All about baby changing tables: types, features, rules of use

Each child at a certain age needs special furniture adapted to his characteristics, providing comfortable and safe care. At the first stage of life, infants need baby changing tables.

The name speaks for itself: such a table allows you to perform the procedure for swaddling a baby, in addition, various additional procedures: changing a diaper, changing clothes, massage or gymnastics, hygienic regime moments.

The changing table must have a hard, stable surface. The support may be different and depends on the model. The table can be built into a children's changing chest, or into a crib, or be an independent model and be attached to the wall or to the support frame.

Frameworks can be different in composition, depending on the composition of the main surface. As a rule, metal, wood, plastic are used. The tabletop is usually wooden or plastic, it also contains protective restrictions - flat sides, or rounded rollers.

Also, in certain types of tables, special convenient sections for storing children's supplies are usually provided. It can be drawers, shelves, sections. A changing table usually comes with a waterproof mattress, or it is replaced with a special oilcloth fabric on a soft basis.

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Baby changing tables: types and features

The changing table can be stationary or portable, collapsible or solid, can be included in other furniture (crib, chest of drawers). According to the distinctive features of the appearance and the constituent details, the tables can be divided into the following types: classic, collapsible, transformable, children's changing table-chest of drawers, tables with whatnots and changing tables for the bathroom.

Collapsible table

“Such children's changing tables can be taken on a trip”

By the way it works, it resembles an ironing board. It is a metal frame with sliding stands that are fixed at a certain height. A swaddling 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).

There is also an application in the form of a tray located under the changing surface.

This option will be a reliable assistant in a small apartment so that the table can be moved to another convenient place. Such 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 ​​\u200b\u200bsections for baby accessories, as well as the insufficient reliability of folding legs.

Console table

This model is attached directly to the wall. In non-working form, it is completely pressed against the wall. If necessary, the changing board is placed in the working position. Under it there is usually a small rack for the most necessary children's things.

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.

Changing board

This board looks like a table top. Along the edges of the board there are bumpers, 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 parent's bed. The main thing is to create a solid foundation for the baby.

Changing mat

Such a device looks like an ordinary rug, it consists of a soft elastic mattress, covered with oilcloth material on top. Such a mat is very convenient because it can be used on any flat and smooth surface: a table, a washing machine, a chest of drawers.

Now there are rugs that transform into a bag, such a device can be taken with you anywhere, for example, to a hospital or guests. For forced "marching" conditions, this is a great option for mom and baby.

Removable bath changing board

This model is not particularly popular in the children's goods market, but it can be easily ordered via the Internet. It is a changing base with a stand and a small bath. These two items are attached directly to the large tub. But such a changing board has drawbacks, in particular, the child grows out of a small bath in just two months.

Non-portable baby changing tables

If we talk about the types of a stationary non-portable changing table, you need to decide in advance on the place of its stay so that it fits freely in the room and fits the interior:

• Table with shelf. This type of table has additional shelves that form retractable tiers. Such tables are made of wood, plastic of good quality. Wooden tables look prettier, but differ significantly in price. Plastic tables, on the other hand, resemble collapsible changing tables, but are more stable, plus the model can be equipped with wheels.

• 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 clothes. The base - a changing board - is attached directly from above, 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 be the subject of a 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.

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Using a changer in the bathroom

If the bathroom in the house is spacious, then you can easily place a changing pad 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 table, or use a combined model - a table with an attached bath.

This device is really convenient, because the first days of life, months, the baby very often needs water hygiene procedures. In addition to the obligatory evening full-fledged bathing, daily routine washing, 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 a washing machine.

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Changing chests

The children's changing chest is recognized as the most convenient and multifunctional model for swaddling. In terms of volume, it is quite large and requires considerable 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.

Basically, dressers do not differ in special characteristics from each other. They have pull-out drawers, and the changing board is attached from above. It is easily removed, and when the baby does not need a changing table, there is just a chest of drawers for children's things. The material for the manufacture is wood, or more economical options for wood materials.

The difference is, of course, the color and texture of the dresser. 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.

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Features of the material in the manufacture of changing tables

The main rule in the manufacture of any children's furniture is durability, reliability and safety. The best and most suitable materials for children's changing tables are wood or wood boards of good quality. It is safe to use. Depending on the model of the changing table, metal and plastic are also used, there is nothing to worry about, the main thing is to choose a good manufacturer, check the fasteners and reliability. All auxiliary substances for children's furniture, especially changing tables, must be safe: non-toxic varnishes and environmentally friendly mixtures are used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The first furniture of 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 birth of the child, 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 choose, which model will fit the size of your apartment, where the table will stand, so that you are most comfortable caring for your baby.

