As a new parent, one item you might purchase to make your life easier is a changing table. It’s a convenient and safe place to change your baby’s diapers and clothes, and it can also offer extra storage space for baby essentials. However, as your child grows and becomes more active, you may begin to wonder when to stop using changing table.
It is important to stop using the changing table when your baby outgrows it. First, It can become a safety hazard as babies become more active and mobile. They can wiggle or roll off the table, potentially causing serious injuries. Secondly, as your child grows, they may become too big or heavy for the changing table to support them safely. Continuing to use a changing table beyond its weight limit can lead to structural damage and compromise its safety. Also, once your child is able to stand and walk on their own, they may view the changing table as a tempting spot to climb or play, which can also increase the risk of falls and injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize when it’s time to transition away from the changing table to ensure the safety of your growing child.
In this blog post, we will explore when it’s appropriate to stop using a changing table and what alternatives you can consider.
What Is a Changing Table?
A changing table is a piece of furniture designed for changing a baby’s diapers and clothes. It typically features a flat surface with raised sides to prevent the baby from rolling off, and may also have built-in storage for diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials. A changing table can be a helpful addition to a baby’s room, providing a safe and comfortable spot for diaper changes while also offering extra storage space for baby supplies. Using a changing table can also provide an advantage for a parent’s back by reducing the strain and discomfort associated with bending over or kneeling on the floor to change a baby’s diaper. With a changing table, parents can change their baby’s diaper while standing at a comfortable height.
Do You Need a Changing Table?
While a changing table can be a convenient and helpful addition to a baby’s room, it is not necessarily a must-have item. It is possible to change a baby’s diaper on a bed, couch, or even on the floor with a changing pad or blanket to provide a clean and safe surface. However, using a changing table can offer several advantages. It provides a designated and organized spot for diaper changes, which can make the process more efficient and less messy. Additionally, the raised sides of a changing table can offer a safer environment for changing a squirming baby, reducing the risk of falls or injuries. A changing table can also help reduce parents’ back strain and discomfort since you can change a baby’s diaper while standing at a comfortable height. Ultimately, whether or not a changing table is necessary depends on individual preferences, budget, and space constraints.
Safety Tips When Using a Changing Table
When using a changing table, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the safety of your baby. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always keep one hand on your baby: Babies can be unpredictable, and even a small wiggle can cause them to roll off the table. Keep one hand on your baby at all times to prevent falls.
- Use the safety strap: Most changing tables come with a safety strap that can be fastened around your baby’s waist to keep them securely in place.
- Keep supplies within reach: Never leave your baby unattended on the changing table, even for a moment. Keep all necessary supplies within arm’s reach to avoid having to step away.
- Check weight limits: Make sure that your changing table can safely support your baby’s weight. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight limits and age restrictions.
- Keep the area clean: Always use a clean and dry changing pad or cover on the changing table. Wipe down the surface with a disinfectant after each use to prevent the spread of germs.
- Secure the changing table: Make sure that the changing table is securely anchored to the wall or floor to prevent it from tipping over.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your baby stays safe and secure during diaper changes.
So When To Stop Using Changing Table?
There are several things to consider when deciding if you should stop using the changing table with your baby:
- Your baby’s age and development: As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, the risk of falls and injuries from a changing table increases. Once your baby can roll over or sit up unassisted, it may be time to transition to other changing methods.
- The weight limit of the changing table: Make sure that the changing table can safely support your growing baby’s weight. If your baby is approaching the weight limit of the changing table, it may be time to transition to a lower surface.
- Your baby’s size and comfort: If your baby has outgrown the changing table, they may feel uncomfortable or cramped on the small surface. Moving to a larger surface, such as a bed or the floor, may be more comfortable for your growing baby.
- Your living situation and space constraints: If you have limited space in your home, you may need to consider alternative changing methods once your baby has outgrown the changing table.
- Your personal preferences and needs: Ultimately, the decision to stop using a changing table should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Consider what will work best for you and your baby in terms of safety, convenience, and comfort.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can determine when it’s best to stop using a changing table and transition to other changing methods that work best for you and your baby.
Personally, we stopped using the changing table with our son pretty early on at 7 months. He started rolling and loved doing it during diaper changes on the changing table. We were starting to feel uneasy with each diaper change as we weren’t able to keep him down no matter what we did. If only one person is changing my son, both our hands are needed to change a diaper so there was no way we could keep a secure hold on him while he’s moving constantly. Even with two people changing, it was impossible trying to hold my wiggly son down and he did not like being restricted from moving! Changing diapers became long and stressful and we were becoming very concerned with our son’s safety and the risk of him falling with his mobility. Ultimately, we prioritized our son’s comfort and safety so decided it was time to transition out of the changing table!
What do you do when your baby outgrows the changing table?
When your baby outgrows the changing table, there are several options for transitioning to other changing methods:
Use a changing pad or towel on a soft flat surface (couch/sofa/bed)
If you have a portable changing pad, you can use it on a soft flat surface such as the couch, sofa or bed. When you change your baby on a soft flat setting, they can still roll but have less of a risk of falling from too high of a platform, such as a changing table.
You don’t have to purchase anything new as your home likely already has furniture that can double as a changing surface.
