The changing table is the place where your baby gets their diaper and clothes changed. The changing table is a workstation, but changing time is also cozy time. It is the time when you have ample opportunity to bond with your child – both through eye contact, physical contact, and babbling from both sides. However, since diapers are changed more than 5000 times in the first 3 years, the changing table also needs to be a workstation. It should be the right height, equipped with the right things, and placed in the right spot.
Here, we provide you with some inspiration on how to make the changing table good and changing time quality time – for both you and your child.
Location of the changing table
The changing table can be set up in several different places. Some choose to set it up in the child's room, because there is space. Others set it up in the bathroom, because there is easy access to running water. And others again set the changing table up in their own bedroom, because it is closer to themselves and their baby when they sleep.
We cannot provide you with the perfect solution, because the perfect solution largely depends on you, your home, your limitations, and your needs.
The advantages of setting up the changing table in the child's room are that there is usually better space. A changing table with accessories requires some space because you need easy and quick access to a lot of things. At the same time, you should be able to reach everything with one hand, because the other should be on the baby's tummy, so they don't roll around too much.
By setting up the changing table in the bathroom, you gain the advantages that there is usually a higher temperature than in the bedroom, and that there is easy access to lukewarm water. And water is needed, no matter where you are. In places where you do not have easy access to water, it is a good idea to have some lukewarm water standing in a thermos.
There is also an advantage in having the changing table in your bedroom. You do not have to move so far, and there is also often space for the changing table. However, this requires that your sleeping partner is not disturbed by changing sounds and 'aromas'.
Changing furniture – changing table, changing dresser, or similar
The changing table can be set up on a dresser, on a wall-mounted changing table, on a kitchen, utility, or bathroom table, or a dedicated changing station.
The most important thing is that you have some storage close by, and that your baby lies comfortably on a changing pad, which should preferably have a contour so it is harder to roll around. A head/foot basin is also really good if you do not have direct access to running water at the changing table.
A changing table that stands on the floor should always be completely stable without wobbling, and a wall-mounted changing table should not be able to move anywhere in the same way. As previously mentioned, changing time is a great opportunity to bond with your child, and it is difficult if the little one feels neither safe nor secure – and the same goes if you as a parent do not feel the necessary security during the changing.
For your own backs' sake, we hope that you also consider the height of the changing area. A single incorrect lift or wrong standing position rarely makes a big difference, but some days your baby will need to be changed over 10 times, and if you lift or stand incorrectly 10 times a day, you can end up with a bad back. A good changing area is therefore also good for you as parents.
READ ALSO: Create the coziest changing area
Storage
Storage is particularly important at the changing area because you do not have the opportunity to move around while changing your baby. Therefore, items such as diapers, diaper bin (and possibly. diaper bags/refills), wipes, water, powder, change of clothes, creams, nail scissors, cotton swabs, and similar should be right at hand – and that can take up some space.
When your child gets a little older and more restless, it can also be good to have a simple piece of baby toy lying nearby so there is something to play with if the little one gets bored during the diaper change. A mobile for the baby over the changing area can have the same entertaining effect.
Checklist for the changing area
At your home, you decide whether the changing area should contain everything for your baby or if it should only be used for, for example, diaper changes. We have gathered some inspiration for the content of the changing area, which includes both the things the space should have, but also items that make changing time easier and better for both you and your baby.
The basic items:
- Changing table (of course)
- Changing pad
- Diapers
- Diaper bin and possibly. diaper bags
- Water, either running or in a thermos
- Washcloths (disposable or soft cotton cloths)
- Soft towels
- Baby soap and ointment
- Clean clothes
For the well-equipped changing area:
- Wet wipes
- Baby powder
- Creams
- Washing basin (Head-/tail basin)
- Toys, comfort blanket and/or teething ring
- A baby mobile over the changing area
- Pacifiers
- Comb
- Cotton swabs
- Breast pump
- Nail clippers / nail scissors
- Nasal aspirator
- Thermometer
- Light for the changing table
