With the birth of a child, his parents enthusiastically begin to equip the nursery. They want the baby to be surrounded by comfortable furniture, the most beautiful outfits, bright and useful toys. Modern manufacturers offer so many childcare devices that you can get confused. However, in conditions of limited funds, it is impossible to buy everything. So, you should choose the most necessary. The stroller and the crib are the first major acquisitions of a young family. Their need is non-negotiable. The situation is quite different with the changing table.
- A changing table is an equipped place for caring for newborns. At first glance, you can completely do without it. Any surface (table, bed) is suitable for its role. However, it is necessary to change diapers, change the baby's clothes, do massage, take care of the skin many times during the day. These actions are performed in an awkward position. Each procedure requires a whole set of things (clothes, diapers, baby cosmetics), which have to be distracted, while leaving the child unattended for some time. These actions are capable of exhausting physically and mentally even a strong person. The changing table minimizes the listed inconveniences, thereby making the mother's work as easy as possible.
- A chest of drawers is an alternative to a changing table, originally intended for storing various things, clothes and jewelry. As a piece of furniture, it appeared in Italy 4 centuries ago, since then its popularity has gone up sharply. Soon, wealthy people had a changing chest of drawers - an integral part of many bedrooms for babies. Its purpose has already been somewhat expanded - dressing up babies and storing their things in appropriate boxes.
When choosing a changing chest of drawers, you should carefully examine it. Establish what material it is made of, whether there is a strong odor, protruding parts, roughness, how firmly the side of the changing tabletop is made, whether there is protection against accidental drop-out of the box, whether it stands firmly. Children's chests of drawers are made by many manufacturers, both domestic and foreign. The most expensive and the best are Italian models, since in most cases they are made of wood. However, the modern market also offers products from laminated plastic or chipboard. The main condition for such chests of drawers is non-toxicity and high-quality performance.
Deciding to buy a children's chest of drawers, many will doubt its usefulness when the child grows up. I hasten to please that the structure will still remain in the room, because this product is intended not only for bathing and changing, but also for storing various things. From early childhood, your child will know where his soft toys, blouses, pants are and where to put his socks away. Therefore, it will be an easy task for you to accustom him to order.
By and large, there should be three changing tables. In the bathroom - for using it when bathing, in the nursery - for the necessary procedures and changing clothes, as well as a compact option for regular diaper changes when you are, for example, on the road, in the clinic, in the country. Based on the material capabilities and area of home space, it is important to choose the best option.
The diaper is quite easy to maintain. If a "wet accident" suddenly occurs, then its waterproof coating is very easy to wipe or wash, which cannot be said about the sofa or the parent's bed
How to choose a changing table
The classic changing table is nothing more than a wooden table with high legs. A comfortable waterproof mattress is used as a changing place, which is surrounded by protective bumpers. If there is a shelf under the countertop, the table becomes similar to a shelf. Here you can place diapers, diapers, necessary hygiene items, and so on.
- The open design allows you to efficiently use your mother's workplace. Needless to say, there will be no need to waste time looking for small things, because the contents of the shelves are always in sight. There is no longer any need to perform unnecessary movements (open-close the drawer, move away from the table) in order to remove objects and take them back.
- Wooden shelving tables are quite stable and look elegant. In addition, they fit perfectly into the interior of the room, since it will not be difficult to choose them in color to match your furniture. As the child grows up, the changing table transforms into a toy rack or bookcase. To do this, you just need to remove the mattress.
The Stokke Care transforming table takes the art of transformation a step further. The height of its table top can be adjusted, and the shelves not only change the height level, but hide at all. Depending on the mode of "work", this changing table can become a springboard for games and activities, a school desk, a cabinet-stand for equipment. In addition, it has an interesting design that allows it to be added to the Stokke Sleepi cot. Metal holders used as hangers and removable plastic containers also change the place of installation. True, all these opportunities will have to pay a lot of money. On average, bookcase tables from Ukrainian, Russian and Polish manufacturers can be bought for 200-600 hryvnia. Tables of Italian origin will cost almost twice as much.
The bathroom table copies the main principle of the shelf tables. Since its use is expected in high humidity conditions, it consists of easily washable materials (metal and plastic) that are not afraid of dampness. These changing tables are compact and lightweight. To prevent the product from falling on a wet floor, its wheels are equipped with blockers, and the legs are equipped with anti-slip pads.
Most of the models are equipped with a built-in bath, and therefore can function as a changing table and facilitate the bathing process at the same time. The matching tub is at a comfortable height, so you don't have to bend over to it. The foldable frame allows the product to be stored compactly when not in use.
