Do you use a changing table?

[laurabfig]

Found a beautiful changing table on craigslist for CHEAP- but am wondering if I really need this. (I had one with my older kids but can't remember if I used it frequently?) I was debating just having a diapering "basket" full of supplies that I can carry to where I need it (like up or down stairs).
Would love to hear what other CDing moms do....

[zinemama]

I couldn't have managed without my changing table (also a cheap CL score!). Lots of mamas seem fine changing on the bed or floor, but that kind of constant leaning over the bed would have killed my back (I tried it a few times) and I'm just not the type to hunker down on the floor when I don't have to. I liked having one place with all the supplies. It was for my own comfort more than anything. (And I sold it on CL a few years later).

[EmTheWife]

I just converted a garage sale dresser into a changing table and I am loving it! Before this I was using the bed (my DS likes to pee though) or the floor (a lot of kneeling on hard floors with frequent cloth dipe changes), so the height and security of a changing table is great!

[Carhootel]

we have a changing pad on top of ds's dresser and use that 'changing table' ALL the time. If I hadn't had a dresser at the perfect height I definitely would have bought a changing table (or a dresser)

[pleasantlyfurious]

we also have a dresser/table we got 2nd hand on CL for a steal. baby is only 7 wks old, but so far I'm so glad we got it. some of our best interactions take place on that table it's rare for us to comfortably interact while not carrying/wearing him - and it's great face time that produces big smiles. plus its convenient having his clothes and diapers put away but right within reach. i hardly mind climbing the stairs for each change. of course i only have the one baby

[jeminijad]

Yes, I use mine. It is one of those combo dresser/changers that can be used as a bureau later on. Would hate to have to do without it.

[lifeguard]

Yes, we had a dresser custom made that we put a change pad on top of. Some people don't ever use their change tables & others use them exclusively - I guess it's whatever you prefer. I like having everything at hand & find ds accepts the changes better on the table (where he can't go anywhere). I also like to keep any potential mess contained to one spot.

[mambera]

What lifeguard said. I think it would actually be really annoying to be carrying all your diapering stuff around in a basket. I bet the basket would always be where you happened not to be. IME it's easier to just bring the baby to the changing table when it's time.

We don't have a changing table per se but we do have a long countertop next to one of our bathroom sinks, which we've set up as our changing area. This has been superb bc of the running water. I can't imagine what we'll do for the next baby as we'll almost certainly be out of this apt by then.

[mojobin]

Yep...same here...I use a dresser. I don't use it exclusively, but yes I do use it everyday.

[sunshynbaby]

We use a dresser, but are just moving to the bed/floor because he is too big for it (he kicks everything down). I don't think I could have dealt with using the floor for those frequent diaper changes and blowouts in the beginning.

[Katie T]

If I used sposies I think a basket would be fine. But there is so much more bulk with cloth that I used a changing table till about 18months. Mine wasn't actually a changing table first it was part of the counter in the back corner of the kitchen and then it was the top of a china hutch in the bedroom.

I like having everything I will need at my finger tips and this is so much more convenient IMO.

If you don't like using it as a changing table could you use it as clothing, diaper or toy storage? If so I would get it anyways.

[akind1]

We have a small house (comined living, office, kitchen space) with 2 bedrooms. We have a dresser with a contoured changing pad on top, that I use very infrequently. Then again, except for going in to get clothes, put away laundry, or lay DS down for naps, I use his bedroom infrequently too!

We have a basket with everything, when we used sposies (I switched at 7 months) it was a smaller basket. Now with cloth, the basket is just bigger! I always use the floor or an ottoman.

Even if I had used cloth from the beginning, I think I would still have used the changing table as little, if not less, than I do now.

[nettlesoup]

I've always changed my daughter on a mat on the floor. It saves me from worrying about her falling off, and just seems easier for me.

[IndigoKoi]

I had a changing table but only used it maybe a handful of times. We usually just changed our son on our bed, floor, or couch depending on where we were in the house. His changing table was in his nursery, and we were not usually in there. Plus, he was and still is an extremely active and mobile child and there was no way he was going to stay on that little table.
They do make cute diaper caddies, that you could store some diapers, wipes and other necessities in for easy transport around the house

Here's an example:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2943510

[jeninejessica]

Our plan (eventually...) is to use the change table part of our pack and play, which is going to be set up semi-permanently in our bedroom. Once the baby is older, and I'm more comfortable with him/her on the ground with our dog, I'll be using floor/couch. I've had one too many leaks on the bed to want to change baby on our bed

I used to think pack and plays were useless, but both my sister in laws used theirs almost exclusively as a changing station-- threw all the clothes/diapers/extra towels/washcloths etc into the bottom part, and then creams/wipes in the holder in the side, add a few diapers, and you're good to go. The idea works perfectly for me, because while we're still dealing with a newborn the changetable is curved inwards so they can't roll anywhere. Once they're older, I'm fine with them on the floor, and that's about the time the pack and play will be packed up anyways.

[laurabfig]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica

Our plan (eventually...) is to use the change table part of our pack and play, which is going to be set up semi-permanently in our bedroom. Once the baby is older, and I'm more comfortable with him/her on the ground with our dog, I'll be using floor/couch. I've had one too many leaks on the bed to want to change baby on our bed

I used to think pack and plays were useless, but both my sister in laws used theirs almost exclusively as a changing station-- threw all the clothes/diapers/extra towels/washcloths etc into the bottom part, and then creams/wipes in the holder in the side, add a few diapers, and you're good to go. The idea works perfectly for me, because while we're still dealing with a newborn the changetable is curved inwards so they can't roll anywhere. Once they're older, I'm fine with them on the floor, and that's about the time the pack and play will be packed up anyways.

This is a good idea- I forgot that we may end up with a pack n play that has a changing table on it.

Thanks for all the input everyone. Sounds like it is really a personal preference!

[Ruthla]

I never could have managed without some sort of changing table that was at a proper height. I had an actual changing table when the girls were babies, and I got one of those pads to put on top of an existing dresser when DS was an infant.

I managed changing them in the stroller or on a floor or bed when I was away from home, and it always killed my back. I had enough back pain just from carrying the baby, babywearing ,etc, all while healing from being pg- the added strain of changing the baby at an awkward angle really caused a lot of pain, quickly.

[Peace+Hope]

nope, partly b/c i have two stories and i would rather kneel/sit on the floor than climb steps

i keep two wipes warmers, not so much for warmth but to have wet flannel wipes at my two changing areas (i got one as a hand-me-down and used a gift cert to get the second one). i keep a stack of prefolds and an o-wool pad downstairs in the living room, and the same upstairs. i have two wet bags, one hanging in the bathroom downstairs, and one on our bedroom door upstairs.

i can't imagine having to get out of bed and standing to change diapers at night. the wipes warmer sits on my bedside table and a basket underneath holds the prefolds and wool pad. i don't get out of bed unless i have to pee.

having a spot that i stock downstairs with dipes makes it easier to refill the diaper bag when we're hurrying out the door too.

i have a buffet (low long piece of furniture with drawers and cabinets) in what will be my LO's room that i may eventually use, if he moves in there while he's still in diapers.

[Ninetales]

I used a changing pad on top of a waist-high dresser until about two weeks ago when I found a nice changing table for $20 at a yard sale. I like having a dedicated place to change her. I use a bed or the floor at my in-laws and it's way harder for me. I don't know if it's my lack of flexibility or what but I am much more comfortable with her lifted up to my waist level.

[goldenwillow]

Nah, didn't seem to use the table we had. Ended up being a stash spot for everything that we didn't have time to put away. We have a pad/blanket we use in our room.