Changing table for newborns: types, types and features, characteristics, sizes, pros and cons of a folding design

Changing tables are made from different materials: plastic, metal, chipboard, wood. To choose the right model, focus on the dimensions of the room, functionality and safety of the product for a child.

Changing tables are a special piece of furniture for baby care, which allows you to implement the following procedures:

• swaddling,
• changing a diaper,
• undressing before swimming,
• massage,
• gymnastics.

The base of the table is solid; a stationary or folding frame is used as a support. A tabletop equipped with sides often has a limit rail. A waterproof mattress is placed on top of the table, protecting the surface from moisture.

Types of changing tables

Among the types of changing tables, the following stand out:

• Changing board . The structure is limited on both sides by protective edges. The base of the product is wooden, with a latex coating, which is environmentally friendly and easy to clean.

The models are transportable, easy to maintain and cost-effective, taking up little space in the apartment.

The disadvantage of the designs is that they lack a significant number of options: there are no shelves for cosmetics, no cabinets for children's things.

• Changing board on the bed . They are easily transported, but it is not recommended to install the structure in rooms with uneven floors, since the frame may lose stability.

The models do not save space in the room; they do not have space for folding children's supplies. To move the table without scratching the surface, you need to carry it.

• Pelenator-shetka . The structures are made of metal, plastic, wood, and are equipped with shelves for cosmetics, side trays, pockets and hangers.

Models save space in the room and are easy to move. Most often they are equipped with open shelves and wheels with brakes.

• Chest of drawers with changing pad. The horizontal surface is used as a changing table. To do this, you will need to buy a booster (changing mattress), limited on two or three sides by soft sides.

Advantages of the models: interesting colors, elegant design, use of a variety of decorations. Cons: the changing mat can slide on the surface, drawers are difficult to open.

• Changing table with bath . Such products are functional and are used to store swimwear and linen.
• Chest of drawers with bath, shelf and folding changing board . It consists of a removable bathtub designed for bathing, into which a board is lowered for hygiene procedures and changing the baby's clothes.

It is moisture resistant and functional.

• Baby cot with chest of drawers and changing table. These are combined beds, designed for children from 0 to 10 years.
• Changing table-transformer. Such designs are functional, because over time they can be used as a children’s table for games and study, a desk or a bedside table.

Classification according to body material:

• Tree. The material is easy to paint, varnish, polish, and has a beautiful texture. Wooden changing tables are resistant to mechanical damage and absorb sounds well.

The downside is that such structures can change size and shape under the influence of moisture, so the surfaces of the products are coated with special protective compounds.

• Chipboard. A popular material for the manufacture of inexpensive cabinet furniture. These are slabs of wood shavings and sawdust, glued together with adhesives containing formaldehyde resins.

The advantages of such products are resistance to high temperatures, strength, and moisture resistance.

The main disadvantage is the toxicity of the coatings.

• Metal. The structures are easy to clean, are not afraid of moisture, are durable and stable. Metal products have anti-corrosion coatings, surprise with a variety of designs, but are difficult to transport.
• Plastic. Moisture-resistant, durable, heat-resistant material that is easy to paint, so the products look colorful and interesting, attracting the child’s attention.

The downside is that plastic models are not harmless to health; they release toxic chemical elements into the air.

Materials

There are many types, but not all are so safe. There can be several of them in one design. They must be natural. The child will chew on the grate or edge. You need to find out what kind of paint coating it is (water-based or not).

Wood is a very good option, harmless and safe. These beds are well ventilated. The material has hypoallergenic properties and retains heat. Solid beech, cherry, unpainted oak are some of the best and most durable species.

Metal is also a harmless material. Very strong and durable. There is a drawback - it is cold. Also keep in mind that hitting metal and wood are two different things. This crib needs soft sides.

• Laminated chipboards (LDSP). They are cheap and durable. The characteristics are similar to wood. However, resins are added during production, which can negatively affect the baby’s health. Check if the product has a quality certificate.
• Plastic. Its advantage is a light bed. This is a durable material, but the most unsafe. Toxic substances are added during production. This applies to careless manufacturers.

Pros of changing tables

Pros of wooden tables:

• resistance to mechanical damage;
• do not fade in the sun;
• easy to varnish and paint;
• beautiful texture;
• environmental cleanliness;
• soundproofing characteristics.

Advantages of metal products:

• anti-corrosion characteristics;
• easy to clean;
• strength;
• sustainability;
• original design.

Advantages of chipboard models:

• resistance to high temperatures;
• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• inexpensive products;
• lightweight, transportable.

