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Different Types of Changing Tables

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The best type of changing for you will be safe, sturdy and practical. Look for a changing table that is waist-high and offers a lot of storage for your diapers, wipes, creams and changing pads.

There are a few different styles of changing tables to choose from:

• Open-Shelf Changing Table: The open-shelf changing table has a surface for changing baby on top, guardrails for safety around the changing area and shelves or drawers for storage below. The baby lies sideways during changes on this type of table. This is the most common type of changing table.

• Dresser: A dresser that is waist-high can also serve as a changing table, as long as some modifications are made. For instance, guardrails should be installed and the pad on the changing surface should be slip-proof. Dressers offer the convenience of drawers and area space on top for ample storage of baby’s clothes and other needs. This can help save space and prevent parents from having to buy two separate pieces of furniture. The baby lies sideways on this type of changing table as well.

• Flip-Top Changing Table: A flip-top changing table provides a very large changing surface for baby. These sturdy dressers that have a fold-out top allow baby to lie front-to-back during changes. If baby rolls at all during changes, the surface area is large enough for the baby to not fall off. Again, this piece of furniture can transition with your child as he gets older, because the fold-out top can be removed and the dresser can continue to be used.

As a note of warning on flip-top changing tables, some of these models may not be as sturdy as they appear. Reports in The Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Furniture have stated that when a baby is placed too close to the outer edge, his weight can cause the entire dresser to topple over.

• Other Alternatives: Some parents simply don’t have the space or money to buy a changing table for their nursery. If this is the case, there are other options for changing space that work just as well.

o Some parents like to put a twin bed in their nursery as a space for sleeping between baby’s late night feedings. As long as you do not take your eyes off of baby, the middle of the bed would be a suitable space for changing diapers until the baby is too big for the surface area.

o Many people purchase play yards that can come equipped with a removable changing station that effectively serves their purpose.

o Although definitely not as comfortable, the nursery floor can be used to change diapers without posing the threat of rolling off a higher surface. Just be sure your floor is clean before exposing baby!

Next Page: Changing Table Safety Precautions

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