These changing tables are quite suitable not only for the bathroom, but also for the nursery. In addition, they are affordable for many buyers. A model without a bathtub will cost 300-800 hryvnia. A table with a bath of Ukrainian, Russian or Polish production can be purchased for 400-600 hryvnia. Famous brands Bebe Confort (France), Brevi, Cam (Italy) and others offer their products for 700-1200 hryvnia. They are graceful, comfortable and, as a rule, thought out to the smallest detail models of stylish and bright design.
The changing table does not need to be on the floor. Hanging table Gulliver from IKEA is attached to the wall at the required height and unfolds only as needed. The rest of the time, it leans up, not taking up space and absolutely not interfering with the owners of even compact apartments. To keep baby accessories close by, the wall-mounted diaper is equipped with spacious pockets. For the safety of the child, there are restrictive sides, and for the purpose of easy maintenance, a removable cover for washing and a waterproof cover is provided. The maximum load of 20 kilograms allows you to use the table for a long time, until the baby becomes big for him. It costs from 500 hryvnia
What to consider when choosing a changing chest of drawers
The changing chest of drawers is the heaviest changing unit.Unlike a simple chest of drawers, it has a fenced-in area for changing a baby with a soft, waterproof bedding.
All the comforts of a chest of drawers are obvious. It is very reliable, stable and will last for many years. The combination of cabinets, open shelves, drawers and niches allows you to hide almost all baby dowry (from clothes and bedding to packages of diapers, toys and cosmetics). The included plastic containers allow you to have basic hygiene items ready, such as cream, wet wipes, powder and others.
Giving preference to a chest of drawers for changing, in addition to dimensions, one should take into account the area of the changing place, on which the child can be located either sideways to the mother or with his legs. Of course, narrow dressers are more compact, but handling and dressing a crumb lying across is not entirely handy. For these models, it is desirable to provide a side approach. A wide chest of drawers will take up a lot of space in the room, but it is more spacious and more comfortable. The baby will be spacious on it - there is a supply of space for massage and charging. In addition, it is easier to care for, and face-to-face communication is much more enjoyable. Chests of drawers with a lid that folds out forward become a compromise. With her, the changing place protrudes above the chest of drawers, as a result of which it is more convenient for the mother to stand behind it, not moving away from the baby.
Thanks to the self-orienting castors, the chest of drawers with a tray can be independently transported within the house along the chosen route. If the bathroom can fit a chest of drawers in itself, then it is sent there for the time of bathing. If it is nevertheless decided to bathe the baby in the nursery, for convenience, the chest of drawers can be pushed to the middle of the room to protect the crib and the wall from accidental splashes. If you need to move the chest of drawers in order to clean the floor under it or to get something out, then the wheels will help with this. For the safety of the child, upon arrival at the same place, the wheels are securely fixed with blockers.
The bath is available in two ways.
- Having lifted the lid with the changing mattress, the child is bathed in a bathtub, which is located inside the chest of drawers.
- The second method is more convenient for the bather and safer for the bather himself, since there is no need to lower the lid and lay the diaper with the baby in your arms after bathing. And the table cover is guaranteed not to hit your baby. In the second case, the bathtub is retractable, and you can bathe your baby regardless of the place of changing. After the completion of the water procedures, the child is simply transferred from the bath to the table, where a change of clothes and a diaper are already prepared. There they wipe and dress him without haste.
Of course, the combination of a chest of drawers and a bath is convenient and has many advantages. However, consider possible disadvantages as well. For example, not everyone will enjoy filling a tub with water and then draining it, especially if the bathing procedure is performed in a room. In addition, despite the included hose and drain pipes, you will have to run around with a bucket. Despite the special coating, moisture can cause the wood to lose its attractive appearance.
- Chests of drawers can always be chosen to match the design of your room. Ukrainian chests of drawers cost between 600-1600 hryvnia. Among them there are models that adequately compete with Italian dressers, and some even copy them, while maintaining their attractive price.
- Prices for dressers of Italian brands look like this: Cam, Brevi - 1400-1800 hryvnia, Pali, Mibb - 2000-3000 hryvnia. Chests of drawers from Trama (Portugal) and Bebe Confort (France) can be purchased a little cheaper.
What are good transforming beds
A cot with a swaddler. For some families, this is the best option, because the bed is already equipped with a diaper.
If you buy a transforming bed, then a changing chest of drawers will appear in your house automatically. This product can last up to 8 years depending on the maximum possible sleeping space. For a newborn baby, a changing chest of drawers with a crib is one whole.When the child grows up to 4 years old, the chest of drawers is removed from the bed, thereby increasing the bed, and in the future, both elements are operated separately. Sometimes the chests of drawers in the composition of mutating beds are themselves capable of reincarnation. For example, they can split into a wall shelf and a low bedside table, or even become a writing desk.
