April 2007
Changing tables & baby furniture
You can diaper a baby just about anywhere you have room and where the baby is safe from falling, even on the floor. But since
you'll change 2,000-plus diapers in your baby's first year alone, your back will benefit from something made for the task--either
a standard changing table or a dresser that doubles as one.
You'll be able to diaper your baby at a comfortable level (most changing tables stand 36 to 43 inches high), and have diapers within easy reach. Unlike the crib or the floor, changing tables also have shelves, baskets, and/or drawers you can use to store other essentials, such as wipes, rash ointment, and a toy or two to keep your baby busy. A vinyl changing pad is usually included, but covers are sold separately, available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Another option you may see in stores is a removable changing pad that simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. If you decide to go this route, which is the least expensive ($15 to $35), look for a changing table pad with at least two opposing contoured sides with a baby restraint strap, such as the Contour Changing Pad by Simmons (www.simmonskids.com). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing table stage (usually around age 2) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.
There are wooden, retractable changing tables, such as a model that sits on top of a dresser and attaches to the back of it with hidden L brackets. This mini-changing table usually has a flat changing surface. But to comply with the most recent industry safety standards, a flat (not contoured) changing table must have barrier protection on all sides. Because the retractable (or slide-top) style has protection on only three sides, we can't recommend it at this time.
Before changing your baby's diaper, be sure any products you need--diapers, wipes, or the wipe warmer--are within arm's reach and place the diaper pail adjacent to the table. Never leave your baby alone on a changing table--even for a moment, even if you're using the safety straps, and even if you're sure your baby is secure.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Consider storage. Most changing tables have open shelves that make it easy to reach diapers and clothing, either stacked or in decorative wicker baskets, but some have drawers or a combination of drawers and shelves. Having at least one drawer, preferably right under the table, can help you quickly retrieve the supplies you need, though some parents prefer open shelving. A drawer offers an advantage over open shelving because it can hide diaper supplies, which look like a treasure trove to the curious toddler your baby will become before you know it.
Look for barriers on four sides. A traditional changing table is usually surrounded by a restraining barrier made of rails or solid wood. According to the latest American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards, changing tables with a flat surface must have a barrier on all sides, as noted earlier. If only two or three sides are protected instead of four, don't buy it. Changing tables with a contoured changing surface need barriers on only two opposing sides to comply with the latest safety standards.
Go for girth. If you're planning to use a dresser as your changing table, think short and fat, not tall and thin. A dresser that's wider and lower to the ground will be less likely to fall forward when you place your baby on top. If you end up with a taller dresser, mount it to the wall with furniture straps so it won't tip over.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major makers of changing tables and dressers that can be used as changing tables are, in alphabetical order: Ameriwood Furniture (available via www.amazon.com), Angel Line (www.angelline.com), Badger Basket (www.badgerbasket.com), Bellini (www.bellini.com), Child Craft (www.childcraftindustries.com), Da Vinci (can be found online at e-tailers such as www.babyuniverse.com), Delta Enterprise (www.deltaenterprise.com; available at retailers and e-tailers such as www.target.com and www.toysrus.com), Jardine Enterprise (available online at www.toysrus.com), J. Mason (www.jmason.com), Nursery Smart (www.nurserysmart.com), Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com), Relics (www.relicsfurniture.com), Scandinavian Child (www.scichild.com); Sorelle (www.sorrellefurniture.com), Stokke (www.stokke.com), Storkcraft Baby (www.storkcraft.com), and Young America Collection (www.youngamerica.stanleyfurniture.com). Most models have wooden frames, but you may find some made of wicker. A safety belt--a single strap with a wide buckle--is usually included with the changing pad. If there isn't one, buy a changing pad with a safety belt and attach the pad to the table according to the manufacturer's directions.
