Is a Changing Table Necessary???

Hi H......
Baby #1 was brought upstairs, put on the changing table, with a bucket of warm water and a wash cloth, and cloth diapers complete with pins every SINGLE time!

Baby #3 was plopped down on any available floor space with wipees and pampers.

I'm with you, even if you don't use it every time, it's nice to have for storage.

:)

The option is a changing table or the floor. You don't want to do that in a crib, and normal dressers are trickier, but can be done. If you go to the floor, know that the first few weeks for you could be difficult, especially if you have a c-section. You also need to have some sort of organizer to all all that stuff...some sort of cabinet....with shelves...you could maybe put the changing pad on that...oh, wait, that's a changing table. LOL

Know that it will only be used (the top anyway) for about 9 months and then they get just too wiggly to be save and you move to the floor.

nope!, after a few months they outgrow it anyway. My bassinet came with one attached, otherwise i wouldnt have bothered

It's not a necessary item but it's great to have one.Beleive M. .. I was changing my son on our bed initially but then after we got the changing table I really felt glad that we bought it. My reasons are - there is always a clean surface to change baby everytime.On the bed , I had to always pull up a water proof sheet and grab his diapers and wipes etc everytime and this is like 10 times a day! If you have a changing table everything is right there! Also, changing tables are at a higher level than our beds , so no need for M. to bend everytime which I really appreciate. Babies generally fuss during diaper changes , so having the right accesories help esp when it's first baby. But you can absolutely do without it unless you want it very comfortable like I do ;) You should never leave a baby on the changing table alone esp after they start rolling over.I think the floor is the safest as baby grows older. I got a spare changing pad for my son's nanny to use while changing him on the floor.

Get a changing table! The best thing about them is that they are up high so that you don't break your back changing diapers on the bed or on the floor. If money is his issue, just get one off of Craigslist. As far as I'm concerned, you really need to have one.

I agree, its not necessary BUT I absolutely LOVE mine and that is the only place I change my daughter. When she is on it, she knows its time for a diaper change. If I try to change her on the floor she won't sit still because she wants to play which can get frustrating haha. I highly recommend that you do get one. It will come in great use. I have one with 2 shelves on the bottom and I use the bottom shelf for some of her toys, so I get double use out of it.

I did not have time to read all of your answers but I could not have made it without mine. Our daughter is 16 months old and we still use it all the time it is so nice to have everything in one location so you dont have to go gather up everything before you change a daiper. The amazing thing about our changing table is that when she is finished with it we will use it as a desk. See it is actually an antique desk we attached a changing pad to it and and it works perfect. We did this because we already had the desk, it went with our decor and it is much more stable than most if not all changing tables.

We also have taught our daughter that when she is on the changing table it is serious business we are there to change cloths, daiper, and take medicine so she knows that when we are there we have a job to do and that make it so much eaiser to not have to chase her down. Every since she could crawl we would say lets go change your daiper and she would crawl right in there. Now we are in the begining stages of potty training and because she started going to her changing table on her own and saying pee pee it is so cute. Good Luck and God Bless!

no, it's not necessary.....but all sooooo handy!

& for me, it's all about sanitation, disinfection, etc. I use Clorox wipes or a bleach spray on my changing table.....which is an antique dry sink.

Although some people don't need a changing table, we used ours most of the time. Initially bending over was very painful for me after giving birth. My joints were still very loose and my hips were grinding something awful. The table was the perfect height. Everything I needed was right where I needed it. And especially early on the table had to be washed off a few times when explosive diaper situations overwhelmed almost everything.
My husband was against it at first, but he changed his mind before our son was a month old. Some newborns need changing every 2 hours. That's 120 uses in 10 days. You might as well get the great deal while the getting is good.

I think what IS necessary is to have a changing apparatus waist high so you are not bending over, like you would on a bed. That will be very bad on your back long term. And I can't imagine bending over a crib to change a diaper.

Whatever you choose, make it a back healthy choice. So clear off the top of the washer/dryer, or an easily accessible countertop and store your supplies there.

My favorite over the years was a laundry room counter top with a sink. I would run nice warm tap water, and run babies butt and privates with clean water. That really cut down on diaper rashes and then you can start the laundry all in one changing.

And what a smokin' deal online. All that for $250? Go for it!

