Adding a changing table to your baby’s gear is fantastic because it makes changing your baby’s diapers easy and convenient, especially in the early stage of nursing when changing a baby’s diaper is at its peak.
At this stage, your baby can use tons and tons of diapers daily, and you have no choice but to change them to ensure that your little cutie is comfortable.
If you are using a changing table, sure you know there will be a time when the service of your changing table will no longer need.
The big question becomes when to stop using changing table. A short answer to this question is when the changing process becomes unsafe for your baby on the table.
Read on as we explain everything you need to know about a changing table in detail.
Changing Table: All You Need To Know
A changing table is simply a flat surface with a primary use to change a baby’s diapers, clothes, and other stuff.
A changing table is not a must-have in your home. Its presence makes diaper and clothes changing a lot easier for the nursing mum.
When going for a changing table, you must consider your budget and the spaciousness of your house.
Changing a table can be classified as want and not need, which means you can do without it, but you should consider getting one if you can afford it and have extra space in your home.
While contemplating getting a changing table, please choose a changing station that is safe, functional, and baby-friendly.
When To Stop Using Changing Table
Stopping using your baby’s changing table should, first and foremost, be based on your baby’s safety.
Once you suspect using a changing table is no longer safe for your baby, you MUST stop using a changing table.
There are lots of things that may trigger this, and they include
Baby’s Weight
Once your little one’s weight is 30 pounds, you have to consider discontinuing the use of a changing table because that weight is becoming heavy for a changing table.
Some popular manufacturers of changing tables recommend a max weight of 30 pounds.
Baby’s Size
Once your baby is becoming too big, keeping your baby on the changing table may be challenging to ensure his safety while reaching out for items needed.
So instead of risking an accident while on the changing table, it’s best to consider discontinuing its use.
Always check the size of the changing table to decide when your baby is too big for it.
Your Baby Starts Rolling and Wants To Leap Off
As your baby gets older, his level of activity increases, and you start noticing that your baby now wants to roll off or leap off.
Controlling your baby at this point in their lives may not be accessible on a changing table, so to avoid a home accident, you can consider stopping the use of changing table.
Baby’s Age
If your baby doesn’t show the other signs that should cause you to worry, experts recommend that once your baby is between 12-18 months, you can discontinue changing the table.
Read: Baby Cries When Changing Diaper (Tips To Help You Cope)
How To Stop Baby From Rolling Off The Changing Table
It would help to always use the strap on your changing pad or table while changing the diaper.
Although this is not meant to secure them entirely, it plays a considerable role in rolling over.
Most babies are often overhyped and try to roll when trying out new things while on the changing table.
So you must always keep your hand on the baby while changing.
Ensure that everything needed during a diaper change is accessible before you start so you can give your full attention to your baby.
If your toddler is trying to roll away or is hyperactive during a diaper change, you might want to try a distraction by singing a song or giving him a toy.
Other helpful tips to keep your baby safe while using a changing pad include:
- When changing diapers, ensure you have all your supplies nearby so you won’t be tempted to walk away.
- Ensure that you and your baby follow the same routine so that your baby feels more comfortable.
- Keep your baby distracted by singing or talking to her while changing her. This will keep her from squirming around during the process.
Why You Should Keep Trying To Using A Changing Table
Changing tables still may seem like the best option to you. But why should you keep using it?
1. It Is Easier To See Stray Poop on a White Changing Table Mat
Diaper changing is a messy business. There’s no doubt about it. One of the benefits of using a changing mat on a changing table is seeing stray poop wherever it lands!
If you change your baby on the floor, couch, or a colored blanket, you may miss a diaper spill. The white background of the mat or table helps you better visibility its cleanliness.
2. Brings More Stability When Changing Diapers
Changing your baby’s diaper on a bed is not ok because the soft surface nature can prompt your baby to roll around more often.
When changing your baby’s diaper, you need a flat, stable surface to provide more stability during diaper changing.
You can also use the changing table as a small space to keep your baby items like creams, pacifiers, baby oil, and baby powder.
Some changing tables come with drawers; these are pretty helpful for storing baby items.
Read: How To Get Poop Stain Out Of Changing Pad & Mat
When To Get Rid Of A Changing Table
As mentioned earlier, this usually happens between 12 months and above.
At this age, it also becomes more challenging to control your baby’s on a changing table (even with a strap) when they reach the 30-pound mark.