To keep changing supplies conveniently within reach, I recommend using a diaper caddy to store all your diapers, diaper wipes, creams etc.
I would note that there is still a safety risk with changing your baby on a sofa or bed as if your baby rolls off, they can fall onto the floor and hurt themselves. It’s best to keep your hand on your baby during changes and never leave them out of sight, even for a moment
Use a changing pad on the floor
If you have a portable changing pad, you can also just use it on the floor for the safest diaper changes. When you change your baby on the floor, they can roll and have no risk of falling off from height, such as a changing table, sofa or bed.
You also have lots of surface area to place your changing supplies and tackle those extra wiggly babies. Again, I recommend using a diaper caddy to store all your diapers, diaper wipes, diaper rash creams etc. to keep everything in one place and for easy access.
The best part, the floor is free! I would just recommend a softer surface like a rugged or carpeted area as hardwood floors can still pose a risk if the baby moves abruptly and can hurt themselves.
The only downside is too much surface area means the baby can let loose and run/crawl away from diaper changes too easily!
Consider potty training (if they are ready)
If your child is at least 18 months and shows signs of readiness for using a potty, you can try potty training them and skip those dreadful diaper changes! Unfortunately, I don’t have experience with this yet as my son is still too young to use the toilet.
Ultimately, the method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and needs. The most important thing is to ensure your baby’s safety during diaper changes by using a secure and comfortable surface and always keeping a hand on your baby.
Personally, after our son outgrew the changing table (that was a changing pad on top of our dresser), we transitioned to changing him on the floor or the spare twin bed we have in his nursery room. We felt a lot safer with the extra surface area for my son to roll around on and with less of a height risk if he was to roll off the bed (which has never happened). The only disadvantage of using the changing table is that it does strain our back a little as we’re bending over during diaper and clothes changes but it’s temporary so it’s not too bad!
Changing Table Alternative Recommendations:
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A wipeable and portable changing pad is essential to keep your surfaces clean and any accidents easily 
Another cute wipeable portable pad for easy and convenient changes on any surface
A portable diaper caddy is highly recommended to keep your changing supplies organized and conveniently within reach for changes anywhere in the house
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of a changing table?
While changing tables can be a convenient and useful tool for parents, they do have some potential disadvantages, including:
- Limited use: Changing tables are typically only used for a short period of time while your baby is still in diapers, so they may not be a cost-effective investment for some families.
- Space requirements: Changing tables can be bulky and take up a significant amount of space in a nursery or other room. This can be a challenge for families with limited space.
- Safety concerns: Elevated surfaces like changing tables can pose a fall risk for babies who are able to roll over or crawl, and may require additional safety measures such as safety straps or guardrails.
- Inconvenient for on-the-go diaper changes: Changing tables are not portable, so they may not be the most convenient option for diaper changes when you are away from home.
- Lack of versatility: Changing tables are designed specifically for diaper changes, and may not serve other purposes in your home. This may not be ideal for families looking for multi-functional furniture.
Do toddlers need a changing table?
Most toddlers no longer need a changing table as they are too mobile with crawling and walking, and eventually, they are able to use the toilet or a potty chair for their bathroom needs. However, some parents may choose to continue using a changing table for their toddler, especially if they have a disability or medical condition that requires them to be changed frequently.
If you do choose to continue using a changing table for your toddler, make sure it can safely support their weight and that they are secured with a safety strap. It’s also important to be mindful of your child’s movements and to keep a hand on them during diaper changes to prevent falls or injuries.
That being said, many parents find that transitioning their toddler to a more safe setting or a traditional bathroom routine is a more practical and convenient option. This can also help promote independence and self-care skills in your toddler. The decision to continue using a changing table for your toddler should be based on your individual circumstances and needs.
Is it safe to use a dresser as a changing table?
Yes, it can be safe to use a dresser as a changing table as long as you take the necessary precautions.
When using a dresser as a changing table, make sure it is sturdy and can support your baby’s weight. Avoid dressers with loose or unstable drawers or those that are top-heavy. If the dresser does not have a changing pad already attached, purchase a changing pad that fits the size of the dresser and securely fasten it to the top using safety straps or non-slip pads.
Always keep one hand on your baby during diaper changes, even if you are using a safety strap, to prevent falls or injuries. It’s also important to keep diapering supplies within reach so that you don’t have to leave your baby unattended on the dresser.
If you have other children or pets in the house, make sure the dresser is in a safe location away from hazards such as stairs or sharp corners. You may also want to consider anchoring the dresser to the wall for added stability.
Overall, a dresser can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to a traditional changing table, as long as it is used safely and securely.
Final Thoughts On When To Stop Using Changing Table
A changing table can be a convenient and useful tool for parents during the early months of their child’s life. However, it’s important to know when to stop using a changing table and transition to a more appropriate and safe diaper-changing method. As your child grows and becomes more active, using a changing table may no longer be practical or safe. It’s important to consider the safety, practicality, and cost-effectiveness of a changing table versus alternative options such as the sofa, bed, floor, or other soft flat surfaces. Ultimately, the decision to stop using a changing table should be based on your personal preferences and the needs of your growing child.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-to-know-baby-changing-tables