How to Pick the Perfect Changing Table

After the crib, most parents turn their attention to picking out a changing table. There are more styles available today than ever before, so it’s easy to select a functional, attractive changing table for your nursery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baskets or tubs
• Supply organizer

1. Decide on a style. You probably have a theme or style in mind for your nursery, and it’s important that your changing table fit into that. But you also have to decide on the type of table you want: a traditional, freestanding changing table or one that doubles as a dresser.
2. Check out the safety and comfort features. Safety straps, guardrails and solid construction: those are the 3 must-haves for traditional changers. Don’t forget to pick a table that’s at a comfortable height for both you and your spouse.
3. Look into accessories. It’s typically accessories that turn an ordinary changing table into a functional element of the nursery. If you have open shelves below the changer, consider matching baskets or tubs to organize your supplies. And if your table doesn’t have a built-in organizer, you can purchase an organizer that attaches to the end of the table to keep diapers, wipes and creams within easy reach.
4. Determine your comfort with construction. All things being equal, select a changing table that comes fully--or mostly--assembled. It’s usually safer for baby if the manufacturer assembles it and definitely more convenient for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Some parents opt not to purchase a changing table on the grounds that it won’t be used for more than a couple of years. Those can be some very long years, however, if all of your diaper changes are on the floor. Think it over carefully.
• If space is at a premium in your child’s room, look into dresser-style changing tables. These are essentially just dressers with a changing tray on top that is completely removable later.
• Changing table pads come in several different shapes now. If you have a traditional changing table with guardrails, you can use a flat or contoured pad. But if you have a dresser-style table, you need a contoured pad at the very least—and preferably a 4-sided pad for added safety.
• Remember to send in the product registration card that comes with your table. That allows the manufacturer to contact you in case of a recall.
• Sales people may try to tell you that a higher-end product is safer. But if you’re purchasing a new, American-made table, you can rest easy that manufacturers must adhere to strict safety standards.