Our childrens changing table is on top of the dresser they share. Its a pad you can buy with a soft cover over it. Diaper genie is beside it as well as a basket with extra diapers and wipes. I didnt buy an actul changing table, but made one. I use it all the time, and i only change the 2 year old on the floor if its just a wet diaper and if the baby is asleep in the room they share. Standing is much easier for me, and most of my friends did it the same way.

If you have room for it, I would say it is a great benefit. It is at the right height, I didn't bend over like I did when I changed in the crib, floor, table or couch. Plus, it kept things a little more clean and I didn't have to worry about getting the sheets, blankets or couch dirty.

A bunch of my friends don't have changing tables, they just change where ever - floor, bed, couch.

For me, I like having a changing area for several reasons. I say changing area as we don't have a changing table, but rather put the changing pad on top of the desk in DS#1 room and on top of the dresser in DS#2 room (I didn't want to waste the money). I like having a designated place as sometimes, you will be surprised how much poop and pee can come out of a teeny itty bitty thing...and sometimes it gets everywhere. I would be totally grossed out if poop was on my bed! And all of the stuff you need is right there, sometimes you may not think to grab the balmex, but you need it...that isn't a problem if everything is in a basket next to the changing area. Also, and this is big, if the changing table isn't the right height, you back hurts. Like leaning down to change on a bed...that sucks and it hurts my back big time.

My vote would definitely be to have a designated changing area, but not necessarily a changing table if you don't want to spend the money.

Good luck and congrats!

We just used a dresser and put the changing pad on top of that. It is nice to have a place to "change" your child, but I also have friends who change them anywhere and everywhere. It's not a necessity, but it is a nicety.

I like someone else used a dresser and put a changing pad on top of it. I used it in the beginning for my oldest daughter, but for my second I hardly ever used it.

I had a portable changing pad, that I just threw on the floor, couch or bed that I used. I preferred it that way.

But I know people who think the changing table is an absolute necessity. I think if you feel it is, you justly deserve one.

I didn't have an offical changing table in the nursery but had an area on the first floor where we spent alot of time. In the nursery, we put a changing pad on top of the dresser which worked. I am tall so this wasn't a problem. The first floor changing area was part of a pack and play/playpen. I used it a lot but it was too low for me. I had several bad flare ups of upper back (trapezius) spasms due to the repeated use of this item. I eventually found using the floor to be less painful.

So my recommendation to you is to have a set up that is at the proper height for you to minimize back strain. You will be amazed at how much of a beating your body will take (excluding labor/delivery and breastfeeding) from baby care (back, forearms, fingers/thumbs). The repeated use will cause strain on muscles that you don't use much now.

I hope that helps.
Michelle

I used mine a ton when she was a newborn. It was easier for me to stand b/c of stitches "down there" and no, I wouldn't change in the bed. Newborn diapers can be explosive, lol!
After about 6 months I just started changing her on the floor.

No, its not really needed, I dont have one, and been just fine without.
However, that is a really good deal so go for it! Tell him tough, and remind him that you are the one who is going to do the majority of the baby work not him, so you know what you need, and want. His opinion is noted but not needed because you've made your decision. Stand tough he will cave in when he realizes your right. Your the mommy, if momma aint happy nobody will be. lol.

Plus its your first baby, you should get anything you want!
Congrats! :)

hi,
This is a really good deal but no ,it is not really necessary.I change all my children (pregnant with number four and last)wherever on the floor with a quilt and changing pad(kept in stroller for that purpose) if out or on a bath towel if home.However i do love using my friends 's changing table when visiting them .It is easy on your back and you can put all the supplies up away from baby(very important when they start crawling and putting everything in their mouth,like the diaper rash tube if left on the floor:-)).So, no it is not necessary but oh so pratical.
N. mom of a 7 ,5 ,2 years old children and due in two weeks.Hope this help.

Hi, honestly, I never used one and I am glad did not. I always felt comfortable changing baby on the carpet or bed with mat ofcourse, my fear was my baby might fall off even while buckled. So for me, definitely not necessary but I know some moms who can't live w/o it. It's just a matter of preference.

