The changing table belongs to the category of comfortable and functional furniture for parents of a newborn baby. In the mother of the baby, the body has not yet recovered after childbirth and the back often hurts. Therefore, changing a diaper, performing hygienic procedures and massage is easier on a raised surface to a comfortable level than on a bed.
However, the question often arises of the appropriateness of the purchase, because the child will grow up quickly, and the need for such furniture will disappear. At the same time, the experience of grandmothers who raised children without any additional devices is often mentioned. But to perform everyday routines for caring for a baby is much easier in a specially designated place.
The validity of the purchase is justified by the fact that after the child is older, the baby changing table can be transformed into a useful element of furniture.
General characteristics of the subject
A changing table is a piece of furniture designed to care for a baby. Its design allows you to effortlessly dress the baby, change the diaper, carry out hygiene procedures, as well as do massage.
For the convenience of the mother and the safety of the child, the table should have a solid and even surface of sufficient size. Must have sides. A stationary frame can serve as a support, but there are varieties with folding legs. On sale you can find models where the base is a chest of drawers, a bed or a wall.
Design Features
A changing table for newborns can be represented by a variety of models. You can choose the whole option or collapsible. According to the features of appearance and components, all tables can be conditionally divided into types:
- Classic.
- Transformers
- Collapsible.
- Tables combined with a bath.
- Dresser table.
- Little table with whatnot.
Collapsible table option
Convenient for small apartments and on trips. The type of device is similar to an ironing board. The frame can be made of wood or metal. The coasters can be fixed at the required height, and on top is the base on which to place the child.
Depending on the model, such a changing table may have containers for necessary accessories on the side, and one shelf for clothes on the bottom. Perhaps an additional application in the form of a small bath, which is located under the base.
A similar option is indispensable in a small apartment. It can be moved to the required place, used for swimming and folded compactly after all procedures. Often, such a design is taken on a trip if the trip is supposed to be done on your own car.
However, a folding changing table has its drawbacks. Unscrupulous manufacturers equip products with unstable legs. In addition, the surface for the child is too small, and there is not enough space for children's accessories.
Wall model
This design is installed directly in the wall and in a non-working state forms a single whole with it. In order for the product to take a working form, it is necessary to fold the work plane. Inside, often there are several shelves for children's accessories.
The advantage of such tables in compactness. They are comfortable and do not take up extra space at a time when not in use. There are no special disadvantages if the design is securely fixed. But some lack additional space for things, and the surface is not wide enough.
Changing board
It is a wide base with sides on three or four sides. For a small room - the most acceptable option, practically does not take up space and is installed in any convenient corner. Often parents place a board across the crib.
However, such an instance has significant drawbacks. For ease of use, it is necessary to have a place where you can install the board, and the height should correspond to the growth of the mother.
Changing board with bath
The model is often advertised on various Internet resources. It is a baby bath with fixtures and a base for changing. Pretty convenient thing, but having a serious drawback. The bath is delivered small, and the baby grows out of it literally in two to three months.
Table with whatnot
If the area of the apartment allows, it is better to purchase a stationary model. The changing table with a whatnot is a design in the form of an open chest of drawers with pull-out shelves. Furniture can be made of natural wood, but there are also high-quality plastic options.
Wooden ones look solid, very beautiful, but cost significantly more. Plastic samples are durable, comfortable and less expensive.
Changing chest
Children's chest of drawers with a changing table is the most popular and convenient with constant use. The product looks like a regular chest of drawers of slightly reduced size. The base is attached from above, which serves to lay the baby. It must have protective sides.
The sample is functional, convenient and can be used after the child is older. It is enough to remove the changing table, and there will remain a piece of furniture intended for children's things and toys.
A chest of drawers with a changing table is most often made of wood. Therefore, it is stable and reliable in operation. But the price for them is significantly different from ordinary dressers, although they are smaller in size. In addition, a certain space is required for installation, and it is problematic to transfer the table.
Bathroom changer
In the case when the bathroom is of appropriate size, it is more convenient to place the device for caring for the baby there. This will add comfort, and all necessary hygiene items will be located in one place. Moreover, in the bathroom you can place a stationary version or folding. It all depends on the available free space.
It is especially convenient to use the combined option when the changing mat is on the same design as the baby bath. Toddlers often need water treatments. They are washed after changing the diaper, bathed daily, so the location of all things in one place makes life easier.
Even if the conditions do not allow placing the pelenator, then you can install a special board on the washing machine.
Built-in changing diapers
Such devices are built into baby cots-transformers. Such a product is multifunctional and, in addition to a berth, is equipped with a chest of drawers and a board for the baby. Subsequently, the design unfolds, and it turns out a full bed and a separate chest of drawers.
A changing surface is used as a working surface for drawing or folding puzzles. The transforming cot with a changing table is the most versatile, can be used for more than one year and will allow you to store all the baby's things in one place.
Similar models are very popular. After purchasing one set of furniture, there is no need later to buy a large bed. You just need to remove the chest of drawers and remove the protective rails.
Criterias of choice
The review shows that the selection of changing tables is quite diverse. There are compact models and quite overall. The choice is influenced by many factors, so you need to take note of the following conditions:
- Base dimensions. The bigger it is, the better. Children grow up very quickly and may simply not fit in the compact version. If the table is planned to be used up to a year, then the base should be at least 95 cm wide. For children up to six months, 65 cm is enough. Height is the most significant indicator. If it is regulated, then this is the best option. Otherwise, the mother should not bend much, or reach up.
- Board material. In this case, safety is important, so the best choice would be wood or high impact plastic. You can purchase furniture from MDF and even chipboard. The main thing is that the seller can provide a certificate of conformity and that there is no unpleasant smell from the product. If the table comes complete with a mattress, then it should have water-repellent properties.
- Places for storage. It is very convenient when shelves or drawers are provided for the necessary accessories. In this case, the most comfortable is a cot with a changing table. Everything here is compact and in place. When choosing it is worth paying attention to the free rolling out of boxes.
- Sustainability. Already in the store you can check the design for this parameter. If she sways from any touch, it is better to refuse to buy. If this is a leg-mounted structure, then special pads are required. If wheels are provided, brakes for them will be a pleasant bonus.
- Beads. It is necessary to pay attention to the sides. For the safety of the baby, they should be around the entire perimeter and be at least 5 cm high.
- Appearance. Of course, additional elements, carvings and installation greatly decorate the furniture. But in this case, it is better to abandon excessive pretentiousness and choose a simpler model. All additional elements will add problems to the cleaning, dirt will accumulate there, which is difficult to remove. In addition, if you plan to use the design for a long time, then too “childish” design will not work.
Conclusion
Changing table, photo clearly demonstrates this, greatly facilitates the life of a young mother. Modern samples allow you to install it even in a small space or use it not only for its intended purpose.
If the kit does not include a mattress, then you can replace it with a folded blanket by placing a hygienic oilcloth and diaper on top. Often a child hits high sides, in this case it is recommended to purchase special protective pads.