Change Tables - Yes or No?
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Topic: Change Tables - Yes or No?
Posted By: Rhondda
Subject: Change Tables - Yes or No?
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 6:21pm
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I am trying to prepare for my first baby but I'm on a tight budget and I don't want to spend $50 - $100 on a change table if it turns out I never use it. On the other hand I'm perfectly willing to spend on an item that really will save me from unnecessary back strain.
Do any of the mums out there have advice for me? Did you buy a change table and did you use it? If you didn't buy one did you wish you had? Thanks in advance ladies. |
Replies:
Posted By: nannikin
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 6:36pm
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ooh i am keen to see answers to this too, first time round and i have no idea what i really need and what i can compromise on! ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 7:21pm
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I didn't have one, but then I had a c-section and my mum felt sorry for me so she bought me one.
I did and do still use it, especially now that he is that little bit (lot bit) wriggly, its easier to keep him in one place. I'm fairly certain you can get quite cheap fold up ones off trademe, you don't need anything fancy, its just having the height that helps. Having to bend down all the time can be a strain on your back. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 7:21pm
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I brought one and used it for the first 6-7 months once DD started rolling its been turned into storage for nappies / blankets etc. I use a change mat on the floor now. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 7:25pm
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I still use mine (22months later), I love it for the fact I don't strain my back by changing him on the floor or bed or couch. It is also great now that he wants to run away all the time and for getting ready for bed, it's kind of a cue that bed time is iminent.
We have a touchwood with a drawer and two shelves, it is fantastic for storage I do know a lot of people who have never bothered with them though and been quite happy. -------------  
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Posted By: squoggs
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 7:28pm
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can you borrow one to try? we made the mistake of buying one that was too low for me, and it gave me a sore back. So had to shell out $$ again to buy a taller one. Found changing on bed or floor was hard on back initially too, so think change tables are great & I wouldn't be without on in the early days when you are recovering from the birth. In fact, if you are in auckland, you are welcome to my old one for free - PM me
------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Rhondda
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 7:32pm
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Thanks squoggs but I am in Dunedin. Too bad :) Maybe I should borrow one from someone and see who it goes. It's not like I'm locked into never buying one if I postpone.
Thanks for all the advice! |
Posted By: Hopes
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 8:31pm
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I had one with a bath underneath it, LOVED it, and still use it. When Jacob was little, it was so nice to be able to bath him in the warm sunny living room rather than the bathroom. And it's so nice to be able to change them up there, rather than bend down. I still use it now to sit Jacob on while I change him or get him dressed - brilliant as I don't really bend in the middle quite so well anymore. Obviously, he's grown out of the bath long ago, though!! -------------   
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Posted By: MrsEmma
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 8:35pm
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I bought one from TM, it was practically brand new and we got it for around $80. I LOVE it, I had a c-section and it was a life saver for me to use instead of hunching over the couch or getting down on the floor. I also love it for storage, I got some pretty baskets for the underneath shelves to store nappies and creams etc.
I still have it now but with two kids I really just use it for storage, I tend to change DD on the floor in the lounge where I can keep an eye on DS and he can help 
I agree that borrowing one is a great idea, I've heard of people saying they are a waste of space but mine was invaluable! All the best  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: shadowfeet
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 8:37pm
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I have one, used it for 9ish months with DD, but maybe 2 months with this baby. The bed and floor are so much easier. It's just storage now
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Posted By: rachelsea
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 8:58pm
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We never got one and it's fine, I don't wish I had one. I give my boy nappy off time every change, so he goes on the floor and I whip off the nappy and wipe him, then he plays for a while. Then when he's had enough I pick him up and take him into our room and put him down on the bed to put the clean nappy on (while I'm kneeling so it's the right height). The clean nappies are kept in a hanger near the bed so it works out well . Did the same for DD when she was in nappies. ------------- DD 4yrs DS 2yrs http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: mummytobesep08
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 9:14pm
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LOVED mine! Used it the entire time DD was in nappies.
I'm quite tall and have low blood pressure so I knew I was gonna get one anyway, then after the birth so glad I did! Getting up off the floor is one thing but doing it while holding an ever growing bubs is no fun. You dont have to get a flash wooden one though: ours is very simple; bubs lies of a plastic mat that is joined to two light metal stands on each side (if that makes sense) so it was cheap ($30) and folded away which was great, plus easy to move around. Have a look on trademe because it's definitely not something you need to buy brand new: you might get a really good deal ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
Angel babes '07 & '10- <3 <3 |
Posted By: MrsH
Date Posted: 25 October 2011 at 11:09pm
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DS is 29 months and we're still using it!!! We got the one with the bath in it and found that really handy as he was a winter baby so we would wheel it into the lounge and then empty it in the kitchen.