I, also, didn't read all the responses, but would say it depends on your living situation. Our first child's room was in the main level, so I did use the changing table quite a bit. However, when the second two were born, their rooms were upstairs, while we did most of our "living" downstairs. I wasn't going to go all the way upstairs each and every time I changed them. Of course it's great exercise, but I also had other kids who I didn't want to leave alone to go change the baby. I found a basket and put the diapers, wipes, and a few extra socks, pants, etc in. I put it out in the open or on the bottom of the bookshelf. I also had one of those pads you get with a diaper bag, in case I had a leaker or a big #2! It worked really well for me this way. I store diapers in the pantry and will replenish the basket supply when needed.
*$250 is a great deal for all that stuff!!!!!! So, whether you use it a lot or not, it sounds like you are talking a small amount of money, so I would go for it. You can always sell it at a garage sale or Once Upon A Child if you don't use it and want more space!

I personally think a changing table is great to have. I was a former in home child care provider and for the reasons you mentioned I believe its good to have one. Try not to spat with your husband about it. SOMETIMES SMALL THINGS can turn into something big and you don't want that. Maybe see if you can get a gently used one or just a CHANGING MAT, to lay on top of the bed/crib.

Hope this helps!
S.

I wish I would have never wasted my money on an expensive chg. table. Invest your money in a great, comfy rocking chair. Good luck!

You don't really "need" a changing table. You can change a baby anywhere so if this is a "want" vs. "need" decision, then I feel it's a "want"!

Hi Mama-
I don't know if it's necessary, but as someone who has changed many a diaper without one, having a changing table makes your world SO MUCH EASIER in the grand scheme of things. Yes, you can live without it, and yes, there are ways around it, but if I had the option, I would definitely have a changing table. My vote is take the awesome deal you found and get the table. Those little pad things that go on top- get one of those too. If your husband still thinks you don't need it, ask him about how often he would like to clean poop and pee off the bed. Because little ones squirm, they get their feet in it, they pee when you are reaching for the wipes, and they love to see how far that diaper can go! Even the mildest mannered baby makes little messes. It is a whole lot easier to pull a cover off of a changing table and pad than it is to rewash your bedding regularly. My sister's son was my first experience with newborns and breast milk. Their poop is not as solid as one would like it to be---but still super healthy. I am SO glad she had a changing table. There were days we had to remove, wipe, and then stick his little buns under the shower to rinse him off. And if you are having a girl, there are so many more cracks and crevices and ways for her to get that on your bed. (P.S. My sisters boys are all around 2 years old, and they still use their changing tables! One is going into potty training on his own request, but for the morning change and after a long nap, it's to the table for a much needed and child requested diaper change!)
My suggestion- don't use the words "slight" chance. It will happen, lol. And it's too precarious to change a baby on their crib. The easiest and safest way in my opinion is a changing table. There may be some other ways, but for me- that was the best one.
Good luck! And I hope you get a changing table...you know, there are ones that are actually dressers that you can just remove the pad from when they get bigger and all their clothes will have a home. It's perfect because it's not a waste of a piece of furniture! Both of my sisters have those!
-E. M

I had it, it is not necessary, you can change your baby anywhere.

Well I use it about 1/2 the time and my husband and mom use it all most all the time. When they are newborn you really don't need it at all bc they are right with you most of the time. But as they get older it really does save your back to have one, the older my son gets the more I use it. Now at ten months I use it quite a bit. With my first I used it a lot, I especially like to use it after a bath. You need so much stuff, jammies, diaper, butt cream, lotion, towel on and on... I just have a big basket with what I need and when I am done there is no clean up, everything is just right back where it goes. Also, I am still using the same table I used for my first so maybe if you want more kids down the line, that will win your husband over, it will definitely get used a lot for multiple children. I think $250 for all that is a steal. I think that was the price for just our crib, but as I said it is now being used for baby #2 so totally worth it. Also if he really is just insistent about this to the point the discord is not worth it. You can let it go and if you feel you need one later they do sell them relatively cheap at Target and Walmart. Good luck and I hope you get one!!

Nope, not neccessary at all. I didn't have one for my first two sons and their butts were always changed! :)
Now, I do have one for this baby coming up, but that's just because someone gifted us a whole set (changing table, armour, and crib).
Your husband is right, they are not needed.