You can also place the essentials on the table, because when you return from the 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 is the changing table no longer needed? It depends on the characteristics of the child and the chosen model. If this is just a changing board attached to the bed, then due to its size and instability, after 5-6 months it is no longer used.If this is a children's changing chest with a strong base of large sizes, then the changing base can last up to 8-12 months.

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Baby care in the first years of life: is a changing table necessary?

"Children's changing table is convenient to use"

Many young mothers may wonder - is a swaddling device really necessary if it is only used for 6-8 months, the budget is limited, and the means for baby care and comfort are not limited to just one table? ..

First, 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 in the first days consists of the route bed - changing table - crib - bathroom. Therefore, the question arises - where to swaddle a child and do the necessary hygiene procedures? The parent's bed is still an adult space, and it is not always possible to maintain the necessary level of hygiene. Besides, it's unsafe.

Secondly, and most importantly, the changing base is necessary for the correct formation of the baby's spine (posture and head). Also, it may not be very comfortable for the mother to bend over the baby so low after childbirth.

If it is not possible to purchase an expensive and long-term model, you can pick up a dense, hard, smooth board and install it on the baby's bed, from above. Only in this case, you can’t move a single step away from the child - after all, there is no protection (sides) in such a home-made device.

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Optimal changing table size

The child must fit completely (with head and legs) on the table. Such furniture can be bought for growth. Look for a model that will serve you longer.
If the changing table involves the location of the pelanal surface on the 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 clamps. You also need to pay attention to the changing board, its length. For children up to six months, the length should be up to 70 cm. For children older (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)

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Criteria for choosing baby changing tables

Each parent chooses the model independently, taking into account the parameters of the apartment and the 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;

• the ratio of dimensions (large surface width is the best option if space allows);

• the safety of the material used, the content of natural ecological elements in the composition, ensuring easy care, no slip.
  protecting the baby (we are talking about protective boards that prevent the baby from falling while on the tables, when it rolls);

• the functionality of the components (equipping with additional shelves and drawers for storing children's things);

• the functioning of the elements (after purchase, it is necessary to check all fastening and convertible fasteners in order to avoid uncontrolled unwanted moments.

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Changing table equipment

When equipping children's 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.

On shelves, drawers, that is, directly near the place of swaddling, diapers, baby creams and oils, baby powder, napkins, and essentials are placed. The correct and neat order of things guarantees time savings and comfortable organization of baby care.

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Safety rules for using the changing table

• it is necessary to have bumpers (high) to prevent the baby from falling;
  the mattress (blanket) on the table surface should not slip;

• early arrangement of all hygiene products in sufficient proximity to the table so that the baby is not left alone, however, all products should be at a distance from the child;

• if the model is equipped with wheels, then it is imperative to check the fasteners and locking devices;

• when using a wall-mounted changing board, you need to carefully check the fasteners, if the baby's weight exceeds normal, it is not recommended to use this type of table;

• when using children's changing tables in the bathroom (changers), all fasteners must be checked to avoid their involuntary actuation, and the surfaces must not slip;

• there are electric heated children's mattresses - if you decide to purchase one, be extremely careful - study the instructions for the model very carefully, watch the integrity of the cord, avoid moisture, check the integrity of the cover.

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Conclusion

Summarizing, we can say the following: baby changing tables are necessary in everyday life, they provide not only a convenient and comfortable life for parents, but also support the well-being and health of the baby in optimal shape. How to choose a suitable model - it is enough to evaluate your wishes for the interior of the apartment, the size of the space, and financial capabilities. If, for example, you just made repairs or equipped a full-fledged children's room, you can safely purchase a suitable baby changing chest. If you are renting an apartment, or saving space, or planning a renovation, then a changing board or a functional folding table will do.
Many young parents are very worried about every detail of the children's interior, they think how the presence of a new little man in their usual folded world will be reflected, this is a very important psychological stage. I want to think about everything, take everything into account. In fact, it is not so important what kind of baby changing tables will be. It is important that they are comfortable, reliable, safe, make your life easier and protect your child in a new world for him. But the baby does not need very much, and sometimes the best expensive models are replaced by an ordinary model that is not inferior in quality and reliability. The child will not be able to evaluate either the model of furniture that surrounds him, or its price. The main thing for him is the attention of his parents and their care.

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Photo gallery - changing tables

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