Advantages of plastic tables:

• easy to paint;
• heat resistance;
• variety of colors;
• moisture resistance;
• easily transportable.

Standard sizes

In order for the baby and his mother to use the changing surface comfortably, it must have comfortable dimensions so that the baby can fit on it at full height. For children under six months old, the length of the changing board is recommended within 70 cm. If parents plan to use this device in the future, it is better to choose a model with a length of up to 90 cm.

The recommended height of the sides is 15.5 cm.

Almost all models of free-standing changing chests are equipped with folding standard changing boards. This allows you to create a comfortable and spacious place for your baby with a relatively shallow depth of the chest itself. The surface dimensions of such a board vary from 66*69 cm for the narrowest chest of drawers to 96*77 cm for a wide chest of drawers, the tabletop of which is divided into two functional zones: the changing surface itself and a place for storing baby cosmetics.

An interesting find was the positioning of the babies sideways to their mother, while the design of the chest of drawers made it possible to dispense with the folding changing board. This innovation is present in models of the Italian brand Feretti, which allows you to increase the length of the changing surface to 86 cm. The height of the sides in some models reaches 17 cm, and on average varies between 15-16 cm.

For built-in chests of drawers, the size of the changing surface is limited by the width of the crib, that is, such chests of drawers can have a tabletop length of 68-72 cm. As for the width, manufacturers, forced to limit the size of the built-in chest of drawers due to aesthetic considerations, have found a way to increase the width of the changing surface due to the fact that its side edge protrudes 10-15 cm above the wall of the chest of drawers. If the overall dimensions of such a chest of drawers are 46*66 cm, then the size of the changing pad can be from 56*66cm to 61*66 cm, and this is already quite acceptable for a baby under six months of age.

A review of the height of changing chests deserves special attention, since this indicator directly affects the comfort of use. There is no standard in this category; the minimum height of chests of drawers on the market is 88-92 cm. These models are produced by Almaz-Mebel, Antel, Feya, Lel, Ikea, as well as chests of drawers from the luxury brand Geuther Cottage.

This height will be convenient for short mothers. For those who are taller, it is worth considering height options in the range of 94-98 cm, for example, chests of drawers produced by Gandylyan, Aton Furniture, Ikea. Chests of drawers with a height of 102 cm (Feretti), 104-106 cm (Krasnaya Zarya, Mozhga, Leander), 108 cm (SKV-Company, Sweet Baby Domenica, Ikea) are also produced.

Thanks to such diversity, every mother will be able to find the best option for herself.

As for such a parameter as the depth of the changing chest, manufacturers almost unanimously offer narrow models that do not take up too much space in the nursery. The minimum depth of the models is 44 cm, the maximum is 52 cm.

The exception is a few premium models, for example, an oval chest of drawers from the Leander brand, transformable into a bureau for a teenage student, has a depth of 72 cm and is designed for corner installation. In addition, this model is distinguished by a comfortable and spacious changing surface and a price tag of 83,000 rubles.

Cons of changing tables

Disadvantages of wooden tables:

• cracking under the influence of high temperatures;
• are subject to deformation;
• low moisture resistance;

Disadvantages of metal products:

• difficult to transport;
• weighty structures;
• expensive material.

Disadvantages of chipboard tables:

• toxicity, environmental unsafety;
• hard material that does not allow fine processing;
• it is possible to change the structure of the material.

Disadvantages of plastic products:

• low level of environmental cleanliness;
• sensitivity to mechanical damage;
• fade in the sun.

Requirements

The changing chest should have a wide tabletop (or a folding transformer board), the dimensions of which will ensure convenient care for the newborn. The number of drawers located under the board is on average from 3 to 8. The greater the number, the smaller their height, since the overall size remains unchanged. The mechanism must be silent and have movement closers.

All the diapers under consideration are equipped with sides on three sides, which ensure safety for newborns. The sides and board must be carefully sanded. It’s good if they are varnished: the baby will not be scratched if accidentally touched, and things will not cling to the surface. The varnish must be stable, harmless, and transparent in color.

Like any children's furniture, the diaper changer is made without sharp corners. If this is a transformer, then all fastenings must be strong and neat.

How to choose a changing table

• When choosing a changing table for newborns, pay attention to the material from which it is made. It is desirable that it be environmentally friendly, does not cause allergic reactions, and does not have a strong odor.

When buying wooden structures, inquire about the moisture resistance of the material.

• The mattress cover (changing pad) is coated with moisture-repellent compounds and is easily cleaned of dirt.
• Give preference to functional models equipped with the required number of shelves, trays, pockets and hooks.
• Buy roomy models: the wider the surface, the better, because babies grow quickly.
• Stability of the structure is one of the main criteria when choosing. Pay attention to accessories designed to maintain balance.