Changing tables range from $15 to $35 (for a simple changing table pad you attach to a dresser top) to over $1,300 for solid wood models that convert to a flat-top dresser with drawers/enclosed shelving. For $70 to $130, you can buy an adequate changing table with open shelving and possibly one drawer, but quality is a factor. At the low end, parents have reported drawers that stick, changing pads with plastic that cracks in short order, and lesser-quality wood (typically laminated particleboard). Still, tables in this lower price range may be sufficient, depending on your situation. If your baby spends part of the time in daycare, for example, the table may hold up well. You'll probably have to assemble the table yourself, which can be tricky if you're not handy, and the table you select has a drawer that requires installing. At the high end of the price range, changing tables may be custom finished in the paint color of your choice. Drawers, solid-wood construction, and convertibility drive up the price.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before you buy, consider all the furniture you plan for the nursery. You may decide that you don't need a changing table or simply don't have room for one. If you're tight on space or budget, consider using a dresser as a changing table; buy a contoured changing pad with a safety strap and affix it to the dresser, according to the manufacturer's installation directions. If you think you would like a more traditional changing table, try before you buy. Test the table in the store, as if you were changing a baby. If you see a backache in your future because that changing table is too low, try another. Check drawers and cabinets. The operation should be quiet and smooth. The unit should seem sturdy. Look for a changing table with safety straps to help prevent your baby from falling--and use the straps every time you change your baby's diaper. If the table comes with a pad, use only the pad that's provided by the manufacturer. Don't use a changing table that's damaged or broken. Stop using your changing table when your baby reaches the manufacturer's age or weight limit, which is typically age 2, or 30 pounds.
If you buy a cloth changing pad, make sure it has a waterproof layer on the underside, which helps the changing table stay clean and sanitary. Vinyl changing pads can be wiped clean with soap and water. Purchase two or three covers so you can throw one in the wash and have at least one on hand.
MORE TIPPING POINTS: ARMOIRES, BOOK CASES, DRESSERS AND TV STANDS
If there are young children in the house, it's a good idea to attach any potentially unstable furniture to a wall with tip-over straps or restraints, and keep heavy objects like TVs off dressers. This added step is necessary even though ASTM has a tip-over standard for chests, armoires, and dressers, and Underwriters Laboratories has one for TV stands. Childhood injuries and deaths from falling furniture and television sets are a growing problem, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics.
You'll be able to diaper your baby at a comfortable level (most changing tables stand 36 to 43 inches high), and have diapers within easy reach. Unlike the crib or the floor, changing tables also have shelves, baskets, and/or drawers you can use to store other essentials, such as wipes, rash ointment, and a toy or two to keep your baby busy. A vinyl changing pad is usually included, but covers are sold separately, available in a variety of colors and patterns.
Another option you may see in stores is a removable changing pad that simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. If you decide to go this route, which is the least expensive ($15 to $35), look for a changing table pad with at least two opposing contoured sides with a baby restraint strap, such as the Contour Changing Pad by Simmons (www.simmonskids.com). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing table stage (usually around age 2) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.
There are wooden, retractable changing tables, such as a model that sits on top of a dresser and attaches to the back of it with hidden L brackets. This mini-changing table usually has a flat changing surface. But to comply with the most recent industry safety standards, a flat (not contoured) changing table must have barrier protection on all sides. Because the retractable (or slide-top) style has protection on only three sides, we can't recommend it at this time.
Before changing your baby's diaper, be sure any products you need--diapers, wipes, or the wipe warmer--are within arm's reach and place the diaper pail adjacent to the table. Never leave your baby alone on a changing table--even for a moment, even if you're using the safety straps, and even if you're sure your baby is secure.
SHOPPING SECRETS
Consider storage. Most changing tables have open shelves that make it easy to reach diapers and clothing, either stacked or in decorative wicker baskets, but some have drawers or a combination of drawers and shelves. Having at least one drawer, preferably right under the table, can help you quickly retrieve the supplies you need, though some parents prefer open shelving. A drawer offers an advantage over open shelving because it can hide diaper supplies, which look like a treasure trove to the curious toddler your baby will become before you know it.