Ukrainian transforming beds with changing chests of drawers will cost 1200-1800 hryvnia, Polish ones - about 2000-3000 hryvnia. Italian transformers from Mibb (TENDER and PRIMAVERA models), FOPPAPEDRETTI (Lolly and Pinocchio models), Tati (Oibo and Superbed models) can be purchased for 3600-5600 hryvnia.
Here I will also mention the Simplicity cradle (USA). She is also to some extent a transformer. If necessary, the cradle changes the height level, thanks to the removable board it is used in the bedside version, and without a hood it turns into a changing table with a spacious basket for change of linen. Also, the product is equipped with an electronic filling, which, when a baby cries, automatically turns on a night light, a vibration system for motion sickness or a lullaby melody. Cradle, as a rule, is used for a short period of time (no more than 5-6 months), but this model will serve the baby and mother for at least one year. The cradle costs at least 1000 hryvnia.
There is also a swaddler in many cribs, for example, in "Basinette" from Mothercare (Great Britain), Lullaby from Chicco (Italy), Olek from CORRADO (Poland). It is a folding changing board that has a hygienic coating, retaining belts and safety bumpers. The changing board can only be folded out when needed. After use, it simply leans back, becoming invisible. Moreover, in this position its reverse part is also used - in the «МAXI» model from Hauck (Germany) there is a capacious pocket.
The playpen bed is present in the assortment of many European manufacturers: Brevi, Chicco, Neonato (Italy), Graco and Kolcraft (USA), Mothercare (UK), Bebe Confort (France), Hauck (Germany) and others. They can be bought for 800-1300 hryvnia. Polish folding beds with changing places are much cheaper - from 500 to 800 hryvnia
Changing board: why is it convenient?
The changing board is another popular and practical variation of the changing unit. With a shortage of space in the room, it becomes a good alternative to dressers and tables. Thanks to its rigid base, the changing board can be used anywhere - on a linen chest of drawers, on a table, on a washing machine, and even placed on the sides of a bathtub, baby cot or on a bath stand. On the crib, the wooden base of the board has special grooves to ensure a secure fit. They were made with the expectation that the width of the crib varies from 60 to 70 centimeters. After use, the board can be hidden in the bottom drawer of the crib or in the closet. The product can also be hung on one of the walls - it practically does not take up space. Putting the board in the trunk of the car, you can safely go with your child to your grandmother or to the country house.
The changing board has a waterproof coating that is pleasant to the touch and easy to clean. Polyurethane foam or foam rubber is used as a filler. The padded protective collar keeps the baby on the board and prevents falls. For all its versatility, this product is also one of the most economical options, because the cost of domestic models does not exceed 200 hryvnia.
The Colibri folding board of the Italian manufacturer Ok Baby costs an order of magnitude more (about 400 hryvnia), but it has more options. Firstly, it folds down, as a result of which it is reduced in width by half, and is equipped with a convenient handle for transportation. Secondly, the high sides are both compartments for care products (cleansing wipes, diapers, creams) and for the necessary hygiene accessories. The pockets are securely closed so as not to lose the contents.This model is used both on the table, the sides of the bath, and as a bed changing device
Changing mattress: how practical?
The changing mattress is made on the principle of sports mats. It has a soft padding, waterproof coating, and retaining sides or rollers. However, the mattress does not have a rigid base, and therefore it is used on a dresser or table only as a bedding for dressing a baby. Thanks to the dense padding and the special texture of the material, it holds well under its own weight on the table surface and practically does not slip on it. Such mattresses cost from 60-160 hryvnia.
The Chicco inflatable changing mattress can be used on its own or as an additional changing bed for the bathroom. It is convenient to transport it when traveling with a baby to the country. Due to the fact that the mattress is quickly and easily filled with air, it is also convenient to store it (when folded, the product takes up little space and does not weigh down the luggage at all).
The mattress meets the basic safety requirements - it is soft and elastic, it can be easily washed when dirty, which is important on the way, and an inflatable border insures the child against a possible fall. Convenience is also provided for the mother - she can put the necessary set of accessories for caring for the baby in the pockets available. Inflatable diapers cost no more than 200 hryvnia.
Mat bag features
Bag-mat. When going with a child to a visit or a clinic, you should take into account a possible emergency diaper change. It is for these purposes that the rug bag is intended. When unfolded, it is nothing more than a changing mat, which, after closing the zippers or corresponding buttons, turns into a bag. It can be hung on the handle of a stroller or carried over the shoulder. In the pockets of the bag, the necessary accessories are conveniently located: documents, keys, mobile phone, wallet, napkins, changeable diaper and so on. You can put anything you need on the road directly into the bag, from a baby bottle to your mother's cosmetic bag. The outer part of the bag is made of waterproof material, which is indifferent to weather conditions. Therefore, a mother, walking with a child, can sit on it, putting it, for example, on a cold bench. The inside of the rug bag is pleasant to the touch. If a wet nuisance occurs, it is enough to wash the rug bag. It dries quickly and is ready to serve your family again.