It is better if the chosen model does not have protruding bumps and corners. Products must be equipped with locking wheels that block involuntary movements.

• Check the functioning of the roller guide mechanisms; the drawers should open easily so as not to waste a lot of time getting things out of the shelves.
• Choose models with sides with soft or rounded corners; they will protect your baby from accidental impacts.
• Pay attention to products with hanging shelves. The fastening of such structures must be reliable, since they are unsafe for the baby. These are functional models that save space.
• When choosing a model with a hinged lid, make sure that it is clearly fixed in the hinged position. This will protect the baby from falling out.

• Select changing tables according to your height, then they will be functional.
• Choose models equipped with limiters on open shelves, this will protect against contents spilling over.
• Before you buy a product, take a closer look at the quality of accessories and fittings. Trays, hangers, hangers, towel hooks, laundry baskets - all these devices will help organize the correct swaddling of the baby.

Making it yourself: step-by-step instructions

Let's look at how to make a changing table-chest of drawers in a simplified version. You can take any furniture that is suitable in height and simply transform it. Any cabinet or table will do. You can also use a regular sheet of chipboard as a tabletop. In this case, the changing device can simply be attached to the sides of the crib. The most important thing is convenience when swaddling.

To prepare such a changing table you will need:

• table or stand;
• coating with water-repellent properties (you can take oilcloth);
• soft material (towel or cover);

• office clips or tape;
• a tabletop made of chipboard if you plan to attach the changing station to the crib.

What changing table do you use?

HomemadePurchased

The work includes the following stages:

1. First, decide what the purpose of the changing table will be. It can be intended for changing the baby's clothes and changing diapers, or for massages, gymnastics, and air baths. The small tabletop will be used entirely, but the larger one can be used partially.
2. Next you need to make a soft base. Its size must match the tabletop. The thicker the layer, the softer the base. But it shouldn’t be too soft either. A medium soft base will be optimal for a child.
3. Place the soft base on the surface and cover with a waterproof covering. The size of the latter must exceed the size of the soft base in order to securely attach it to the surface.
4. Secure the edges of the soft base and oilcloth to the edges of the tabletop using paper clips or wide tape.
5. You need to lay a diaper on top to make the baby more comfortable. To prevent it from moving, it can also be fixed with clamps.

Thus, you will get a simple and convenient changing table without serious financial and time costs. In the future, it will be possible to supplement the design with missing elements at any time.

Exploitation

Recommendations for the use and care of diapers:

• Folding and unfolding of structures, opening and closing of cabinets and drawers is done silently so that the child does not get scared and does not wake up.
• Hygiene products (cream, powder, scissors, cotton wool) should be located on the far shelves so that the child cannot reach the items.
• The changing table must not be used if any part of it is broken or missing.
• Do not leave your baby unattended to prevent the baby from falling out. The water drainage hose should be kept out of the reach of children.

• Do not locate structures near open flames or other sources of intense heat.
• Check threaded connections regularly for leaks and safety.
• Make sure that all bolts are tightly screwed in as your baby may get caught in body parts or clothing.
• The table must not be transported while changing; this poses a danger to the baby. Secure the wheels when the device is in use.
• If the changing table is dusty, clean it with a special spray. It is not recommended to use abrasives, bleaches, ammonia-based or alcohol-based products for cleaning.

If the table folding function is not provided, install it once and fix the position.

• It is not recommended to exceed the maximum load (about 15 kg). Baskets and middle shelves can support 3 kg. Place baby supplies evenly throughout all compartments.
• When using a bath, make sure the water is at the appropriate temperature. Do not use a bathtub without a frame.

Additional accessories

So, the changing table has been purchased and is waiting in the wings, what else is needed? You will need a small blanket or a special mattress (for softness), disposable or reusable diapers on which to place the baby. A waterproof changing mat or ordinary oilcloth will help to avoid wet surprises. Don't forget to buy diapers, cream, wet wipes and powder in advance.

• If the structure has high sides, then you can purchase additional pads to prevent your baby from hurting himself.

We hope our article will help you understand the diversity of the world of changing surfaces and make the right choice.

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Guarantee

The warranty on changing tables is from 1 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer. A sales receipt or warranty card is required for free service.

It is imperative to preserve the presentation of the product. If a manufacturing defect is detected, the product is replaced with a new one or repaired.

The warranty is not provided in the following cases:

• the structure shows signs of wear;
• if the table is used incorrectly;
• the fastening of parts of the structure was deformed;
• the product shows traces of mechanical damage;
• changes have been made to the product design;
• Product repairs were carried out by non-specialists.