Look for barriers on four sides. A traditional changing table is usually surrounded by a restraining barrier made of rails or solid wood. According to the latest American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards, changing tables with a flat surface must have a barrier on all sides, as noted earlier. If only two or three sides are protected instead of four, don't buy it. Changing tables with a contoured changing surface need barriers on only two opposing sides to comply with the latest safety standards.
Go for girth. If you're planning to use a dresser as your changing table, think short and fat, not tall and thin. A dresser that's wider and lower to the ground will be less likely to fall forward when you place your baby on top. If you end up with a taller dresser, mount it to the wall with furniture straps so it won't tip over.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major makers of changing tables and dressers that can be used as changing tables are, in alphabetical order: Ameriwood Furniture (available via www.amazon.com), Angel Line (www.angelline.com), Badger Basket (www.badgerbasket.com), Bellini (www.bellini.com), Child Craft (www.childcraftindustries.com), Da Vinci (can be found online at e-tailers such as www.babyuniverse.com), Delta Enterprise (www.deltaenterprise.com; available at retailers and e-tailers such as www.target.com and www.toysrus.com), Jardine Enterprise (available online at www.toysrus.com), J. Mason (www.jmason.com), Nursery Smart (www.nurserysmart.com), Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com), Relics (www.relicsfurniture.com), Scandinavian Child (www.scichild.com); Sorelle (www.sorrellefurniture.com), Stokke (www.stokke.com), Storkcraft Baby (www.storkcraft.com), and Young America Collection (www.youngamerica.stanleyfurniture.com). Most models have wooden frames, but you may find some made of wicker. A safety belt--a single strap with a wide buckle--is usually included with the changing pad. If there isn't one, buy a changing pad with a safety belt and attach the pad to the table according to the manufacturer's directions.
Changing tables range from $15 to $35 (for a simple changing table pad you attach to a dresser top) to over $1,300 for solid wood models that convert to a flat-top dresser with drawers/enclosed shelving. For $70 to $130, you can buy an adequate changing table with open shelving and possibly one drawer, but quality is a factor. At the low end, parents have reported drawers that stick, changing pads with plastic that cracks in short order, and lesser-quality wood (typically laminated particleboard). Still, tables in this lower price range may be sufficient, depending on your situation. If your baby spends part of the time in daycare, for example, the table may hold up well. You'll probably have to assemble the table yourself, which can be tricky if you're not handy, and the table you select has a drawer that requires installing. At the high end of the price range, changing tables may be custom finished in the paint color of your choice. Drawers, solid-wood construction, and convertibility drive up the price.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before you buy, consider all the furniture you plan for the nursery. You may decide that you don't need a changing table or simply don't have room for one. If you're tight on space or budget, consider using a dresser as a changing table; buy a contoured changing pad with a safety strap and affix it to the dresser, according to the manufacturer's installation directions. If you think you would like a more traditional changing table, try before you buy. Test the table in the store, as if you were changing a baby. If you see a backache in your future because that changing table is too low, try another. Check drawers and cabinets. The operation should be quiet and smooth. The unit should seem sturdy. Look for a changing table with safety straps to help prevent your baby from falling--and use the straps every time you change your baby's diaper. If the table comes with a pad, use only the pad that's provided by the manufacturer. Don't use a changing table that's damaged or broken. Stop using your changing table when your baby reaches the manufacturer's age or weight limit, which is typically age 2, or 30 pounds.
If you buy a cloth changing pad, make sure it has a waterproof layer on the underside, which helps the changing table stay clean and sanitary. Vinyl changing pads can be wiped clean with soap and water. Purchase two or three covers so you can throw one in the wash and have at least one on hand.
MORE TIPPING POINTS: ARMOIRES, BOOK CASES, DRESSERS AND TV STANDS
If there are young children in the house, it's a good idea to attach any potentially unstable furniture to a wall with tip-over straps or restraints, and keep heavy objects like TVs off dressers. This added step is necessary even though ASTM has a tip-over standard for chests, armoires, and dressers, and Underwriters Laboratories has one for TV stands. Childhood injuries and deaths from falling furniture and television sets are a growing problem, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics.
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