Bag-rug Baxx from the Premaxx trademark (Holland), in addition to its practicality, has a number of good qualities. Seen from the side, it is very similar to a stylish handbag. The process of converting from a round rug to a bag is accomplished by simply tightening the padded shoulder knobs.
However, the rug bag still has one drawback. Having laid it out in a changing mat, you will have to get rid of the contents, so I recommend that you also carry a bag inside. In this regard, a model is more convenient, in which the changing mat has the ability to unfasten and operate regardless of the presence of internal compartments of a backpack or bag.
Bags-rugs made in Ukraine, Russia and Poland can be bought for 80-120 hryvnia (for example, First Years). Bags and backpacks with detachable rugs from Avent (England) and Bebe Confort (France) will cost 400-500 hryvnia. A backpack for mom of a similar design from Babystyle (Russia) costs 1.5 times cheaper.
If, when placing an order, the cost of the goods does not matter, then the changing chest and table can turn out to be a luxurious component of your interior. By giving preference to the brands Tati, Picci, Foppapedretty, Baby Expert (Italy), HPA / Gera (Greece), and by paying for a model from 4000 hryvnia to 2000 US dollars, you will turn your baby's room into a work of art. These are products made of valuable wood species.In addition to excellent quality, they also boast graceful pens, hand-painted and vibrant colors. In a chest of drawers in this price range, the chic of antiquity can be successfully combined with the latest materials and technologies. Metal fittings and artificially "aged" wood create an antique effect. The wood treated in a special way becomes mirror-shiny, while wet cleaning and scratches are not afraid of it. Thanks to the modern technology of applying patterns using a laser, they will not lose their initial brightness and will not wash off over time. Moreover, the drawings (from naturalistic landscapes to fluffy fairy teddy bears), in which each leaf is drawn, by themselves cause admiration and delight in the owner. Of course, a chest of drawers for that kind of money presupposes the presence of a crib and other interior items, similar in design and appearance.
Additional accessories for comfortable baby care
- The shelf restraint prevents the contents from falling. And if it is equipped with a holder for bottles, then bottles, jars and bottles with cosmetics will not tip over even when the table is being transported.
- Hangers, removable plastic trays, hooks for towels, pockets for hygiene accessories, laundry basket - all these thoughtful little things allow you to organize the changing place efficiently and rationally, saving your mother's time and effort.
Selection recommendations
To keep your child safe, choose diapers with protective bumpers, preferably on both sides, to reduce the risk of falls. Some models are equipped with seat belts as an additional measure of protection. They will not allow even especially active babies to fall.
- The changing mattress should not slide on the surface of the table or chest of drawers so that the baby does not slide down to the floor.
- Stability is the most important safety factor for changing tables. Therefore, its legs are "shod" in anti-slip attachments, and the wheels are equipped with blockers. When using the changing tables, the weight limits set by the manufacturer must be taken into account.
I would like to draw your attention to the fact that even with the listed safety measures, the child lying on the changing table cannot be left alone, even for a second.
- The hinged lid of a table or chest of drawers must be very securely fixed in the open position. If it closes spontaneously, it will hit your child lying in the bath.
- Of course, the top shelves attached to the chest of drawers are practical and convenient. Such a chest of drawers is more spacious and does not take up additional space in the room. However, it is not safe to use these shelves for the baby lying below! After all, at any moment something can fall from them. This applies to both hinged shelves and an organizer panel, which is often hung over the table, placing children's accessories in its pockets.
- Drawers at the table and chest of drawers should slide out effortlessly so that parents do not waste energy and are not distracted from the child lying on the diaper. Moreover, the restraints will not allow the drawer to be completely pulled out, therefore, it will not frighten with a roar and will not collapse on the mother's leg.
- The manipulation of the diaper, such as folding, closing and opening drawers and lockers, should be performed as quietly as possible so that it does not wake the sleeping baby.
- Cotton wool, scissors, creams, powder, and other hygiene products should be positioned so that they remain inaccessible to your child.
- It will be more convenient to use a changing chest of drawers or a table if they are selected in height in accordance with the height of the mother.
- The material from which the table is made must be non-toxic, environmentally friendly, not cause an allergic reaction, not have a pungent smell, in a word - safe.
- The larger the swaddling area, the better, as the baby grows very quickly.
And in conclusion I would like to note the following. As practice shows, changing tables are considered redundant by those who did not have them. Having appreciated the convenience, only extreme circumstances can force you to return to the previous method of swaddling.
Note: "How to choose a bath for a newborn"
