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Changing Table Pads
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Anonymous
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Hi everyone. Are changing table pads really necessary? We have a standard sized changing table and will probably purchase a pad for it since they are not so expensive, but I am wondering if anyone does anything else such as putting down soft towels, or perhaps changing their baby on the couch/floor, etc.?? We are trying to avoid buying items that we will only use a few times or find to be useless.
Thanks for the input! |
Anonymous
| No, they're not useless, but are probably more useful as the baby gets older and is more prone to roll, flip, wiggle & squirm while being changed. Having the extra padding is nice then, as is the attached safety belt. |
Anonymous
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If you already have a changing table, get the pad--they add comfort and the belt sometimes comes in handy. I guess you could just fold up some towels too, but the curved sides of the pad work well. I bet you could find a hand-me-down one if you don't want to buy.
Changing tables are at the right height--when we were visiting relatives and I changed DS on a bed it killed my back, floor is better, but depending on your delivery (if you have to have c-section, etc) it can be diff to get down there. It's also nice to have a place where everything you need is together, we still use the changing table for storage space. |
Anonymous
| We have one but it is more convenient to put a changing pad on our bed or on the couch downstairs and do there. We keep a diaper set up box on each floor. I think we could have skipped the changing table no problem. |
HrCreuzi
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We have a changing table sans the contoured pad. We have the pad it came with then a towel down. Our secondary station has a wool puddle pad and a towel over it then a rolled up crib bumper around it. It's not secure, but since you shouldn't leave a baby alone on a table anyway...
I've seen the straps used with changing babies that can roll and some of them scream when they realize they're strapped in. It all depends on the child. I've seen the pads used for tummy time and sleep aids. I think what you do will depend on what works for your situation. |
Anonymous
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I agree that some baby items are a little silly (like a heater for baby wipes - I had to do a double take I couldn't believe all the gimmicks the baby companies make up...), but the changing pad is definitely something you want to get. As other posters have said, the contoured ones do make a difference when the baby is a few months older and wiggles.
Towels are ok to use instead, but will need to be washed all the time. The changing pad you can take a wipe or a soapy papertowel and wipe. Can you compromise and get a pad for the nursery and use your towel method for the rest of the house and/or the car and diaper bag? That way you'll see the pros and cons of both. |
Anonymous
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OP here. Thanks everyone. We did buy one today. I think I was just feeling overwhelmed with all of the items out there that we seem to need. It wasn't expensive, I am just feeling slightly annoyed that my small condo is being overtaken by baby things. But I do realize this is a useful item, meant to go with the changing table we already have...
Thanks for the input! And to the PP who mentioned the wipe warmer, yes, we are going to skip that one! To the PP who got the wool puddle pad, where did you find that?? And how do you wash it? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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Original poster - just a thought if you are trying to minimize the baby stuff. Don't bother with the bassinet - just use the crib from day 1 (unless you are doing the co-sleeping thing) and that way you'll a bulky item AND not have to deal with transitioning to the crib because the baby will already be in the crib (and won't know any different). You may want to even look into buying a 3-in-1 crib that can turn into a bed for later. Chose either the swing or bouncy seat. Having both is a little redundant. Find a high chair (for when baby is older) that folds up flat or just use an adjustable booster seat.
Just a few things that worked for us. We have a small place too not to mention a dog so we feel like we are constantly tripping over dog's bed and baby stuff. |
HrCreuzi
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You can find wool puddle pads on line. We're in Madison, WI so we got one at a local environmental bedding store. You can find them on-line at http://www.satara-inc.com/
I think there's some at Amazon too. You wash them the same way you wash all wool- the important thing is how you dry it (air dry). Some wool pads need to be treated every so often with lanolin to keep them soft. As per wipe warmers: if you use cloth (reusable) wipes they're actually quite useful! We put the cloth wipes in with some water (some people use a wipe formula that includes baby and tea tree oils). It's not so much about keeping the wipes warm as it is keeping them wet. |