Baby furniture and supplies become expensive when you are outfitting your nursery for your infant's arrival. Changing tables, while handy, are not necessities; you can change your baby's diaper on any flat surface like a bed, a table or a dresser. According to Consumer Reports, manufacturers can't sell changing tables without any sides on them; safety standards require at least two opposing sides to be equipped with raised edges. If you've got an older changing table dresser with no sides, you can still use it, but take precautions to keep your child safe.
Step 1
Use a lower, wider changing table dresser as a place to dress your baby and change diapers, instead of a taller, more narrow piece of furniture. Aside from the relative ease of being able to reach your child more easily on a lower surface, Consumer Reports explains that a wider piece of furniture can withstand your baby's weight better without tipping over.
Step 2
Attach a piece of non-slip drawer liner to the top of the dresser before you place the changing pad or blanket on top. The non-slip, spongy material, which is available at mass merchandisers, kitchen stores and most likely your local supermarket, keeps the padding securely fastened to the changing table surface. Your baby and diapering accessories will stay in place without slipping off of the open sides.
Step 3
Keep your diapering supplies on top of the changing table dresser to be sure you have everything you need at your fingertips. Use small storage baskets as organizational tools. This can be especially helpful if your dresser is not being used exclusively as a changing table; you can move the baskets to another location for diaper changes if needed.
Step 4
Stay with your baby at all times while you are using an open-sided changing table dresser. The March of Dimes stresses the importance of not leaving your baby unattended, but this safety measure is crucial for parents whose changing areas do not include barriers that can prevent a baby from falling off the edge. If you have to reach up or lean down to grab a diaper or another item, place your hand on your baby's torso to prevent him from rolling off the table.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your baby even safer on a changing table that doesn't have sides by strapping him in while changing his diaper. Consumer Reports suggests for an added level of protection purchasing a changing pad that includes a restraint harness similar to that found on a car seat or stroller. Pads with raised edges can also discourage your baby from sliding off the table.
Things You'll Need
- Non-slip drawer liners
- Changing pad or blanket
- Storage baskets
- Diapering supplies