Or your toddler might be becoming hyperactive independently of the age and size of your child.
Another factor that can make you consider getting rid of the changing table is if changing table is damaged.
A broken changing table can collapse under your baby’s weight, which can be dangerous.
If you’re done using the changing table, and it’s still in good condition, you can save it for the future. That is, if you’re planning to have another baby. Otherwise, you may wonder what to do with an old changing table.
One issue people with changing tables have is that they are tricky to repurpose once you are done changing diapers.
Some people get creative and upcycle their changing tables into other valuable pieces of furniture. That’s something you might enjoy if you’re crafty! Otherwise, you could donate it or sell it.
Read Also: How To Repurpose the Baby Changing Table (17 Creative Ideas)
Things To Consider Before Buying A Changing Table
A changing table with poor structural soundness can be hazardous for your baby.
It would help if you considered some things before getting a changing table, including checking for the following.
1. Space
Ensure that you have enough space in your house or nursery room before going for a changing table.
Without space, you can put your changing table into use because your changing table would need a place where it would be reclining for the period it will serve you and your baby.
It should also be space you are willing to spare for the time being while using your changing table.
2. Solid Sturdy Legs
The legs of your changing table must be solid and not only reliable. Still, they must be sturdy to prevent or eliminate the chances of the table collapsing due to weight or prevent accidents while changing your baby’s diapers or clothes.
3. Guardrail or Safety straps
Ensure that guardrails or safety straps are not lacking; your baby’s safety should be your utmost priority and not be jeopardized or taken for granted.
So while going to your changing table, ensure that there are guardrails or safety straps on the changing table. The absence of these should be a NO for you.
Items You Should Have On A Changing Table
Your changing table should always look neat and attractive.
Do not overcrowd or overpack it with your baby items; instead, you should only have the essential things meant for the changing table on it, and they include:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby Creams
- Pacifiers and soothers
- Extra changing pad
- A pair of baby clothes or bodysuits or onesies
- Diaper bins or plastic bags
Alternatives To Changing Table
Deciding to stop using the changing table might make you feel like you’re giving up on something that took months to perfect.
Don’t worry; there are some cute alternative ways to keep the process going!
Using a Changing Pad on the Floor
A floor is ideal for changing your little one if there are only small tables or counter spaces around you.
When you invest in a popular changing pad, you can still use it, just this time on a safe and clean floor. Always give your baby a toy to keep them busy!
Changing On the Couch or Bed
A bed or couch is also an ideal space for a diaper change! Always put a changing pad, towel, or blanket under the baby to prevent diaper stains on the furniture!
And as always, keep little hands busy with a trusted toy! Never leave a little one unattended on a couch or bed, as they might roll off.
Using A Bath Mat Or Blanket As A Changing Mat
A bath mat or blanket is a great option for changing the baby. If you use a blanket, use one that won’t be challenging to clean if there are diaper spills!
Without your changing table, you might feel lost if you don’t have a separate changing mat.
Changing On the Dresser with a Changing Mat
You can also change your baby on a dresser. It would be best to lay them on a changing mat, towel, or blanket while keeping them engaged with some toy or music.
Read: Changing Pad Covers, How Many Do I Need?
Safety Tips While Using Your Changing Tables
You can never rule out the chances of an accident in a home, and it is no exception in the use of changing tables.
The safety of your little one should be your topmost priority as your little one is still tender and fragile, and any occurring accident can pose a life-threatening condition.
It would be best if you were on your guard while using your changing table so that your little one is not hurt
Some of these safety tips include the following:
- Always make sure that your changing table is neat to avoid your baby ingesting harmful substances that can cause harm to them
- Always use your safety belts
- On no account should your baby be left alone on the changing table
- While working on your baby on the changing table, always make sure that one hand is on your baby
- Your baby’s supply should be within your reach but out of your baby’s reach
- Stop using your changing table once you observe any need for its discontinuation.
Related Post:
- Best Cribs With Changing Table Attached
- How To Secure Changing Pad To A Dresser
- How Tall Should A Changing Table Be? Explained
Take-Home
I hope this article answers your question on when to stop using changing table?
Remember that you should consider discontinuing the use of a changing table when your baby becomes hyperactive on the changing table, becomes bigger, or the weight hits 30 pounds, or once your baby is two years.
Once you notice any reason to discontinue changing tables, you should do that for your child’s safety.
Hopefully, this article was of immense help. Let me know if you have other suggestions about changing the table.