Full disclosure: I am very frugal and will always find a way to save a buck. However, I would not give up my changing table for anything. Here are a few reasons you need one. 1) You can't change a baby in a crib, even set on the highest setting, it would be difficult if not impossible. 2) Changing diapers is obviously 'germy.' Keep those germs to one spot in your house. You do not want to be trying to figure out how to get poo out of your comforter or off your couch. IT WILL HAPPEN. 3) you will use the changing table not only for diapers but for after bath dressing and a.m. dressing. 4) you will want a cover on the table that is washable and bleachable in case of blowouts. 5) changing or dressing a baby without one is very hard on your back. Baby needs to be at the right height for those 1000s of diaper & clothes changes. I would give up the dresser before I'd give up the table. We store most of the clothes in bins on the shelves of the changing table so they are handy. We don't use the dresser at all. Seldom worn clothing goes in the closet in a hanging sweater organizer.

Hope that helps:)

No.
It is not necessary.
But yes, you will use it.
IF you are in his room, and WHEN you are in his room.

I had one attached to my sons crib but didn't use it for the first few months because I just used the one attached to the pack and play. It was just easier to do that since we kept it right there in the living room. As he got older I would just change him on the floor a lot of the time. I have a 10 week old daughter now and we have a different crib with no changing table attached, but I put the changing table pad on top of her small dresser and haven't used it once, again I am using the one attached to the pack and play. You definitely don't NEED one, but that is a good deal so if you think you will use it then buy it! I just wouldn't go out and spend a lot of money on one.

Not necessary at all , I have 3 kids and never had one , but I did have a changing mat , I think those are a must , I have lost count of the number of times that I have taken a diaper off and the poop has gone on the mat , with no mat that would have been on the carpet/bed/couch/me!!!!

I bought a 6 drawer dresser (3and 3 draws) so the height was perfect. Then we put a cushy changing pad on top.

Also, babyies (especially newborns) wet when you change them so you need somewhere better than a bed or crib to change them. Plus it's a place to store all of the many diapers you will be using, creams, powder, etc.

In fact, I bought a second changing table for downstairs since my house is large. If you don't want to speand a lot, I bet you can find a used one on craigslist super cheap!

A changing table is not NECESSARY, but it is really HELPFUL and nice! It gives you a place to store changing items (diapers, wipes, cream, lotion, etc.) so that they are not strewn about your house. The best part? You don't have to stoop over to change a diaper on the floor or bed--baby is right on your level. If you get poop on the changing pad, you can just wipe it off and/or throw the changing pad cover into the wash. Getting poop on your bed or the living room carpet? Not as easy to clean! Newborn breastfed baby poop is bright yellow and it STAINS! It is so hard to get out. I can almost guarantee that you will have a couple of times baby will poop explosively WHILE you are changing a diaper. You don't want that poop explosion on your bed! Changing in the crib really isn't an option, because once you lower the mattress, you'll be unable to reach baby well enough.
I vote for a changing table, especially if you can get the whole package for $250!

We did not use one, we got one of the plastic covered pillows that go on one for like 20 bucks and kept it handy and changed him where ever mostly on the floor really but we kept an "in house" diaper kit that had ALL the essentials:
diapers, wipes, Mylanta (for rashes), Vaseline (to put over the Mylanta for rashes), tylenol, three thermometors (one tushie and two "extras" with the plastic protectors), two changes of clothes and two pajama changes, and some quickie distraction toys, pacifiers if you use them. We had the changing thing attached to the diaper bag and kept it centrally

http://www.babycribstation.com/Simmons-Kids-Two-Sided-Con...
the price on this is a litte higher these days but still cheaper then the full table.

I never used one. I changed the baby in the crib or on the bed. I still change her, even though she's a toddler on the bed.
If you're afriad of getting the bed dirty, just put a towel down. My SO never woke up when I changed her on the bed right next to him, lol.
Good Luck.

Yes, a changing table is necessary. The bed won't due - not only because of disruption and sanitation issues, but because of convenience issues. You are going to have to bring all of the changing paraphernalia - diapers, wipes, wash cloths, etc. into your bedroom and, if using cloth diapers, taking the diapers to the diaper pail, or if paper diapers, to the garbage. I am sure you don't want either of these in your bedroom. The same applies to the crib, with the additional problem that the crib is generally too low to have a good angle for your back to change the diapers and has a built-in impediment, the rail. With all due respect, your husband simply does not know what he is talking about.