I think alot depends on how big your house is. Mine is relatively small single level so taking him to another room to change his bum wasn't a mission (in fact, keeping the nappies etc. out in the lounge would be more of a hassle). ETA: that is has a "seatbelt" for when he gets too wriggly or decides that he wants to thrust-thrust-thrust.  ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Red
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 8:42am
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For me a change table is definitely a must have! We still use ours all the time. Especially good in the early days when you are changing 10+ nappies a day, would be hard getting up and down off the floor all the time especially if you are sore. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: SethsMama
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 8:48am
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We never had one, always used a bed on the floor.
I like it because I just sit down at DS's level and am generally have lots of tickle giggle time. I did get a change table with our cot (came together off TM) but have only used it to store nappies and wipes etc. It's pretty handy in that sense. ------------- 
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Posted By: BabyNo2Time
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 9:49am
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We had a change table too. Found it really handy, when DS got too wriggly tho, I started just changing him on the floor. The table tho has been useful in his room to use for storage/bookshelf/toys etc. ------------- Up the Duff with #2. DS turns 3 in July. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/293b14" rel="nofollow - My Ovulation Chart |
Posted By: luvmylittlies
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 9:58am
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I got one with my first child because I'd had a c-section. But I notice that with this baby (had a VBAC) I just change him on the bed or on the floor. Not a very helpful answer - apart from saying it's probably not essential but if you get a good one they can be really handy, even just as storage to have all the nappy stuff in one place. ------------- Adoring Mum to Talisin 8/9/11 and Kiara 18/01/10 |
Posted By: lostAmber
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 11:02am
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In favour of the change table here, we still use ours, and infact if I try to change her elsewhere she is a nightmare- rolling over and trying to get away. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bky
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 11:16am
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I had one of those 3 in ones (change, bath, storage) and it was fantastic. I figured even if I didn't like one of the functions, at least one would come in handy. I ended up with an EMCS, so it was nice. We used the change table part for quite some time, the bath part we took out and used in the big tub until she could sit up, and still use the storage now for nappies and extra sheets. I got it on TradeMe as well. ------------- 7/2010, 10/2012 and 1/2015 |
Posted By: AzzaNZ
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 12:09pm
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I bought a chest of drawers that was the right height (second hand on TradeMe) and then just bought the mattress with the high sides to go on top.
Its been perfect and DS will keep using it as he grows. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://intermittentblogger.wordpress.com |
Posted By: shellgirl
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 12:11pm
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I got one, but never used it as a change table (got one of those canvas fold up ones). Maybe because our home was two levels, and I just changed him in the nice warm lounge rather than go upstairs to the bedrooms?? Also, most changes when he was smaller I gave him nappy off time so could just leave him on the floor for that.
I'm thinking I might use it a little with number 2, if only to keep number ones hands out of the way sometimes  .------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 12:39pm
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I've never used one. I've always changed the kids on the bed or floor and I've never had back issues. I think borrowing one is a great idea ------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 12:50pm
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We had one from Farmers... We used it in the early days a fair bit for nappy changes and baths (had a bath underneath) but after about 2 months it bastically became a storage station and dust collector.
Next time I don't think I will use it as much as it was easier to just change her on the bed or floor or couch... Bath with her in the bath... Or sink or where ever! Could have saved $150! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 1:22pm
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I used a change table for #1 but I found with #2 I did things differently because I had a toddler to watch so never ended up using it. I think its one of those items that if you don't have it you don't miss it but if you you do have it you either love it or not. I've often seen the basic fold up change tables in opshops for peanuts (50c-$2) so you might find something cheap if you have a hunt around -------------   
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Posted By: LivMcD
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 2:19pm
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I had a change table and it was a life saver especially when your changing newborn nappies every 2-3hours that can get straining on your back! We actually made our change table from a set of second hand drawers (I think they cost $10) that were the right height for me and then we attahced a foam change mat from like baby city with velcro (so we could take it off and use it on the floor if we wanted) and its great because we store all her clothes and nappies in there and when shes older we just remove the change mat. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 2:21pm
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Dad made one for me - it's a fold up one. We used it all the time with #1. I've only just started using it with #2 (11 months) cos he tries to crawl away and it contains him a bit. Maybe not an essential but a "probably really useful".
