Changing Tables – Are they necessary?

We all know that having a baby is a pretty expensive undertaking, especially when it’s the first baby in the family and you have no hand-me downs and need to get everything brand new.  Of course, friends and family usually want to chip in and buy a present for your new addition to the family and most will ask you what you need, rather than rush out and buy what they like.  However, if this is your first baby, chances are that you won’t know what you need.  All families are different and live different lifestyles, meaning that what you need for your baby will depend on your lifestyle.  We’re taking a look today at whether changing tables are necessary or whether you can make do without one.

Okay, a dedicated changing table is a relatively new item of furniture which may make you think that it’s not essential.  However, if you think about it carefully, it’s a piece of furniture that you will use at least 6 times a day for the next year or so and it really can be a handy piece of kit.

There are two main benefits to using a dedicated changing table for your baby:

1.      You’ll be able to change baby at a height that is comfortable for you.  This is actually a major benefit – changing a baby on a mat on the floor puts a huge strain on the back and the knees.  You’ll be changing baby several times a day, every single day, so that could potentially be putting a lot of stress on your back and knees – a changing table could be a major health benefit here.

2.      Changing tables usually have loads of storage space for nappies, towels, creams, etc – in fact all of your baby’s ‘ablutionary’ requirements, along with a whole load of other things.  This means, not only is your changing table a great place to store stuff, but all the items you need for changing baby will be close at hand, making life so much easier.

Of course, changing tables come in a wide variety of designs and you’ll need to find the one that will best suit your needs.  Changing tables sold in the UK will need to comply with safety legislation, meaning that you can be sure that the table is safe for you and safe for baby.  However, one thing to remember is to never leave baby unattended on the changing table.  However small and helpless your baby is it’s still vital that you watch him at all times.