I never felt comfortable changing him "sideways" on the table. We purchased a portable changing mat and threw that out on the floor whenever he needed a new diaper. I was able to face him towards me, the floor was protected, his body was cushioned and he never had a chance of falling. I don't think I'd ever use a changing table again....the floor is just too easy.

Changing tables are overrated. They are very good to have for storing diapers, extra blankets etc. etc. but as for actually changing the baby - not really practical. Here's what I did with both of my kids, we used the changing table (gift from in-laws) for storage. In each room where we typically spent alot of time - family and living rooms, our bedroom, bonus room etc. I had a wicker basket or cutsie bucket (purchase from goodwill and dollar stores so cheap, cheap, cheap!) that kept stocked with diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream (we call it butt cream), spit up cloths and an inexpensive travel changing matt. For my son, I kept a supply of wash clothes so I could cover his penis and not get sprayed. I always had everything right at my finger tips whenever a change was required or I needed a spit up cloth or a wipe. When the supplies ran low I would take the basket or bucket to the changing table and reload. My older daughter like this as one of her jobs - she would refill the buckets for every other day or so. You can find some really fun, different, creative baskets, buckets, containers to keep your supplies in. I got tons of comments from friends and family who wished they had thought of this idea when they had had their babies.
Congratulations on your little one! Best Wishes.

I had a changing table with my 12 year old son, and used it for 4 months before I was uncomfortable using it. I changed his diaper on my bed, with a towel on my comforter. I had a tote of diapers and wipes underneath my bed. I got rid of the changing table with my younger son and did the same thing, changed his diaper on my bed, or on the floor with a towel on the floor. On the bed, it allowed me more room. And, I didn't have to worry about him rolling off and onto the floor. A lower surface would be a good idea.

We stopped using the changing table at about that age. They just dont want to sit still. we went from the changinig table to floor...That way they can wiggle all they want but since yours is in the bathroom it may not be that easy for you..or you will have to move where you change her. I just started using the changing table again though with my 17 monther because I am 9 months pregnant and I cant bend over or get down to change him on the floor anymore..So it isnt like you wont be able to use it again in the future either with other kids or even this li sweetheart...they just have to get over the wiggley phases..good luck and congrats on the baby!!!

We had a changing table, but it hurt my back so much that I have bought several changing pads, get down on the floor wherever in the house (you can dedicate her bedroom or something if it seems to gross, though we are not flinging poo everywhere. heh) But it helps my back to get on the floor, put our guy on it and change him. I HATE changing tables because they expect people to twist in weird positions as well as seeming so unsafe for babies.
I have had fun having not to worry about our child falling off, especially since he has been going through the 'don't change me' and wiggles and squirms allll over the place. he would have fallen off several times with his tantrum by now. So yay floor! Heh. We have big changing pads. Even waterproof bed protectors (those sheets that are water proof) add an extra layer of confort if you are on hard floors. Just put it under the changing pad.

I know this doesn't offer a specific solution to your specific situation but it would help you from having to buy gadgets for your changing table?

K.,

We have always changed our children (4 1/2 years and 14 months) on the couch, the middle of our bed, or the floor, depending on how wiggly they were.

I used to make sure all my supplies were close and could get picked up with one hand, that way one hand stayed on the baby at all time so he could not roll off.

Lay a blanket on the floor and put a changing pad on top of it, if you're concerned about the blanket. That's what I always did with my kids. That way you don't ever have to worry about baby falling, and you don't have to hassle with straps.

We never used a changing table always the floor, couch or bed.

My now 5 yr old flipped herself over at 2 days old. Luckily she is my 4th, So I knew to keep one hand on the baby at all times when on the table. I have never seen anything like you are looking for. I put shelves above my changing table so everything I needed was within reach and I kept hold of her leg or hand on tummy at all times.

I've always changed my active little wigglers on the floor. I just throw a blanket down on the carpet and take care of business. No risk of falling that way!