We didn't have room for a changing table, per se, for my son, even though we needed one, because we had a chest freezer that also had to be in that room. What we ended up doing was making a foam pad to go on top of the freezer, a diaper stacker which hung from the ceiling over the freezer, and a wall-pocket hanging in back of the freezer for storage of ointments, solutions, etc. The diaper pail was in the immediately adjoining bathroom. That set up worked very well, and we didn't have to buy a separate changing table.

Good luck.

P.S. If all else fails, have your husband diaper your baby a few times without a changing table. He may change his mind. :-)

I always just do diapers on carpeted floor with a changing mat underneath. That way you have ZERO chance of them rolling off a changing table. I LOVE the deal that you mentioned though so I'd say go for it if you've got the funds... IF it has storage space underneath the changing table portion. That way you're not really just buying a changing table- you're buying a dresser for all the baby needs- which is not something that is a personal preference type of thing- I promise you'll need something to put all the baby stuff into. It's nice to have one specifically for all the diapering, bathing, and any medical needs (aspirators, tissues, gas drops, pumping equip etc).

No, it is not necessary. I have two children of my own and also run an in-home child care. I have never had a real changing table.

For my first son, we found a small table at the right height at a yard sale, covered it with a pretty cloth and attached a diaper stacker to it. We put the changing pad on and it worked perfectly.

For my second son, we bought a dresser that was the right height (he needed a dresser anyway...and we had gotten rid of the other table when we moved). We put that same changing pad on it from DS#1 and it works perfectly. When he is out of diapers, we will take the things off the top of his dresser and he'll have a dresser he can use for years!

For my in-home child care, I have a very large changing pad on top of the dryer. (We have a bathroom/laundry room combo.) There are cabinets above the dryer, as well. I reserve one entire cabinet for diapers and wipes.

I am sorry, but I have to agree with your husband on this one. In general, changing tables are an expensive piece of furniture you will use for a couple of years and then need to get rid of. If you could get one really cheap, or borrow one from a friend, or come up with a creative alternative, I think you'll be better off. Unless you have the $ to spend on it and it isn't a big deal... I have never been there though! :o)

Good luck and Congrats on your new addition!

Here's my thought. It's your first and you want to do everything right. And a changing table is usually part of that. If it's a good deal, then buy it.

However, for me, I bought the changing table and for the first 3 months was pretty good about changing DD on it. Then I realized a small basket with wipes, extra diapers, changing pad and cream was easier to lug downstairs for changes then trying to drag her upstairs to use the table.

With baby #2, his little behind never hit the changing table and it was a total waste of money. I needed to keep him wherever his big sister was playing and the thought of taking him into a different room for diaper changes just seemed silly, so he was cleaned up and changed wherever/whenever, but typically on the floor.

Plus, as they get older it's really hard to keep them on the table and with squirmys, almost dangerous. GL!!!

LOL - I would have got one in a flash if I had the room, but we have a tiny house, so the floor it is then.

We use the top of the dresser with a changing pad on it. No need for a specific changing table, but you do need a spot, and no the crib does not work, because you baby will be in diapers long after you have lowered the crib all the way down, and it will then be impossible to change a diaper in the crib. And yes, it does get dirty - that is why you need a covered changing pad. You can change anywhere, I guess, with a changing pad of some sort. (except the crib when it gets lowered...

I found having a changing table to be very helpful. They are easy to clean when there's a big mess, (and there will be!), they're easy to use (right height etc) and they're safer (there's usually a railing that helps to keep baby put, though it cannot be trusted alone). While they may not be "necessary' they are worth it!

Absolutely NOT necessary. I did not have one and did not need one. I changed my son on the floor. He can't roll over and fall off the floor! :) Plus that's one more piece of furniture NOT taking up space.
My sister never had one either. No need.

I have had a changing table/dresser combo for all three of my kids and used it very sparingly. In fact, I don't even think I used it at all for my third baby. I have #4 on the way and am using the changing table for something else now. I am not a big changing table fan at all. I typically use the floor, my bed, their bed, the couch, where ever I happen to be, but never the changing table (I don't remember every having made a mess on any surface). I do however think you would love the changing table/bed combo. Whether you use the changing table portion for changing or not that surface comes in super handy for anything you might need to reach quickly.

