Choosing a changing table? Consider these 4 things. - Consumer Reports

Although you might disagree, a changing table isn't a must-have. Technically, you can change a baby just about anywhere she's safe from falling, even the floor, which is the safest place. But since you'll be changing about 2,000-plus diapers in your baby's first year alone, it's sure nice to have one. A changing table can put you at just the right height for diaper duty and help keep supplies like diapers, ointment, baby wipes, and a change of clothes, organized and within easy reach. But what makes one changing table better than another? Here are four important features to keep in mind to help you narrow the field.

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1. Assess the safety strap. The changing table you're considering should have a pad that affixes to the table with a safety strap. Changing pads are also sold separately, but use a pad in a size the changing table manufacturer recommends.

2. Consider storage. Many changing tables have open shelves that make it easy to reach diapers and clothing, either stacked in plain sight or arranged 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 the easy accessibility of open shelving. A drawer offers an advantage over open shelving because it can hide diaper supplies that can be tempting to the curious toddler your baby will become in less time than you think.

3. Look for barriers on four sides. A traditional changing table is usually surrounded by a restraining barrier made of rails or wood sides. According to the latest JPMA/ASTM safety standards, changing tables with a flat changing surface must have a barrier on all sides of the changing surface. If there are only two or three sides of protection instead of four, don't buy it. Changing tables with a contoured changing surface need only have barriers on two opposing sides to comply with the latest safety standards. Still, keep a hand on your baby at all times when he's being changed for added security and always use the changing table or pad's safety straps.

4. Check table height by bending over the table in the store. Changing tables vary in height. Some are as low as 36 inches; others as high as 43 inches. Anti-tip devices (or furniture straps) are a good idea for all. To prevent back pain, you'll want a changing table or dresser that's in proportion to your height. If you're tall, go with a taller table or dresser and secure it to the wall with an anti-tip device to reduce the risk of tipping. If you're short, aim lower. (Tops in our tests: The Parent Units Heavy Duty Topple Stop Furniture Fastening System, $17.95 for two, www.parentunits.com.)

Quick tip: Don't forget changing pad covers. Two or three washable changing pad covers are a good number to have on hand. If you buy a cloth changing pad, make sure it has a waterproof layer on the underside, which helps the changing table stay dry and sanitary. Make sure the covers don't interfere with the pad's straps.

Becoming a parent for the first time is quite a change! So it's perfectly normal to feel a little overwhelmed when shopping for baby items like a changing table. Since you'll be using this piece of furniture several times a day for years to come, you need to choose a changing table that will meet all your needs and those of your family.

To help you in your search, here are the 3 main features to consider when choosing your changing table!

1. The removable frame - a key element

Cotton Candy Changing table with removable rim, drawers, and open storage - Pure White 

Kids grow up fast! That's why pieces of furniture that grow with your child are THE solution to avoid constantly having to make new purchases. Our changing tables with removable frame ensure the safety of your baby, as well as facilitating the transition from nursery to kid’s room. Simply remove the edge and mattress from the top of the table to transform it into a chest of drawers! It's simple and leaves no trace!

At South Shore Furniture, our products are built to last. You can complete your little one's room with a crib or bedside table that matches perfectly. You'll save time and money by reusing some of the furniture!

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Hebei Beizhimeng Children's Products Co., Ltd..

2. Storage by the ton

Cotton Candy 3-Drawer Changing Table - White and Beige

Nurseries are often the smallest rooms in the house. As the family grows, space becomes increasingly limited! For this reason, your changing table isn't just a surface for changing diapers, it's also a hyper-important piece of storage furniture in your baby's room.

Because as we all know, babies need a lot of things in their first months of life: diapers, lotions, powder, clothes, washcloths, wipes and more. To meet your needs (and those of your baby!), there are changing tables available with several types of storage.

Drawers, open storage, baskets: the options are endless

Cotton Candy Changing table with removable rim, drawers, and open storage - Pure White 

Open storage gives you easy access to spare wipes, blankets and pajamas without taking your eyes off baby, while closed storage lets you hide and organize items inside drawers. It's up to you to decide whether you prefer open storage for easy access, or closed storage with products out of sight.

Another option is a changing table with baskets. This original and trendy configuration makes it easy to transport baby toys or any other essentials around the house. You can also select a changing table with open storage and add the baskets of your choice.

3. The right size for your space

Cotton Candy Changing table with removable rim, drawers, and open storage - Pure White and Rustic Oak

The older your baby gets, the more they’ll play on the floor and have fun in their room. To free up as much floor space as possible, choose a changing table that is the optimum size. The size of the changing table is important, as you don't want the room to be crammed. However, if you have a larger surface area, a wider changing table will maximize storage. Some South Shore Furniture changing tables even have an extra space on the surface, for easy storage of your changing essentials. These are all elements that need to be considered to create a place that's both cozy and functional!

When you're ready to shop for your very first changing table, start by defining your needs and assessing the space you must work with. Once you've done that, you'll be able to select the best product for your family.

Whether it's the presence or absence of a removable frame, the different types of storage or the size of the changing table, these 3 features need to be considered to make your daily life easier and to ensure that you never have to move away from the baby during diaper changes.

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