Changing diapers in the crib.?

Question

I'm one of those mothers that was never too overly taken with the whole baby change table idea. I always found them to be overly expensive, not anywhere near large enough to change older babies and toddlers still in diapers, and when the kids are done with diapers, their just such an eye sore to look at

So instead, I adopted the idea of changing my kids right inside of their baby cribs like so many of the mothers I used to babysit for did with their own children. It never seemed to ever bother me bending and stooping over for a couple of minutes in order to take care of a diaper change.

In fact back when I babysat some of the mothers used the tops of their washing machines and electric dryers as makeshift changing tables, or their bathroom counters, which I do too.

Anyhow my question is this, "How many of you change, or have changed diapers in the crib"? "What's your take on baby change tables"?

Answer 1

I never cared much for baby changing tables, either, so we didn't have one for either one of my children.

I was never crazy about changing diapers in the crib because I didn't like leaning so far over (neither side of the cribs went down real far); it's not comfortable. Plus, I was a little concerned that I might accidentally make a mess or the child might start peeing while I was changing him or her, thus making a bigger mess in the crib and more work for me. So I think I only did that once or twice with each kid.

Usually, I just changed diapers on the couch, on my bed, or even on a blanket on the floor...whichever was more convenient for me.

Answer 2

Don't like them. Just another piece of furniture in an overly crowded nursery (unless you live in a lavish home where all you have is space). I took the doors off the closet in my now nursery, built a flat surface about the height of a changing table, and made 9 cubby holes underneath and put matching baskets to hold everything from diapers, to laundry, to lotions, etc... I still have baskets that are empty. The large surface gives me lots of room for the baby.
To answer your question more specifically... I have used my bed the most for changing my now 1 year old. I have a waterproof pad that I would lay out on my bed (which is a comfortable height for me), and have the wipes and diapers on my dresser. I have changed his diaper in the crib... but only because he woke up in the middle of the night crying... and that's only been 2-3 times. I would probably say that you should not make a habit of it because...
A) it can't be good for your back to keep bending over... even though you don't mind...
B) if the sheets gets soiled, it's such a pain in the A** to change them (am I right ladies? you can break a finger trying to get the corners on)...
C) I think the smell of poop lingers even if it doesn't get on the sheets and you don't want baby to be sleeping in that aroma.
Hope this answered your questions.

Answer 3

Honestly, I did not read the rest of your answers...there were too many (who would have thought that changing tables would strike such a cord?..lol! Good for you!). But here is my take on it. I had an expensive changing table with my first child, then I got a clue! I found that after the "newness" wore off we ended up changing the baby wherever we where. Usually the livingroom. So we ended up keeping a supply of diapers in the coffee table cupboard. That also held true for my other 2 sons and I refused to get changing tables for them. I used the money to buy things that were much more useful to me...slings and a video monitor! Too each his own..buy what you think is best, but save your money on the changing table!!!

Answer 4

In the home, I don't think it really matters unless it's a really messy poopy diaper...you don't want that to be on the crib sheets.

I don't have kids...but I've watched my friends' kids a lot. Sometimes I will use the bed, the sofa or the floor. When I watch them at my house...I have a specific towel that I use and put it on the ottoman and change diapers there. I use the towel...first of all, because I wanna make sure I don't get anything on it...but mainly because I have cats and and don't want the baby to end up with cat hair on her toosh!!!

I bet a lot of people have changing tables they never use! I figure if ever have one of my own, I will just get a dresser with a changing table on top or make it into one...just 'cause I don't want the extra piece of furniture! It's just easier on my back.

Answer 5

I have and still do change my toddler in his crib (and on my bed and on the floor). I actually never had a real change table, it is more of a dresser that has a removable change pad. I only used this when he was a baby. I have used my dryer as a change table as well.

I guess it all depends on your personal preference. I agree that they are very expensive, but I found that most baby furniture is. The down side to them is that they really have no use once your baby has outgrown it. That is why I bought the dresser instead.

Answer 6

I agree that changing tables are ridiculously expensive and you don't really use them long enough to waste the money on them. I prefer the crib for changing too. When i'm not at home and I need to change a diaper I bring along a diaper changing cover so my child can lay on something that is sanitized because you just never know these days.

Answer 7

I opted not to have a changing table as well, I found them to be rather expensive too. They do not give you enough room to store all the supplies you need, sure they look nice and it matches the crib. I use her crib, the couch, the bed. Any where she needs a diaper change she gets it. It has not broke my back yet, and it does not phase her. Sometimes I get down on the floor with her, it gives us time to play on the floor together after she is fresh again. HA! HA!

Answer 8

I have a changing table for my daughter. I think I'd be too afraid that she'd pee in the crib while changing, or worse, get poop everywhere. The changing table makes it easy, I line the pad with a cloth diaper, so if it gets soiled in anyway, I can replace it instead of changing the entire cover on the pad.

Answer 9

I went out and bought one when I was pregnant with my son. I almost never used it. It is sitting in the garage now. I usually put a blanket on the couch or floor and change diapers there. I have also used my bed and the crib. To all the new mothers out there...Don't waste your money on changing tables. Mine ended up being used to sit all the clean laundry on until I got a chance to hang it up.

Answer 10

i have never been crazy about changing tables. my nursery was always on the second floor... and it was just more practical to change the baby down stairs. i had a changing table but never really used it (maybe A FEW times).

i liked to change my babies on the floor... no chance of rolling when i turned my back to throw the diaper out etc. i would change my babies in their crib at night, because i wanted as little disruption as possible with their sleep schedule.