I say, tell your husband there is not better deal than what you have found and get it. Also, remember who will be doing the changing, I know in our house, it certainly is not my husband. = )

Good luck on #1 and hold on for the ride!

Just a thought--I prefer a pad on the floor--less chance of accidents. Also check that great deal out really well--there is probably a reason all those items are being sold for so little. Better to get a very safe crib that has a good reputation. I bought one that required 2 separate recall fixes. Pain! Make sure you are not getting a drop side crib--they are notorious for problems. I'd be more concerned with that than a changing table.

It is not realistic at all to change your baby on the crib...not even sure how you would do that...you would have to reach in. You could definitely change on the bed. Do you have a dresser in the room? You can make that into a changing table with the big foam mat on top. The deal that you found does sound really good. If you don't have a crib yet then I would go with it.

And to answer your question...no they aren't "necessary" but they are nice and I would not have gone without one.

Personally, I much prefer a good changing pad laid out on the floor. Babies can't fall off the floor, no matter how wiggly they are, so you can use both hands to deal with the diaper and messy contents, instead of having to keep one hand on the baby at all times, or needing to strap him/her down. Plus you can then change the baby in any room if necessary.

Not necessary, but extremely handy! I have one on top of my baby's dresser in his bedroom, as well as one on the main floor for diaper changes. He'll soon outgrow it, but I'd take it over bending over the floor everytime we have to change his diaper. I really think you'll be happy with spending the money on it- $250 sounds like a great deal!

I never had a changing table with my first two but got one with my third and my back felt so much better!

The changing table has been a lifesaver for me. It's multi-purposeful. I use it to change diapers, groom hair, take temperature (LOL). It's actually the flat surface of the dresser that's not elevated. Pretty cool. I just put a changing pad thingy with a fancy pad cover and it really adds to the room decor. The changing table/pad is highly useful especially for the first baby. It helps stay organized, too.

They aren't necessary, but they are very handy. Mine has pockets on the sides and 3 shelves which I store diapers, clothes, blankets.... etc.. Im about to have baby #2 and I didnt want to set up the changing table so I could save some room and just change diapers on the bed, but DH really wanted it set up. Maybe your husband is trying to go the cheaper route. Look on craigslist, I got my crib, changing table, and toddler bed all for FREE! And they are very nice and not recalled items.

My friend never had a changing table for her three kids, but I think she's nuts.
I had a changing table and hated it. It was wobbly and the storage underneath was open, so it looked untidy. We got plastic baskets to act as drawers, but it was a pain. So for my second and third baby, I did what my sisters did. I got a low dresser and put a contoured changing pad (~$20) on top. I put some of that non-slip rug stuff (check the dollar store) under it and it keeps the pad in place. I have a cute metal basket on the dresser to hold Q-tips, lotion, pacifiers, etc. The top drawer of the dresser holds diapers and wipes. Clothes, bedding, blankets, etc. go in the rest of the drawers.

It's a great, sturdy changing table, but best of all, it's the baby's first real furniture. It feels like a long time that your first baby will be using these baby-only things, but all of a sudden, you realize that it's not that long, after all. They'll need a dresser for their entire life under your roof.

I got my dressers on Criagslist and yard sales for $20 each, and refinished them to match my crib (I had two different cribs, long story). My boys (almost 7 and 4 1/2) are still using them. Even if you were to buy a dresser new, it would be a better investment than a changing table, I think.

But most importantly, it's sooo convenient to have a changing table! I can't imagine getting a changing pad, box of wipes, a clean diaper, and a bag to dispose of the used diaper and carry them to a bed or the crib every single time you change a diaper! And it's not a slight chance of getting the bed dirty. It's almost guaranteed. There are diapers where poop us up to the baby's armpits, when the baby will poop while the diaper is off, and definitely when he/she will pee all over. You'll want a changing pad, changing pad cover, and I always put a waterproof lap pad on top of that. When it gets poop or pee on it, I just toss it into the dirty clothes hamper and grab a new one. I don't have to worry about washing or getting stains out of my cute changing pad cover. I wash the cover once a week or so.