Preparing For Baby Changing Stations
There are so many things to keep track of when a woman is pregnant that it’s hard to keep track of everything that needs to get done, purchased and arranged for. As far as shopping goes, you know that you need a crib, toys, diapers, baby clothes etc. but you may not have put a lot of thought into baby changing stations. If you’ve never had a baby before you may be thinking that they are all the same – a simple table for changing diapers. There are, however, differences between the stations that make one stand out over another.
Most of the standard change tables have a mattress at the top that is completely waterproof and shelves underneath. These shelves conveniently hold all the baby essentials that may be needed during a change. There are, however, other styles of tables that you can choose from that may better fit into the decor of the nursery.
Combo crib and change station
Some manufacturers make baby changing stations that are an exact match to a crib they sell. They are made of the same wood as the crib and are stained the same color. These stations can be set right beside the crib since both pieces of furniture seem to appear as one when put together. The changing table is pretty much as tall as the crib, which makes things a lot easier when your baby is crying in the middle of the night and you need to make a quick change before the feeding starts.
Changing stations with cabinets
If you want to keep your baby essentials hidden from view you can opt for one of these types of stations that have drawers instead of shelves. While these stations may be more aesthetically pleasing, the drawback is you may have to be fumbling with drawers while your infant is fussing for a change.
Baby changing tables can be made from a lot of different materials like wood, metal or polyethylene. It is a personal choice which one you choose based on the look of the nursery and price you can afford.
Safety factors
When you’re looking for a baby station make sure that you find one with a security strap to tie around the baby during the diaper change. Although the changing area may look secure and it may seem that there is really no need to tie up the baby, it’s amazing how fast an accident can happen. Babies seemed to wiggle and jiggle in all sorts of fascinating ways and all it takes is one wrong move and the baby can end up on the floor.
When it comes to safety for babies, you can never make a wrong call by choosing the safest option available.
Many parents won’t even completely trust this strap and tend to hold one hand over the baby while reaching for supplies underneath. For these cautious parents, stations with shelves instead of drawers are a better option. It is much easier to grab a diaper, baby wipes and a towel from a shelf with one hand than it is to have to maneuver to open a drawer and pull out all of these accessories.
Most parents don’t put a lot of thought into baby changing stations and just include it as an add-on when purchasing baby furniture. It is a good idea, however, to put some serious thought into it ahead of time since it is going to be one of the most used pieces of furniture in the nursery and in your whole home once the baby arrives!