Ours is pretty much identical to http://www.trademe.co.nz/baby-gear/nappies-changing/change-tables-mats/change-tables/auction-417906759.htm - this ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Looey85
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 5:18pm
| I'm getting one from Mocka - they have some great wooden and fabric ones which are reasonably priced :) |
Posted By: Bexee
Date Posted: 26 October 2011 at 6:43pm
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I didn't have one and never missed it. I just changed DS on the floor in the lounge, kept a few nappies nearby and that suited us fine. Like someone said it meant that he could have nappy free time at the same time and I could get down on teh floor and play with him.
My other thought was that if he was on the floor, he couldn't fall off. And I never quite trusted myself not to get distracted or something and was always terrified he'd fall from a change table. If I'd had of had a c-section it might have been different. |
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 12:26am
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Had one with my first and second (one of those fold up ones with number 1,one of those fancy pants ones with the bath underneath for number 2,and only $20 at the salvation army store too)
My third though...I didn't want to use the change table for her cos it was,um,too boyish (yes I know,so superficial ;-) ) So instead I just put a changing mat on her chest of drawers and used that....for the first week or so,then just changed her on the ground,or on my bed. To me,they definitely aren't a necessity,you can easily get away with not having one ------------- 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AbzandH
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 10:49am
| I'll go against the norm and say I wouldn't be without mine! Have used it since day 1 and still now 19 month later for every change... everything is in 1 place and Mr I want to run not lay down and have my bum changed will stay still on this. If I try to change him on a bed or the floor he just runs away haha |
Posted By: Cinderella
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 1:10pm
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I was brought a material fold up one with DS1. I used it for the first 6 weeks but he developed an allergic reaction to wipes and was raw so I started changing him in the sunny lounge and he had to have no nappy to allow his bum to heal alot of the time.
With DS2 I never bothered. Just used the bed or the floor or the couch. This time I have brought a solid stand with a mat on top and a bath underneath. It also has alot of compartments for storage. I wasn't going to bother but it can be wheeled from room to room, has the bath and storage and only cost me $30. It was such a good deal I figured I will use most of it and resell for about the same price so it hasn't cost me anything in the long run if I don't use it. |
Posted By: NZ-rules
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 2:00pm
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I got one off trademe for $50 (white wooden, and pretty much brand new) and still use it daily - everything is in one place within arms reach and I don't have to get down on the floor which was great after having a CS, and now that I'm getting rounder . Personally I don't think it's a necessity but I've got my moneys worth out of mine! ------------- 
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Posted By: sbeach
Date Posted: 29 October 2011 at 3:07pm
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I got one and still use it 10 months in. It was really good in the beginning as I had a CS and found bending/getting up and down etc uncomfortable.
As others have said not a necessity but well worth getting if you can find one in your price range or borrow one. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: millemama
Date Posted: 03 November 2011 at 10:30am
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I'm like a couple of the ladies who have posted, I found a drawer set that was exact height for a change table and bought a plastic coated foam change mat with the high sides and a couple of really soft covers for it. It was perfect and since I had an Em CS it was even better. But when we moved back from Oz with DD at 3mths just used a bed with the foam change mat etc, but missed the height of the drawers, not good on the back. ------------- http://daisypath.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Puddleduck
Date Posted: 03 November 2011 at 4:33pm
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We were given a canvas fold up one -
i'd rate having one as a convenient way to store all the changing stuff DH bought a foam change mat to put on it which was a lot easier, especially in the NB days where DS would have poo explosions (much easier to clean off vinyl then canvas!). Try borrowing one or getting an el-cheapo folding one on trademe if you decide to go ahead.------------- http://alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: clover
Date Posted: 04 November 2011 at 1:44pm
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Use mine everyday. I don't change him on it every nappy change but I often dress him on it, always put him on it to dry and dress after a bath and it was super helpful when he was a newborn and we were learning the ropes. Ours is a touchwood (second hand) and is the perfect height for me. You'd want to check the height because I used one once a little lower and just changing him once killed my back. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Spacette
Date Posted: 04 November 2011 at 6:41pm
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We didn't bother and it's been fine with a changemat on the floor, next to some shelves. I can see how it'd be handy for storing stuff etc though. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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