The warranty does not apply to accessories included with the product.

Final finishing and decoration

After we have managed to assemble the structure, we move on to an equally important stage - finishing and decorating the table. Here, you can use your imagination and imagination.

By constructing a changing chest with your own hands, you can guarantee the absence of materials containing harmful substances to the health of the child.

If the child has his own nursery, you can decorate it in such a way that it matches the overall design of the room and fits harmoniously into the interior. The simplest option is to coat the product with varnish or paint. You can also decorate it with images, such as cartoon characters, flowers or animals.

You can draw whatever you like on the chest of drawers.

• For a newborn baby, soft pink and powdery tones can be used;
• For a boy - light blue, green shades;
• The standard design, which is suitable for children of any gender, is white, gray, and beige.

Malfunctions

Deformation of individual parts of the structure

This indicates poor fastening of the load-bearing part of the product. The guides bend and the connection becomes loose. Deformation often occurs from excessive load. To correct this, you should return the structure to its original shape and secure it.

The appearance of chips, scratches, mechanical damage

To eliminate this, you will need to polish or varnish the materials. Before applying varnish to the surface, the wood is sanded with pumice until shiny. We leave the furniture for 3 days, then apply a second layer to even out roughness.

It will take 5 days to dry.

The materials used to restore the coating are putty and soft wax. Then we polish the product with alcohol to a mirror shine.

To restore plastic structures, you will need sandpaper. Choose fine-grained skins; coarse-grained ones will leave grooves and scratches.

You can polish products under running water. We sand with light circular movements. If there are serious deformations on the structure, remove them with coarse sandpaper.

Fading furniture

To restore the color of furniture, you will need to polish or sand it with retouching markers, you can mix several colors on the palette and apply them with a brush.

To remove white spots from sun exposure, wipe the stain with alcohol. Wax marks can be removed using a hot iron.

Washing powder and laundry soap are not recommended.

Swelling of furniture due to moisture

To get rid of bubbles that form on furniture surfaces after soaking, you should pierce the area with a disposable syringe and fill the area with PVA glue.

If a crack occurs, you need to tear off a piece of veneer using a spatula, then seal the area with adhesive, press down and cover with a weight.

Creaking structure

To prevent the wood from making unpleasant sounds, place felt pads at the joints; you can soak them in hot drying oil.

Before applying old glue, get rid of the remnants of the old impregnation.

Spare parts for changing tables include:

• left panel;
• right panel;
• side frames;
• soft top;
• Velcro;
• large trays;
• bath;
• upper metal frame;
• small trays;
• wheels;
• fasteners;
• drain hose;
• cork;
• mesh bag;
• plastic brackets.

Features of use

The chest of drawers is sold unassembled, so it is best to entrust its assembly to a qualified person. Place assembled furniture away from sources of heat or moisture. If during operation any part has become unusable, the changing chest can no longer be used. While swaddling the baby, moving furniture is unacceptable, as is leaving the baby unattended. If the chest of drawers has wheels, they must be locked when in use. In the first 6 months of a baby’s life, diapers, baby cosmetics, clothes for the baby and other things necessary for the baby are usually stored inside the chest of drawers.

When the baby grows up and the changing pad is no longer used, it’s time to say goodbye to such a removable element, transforming the furniture into an ordinary chest of drawers. It is perfect for storing T-shirts, underwear, socks and other clothes, as well as toys or stationery. No special care is required for a chest of drawers equipped with a changing element. If liquid gets on it, you can simply wipe it off with a dry cloth. When furniture becomes dirty, it is recommended to clean it with special products designed specifically for this type of care.

Manufacturers

Antel

The company sells cribs. The products are made from environmentally friendly materials. The beds are equipped with special PVC covers that prevent the child from touching the varnish coating.

Advanced technologies are used in production. Products are sold in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan.

ATON

The company specializes in the production of kitchen fronts, large-scale modular furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, children's rooms, and kitchens.

The company is constantly improving its products and expanding its range. The furniture is intended for economy class and middle price group consumers.

Berber

Brand products provide comfortable swaddling of the baby during trips, games, and sleep. The range includes playpens, high chairs, car seats, and special bedding.

Changing tables are stable, durable, reliable and comfortable. Products are tested at all stages of production, products have quality certificates.

CAM

The Italian brand has been producing children's products for 30 years. Advanced technologies are used, products are made from environmentally friendly materials. Products are produced in different color variations, and models with original designs are being developed.

The strollers include lightweight strollers, compact two-in-one devices, and strollers for twins.

Feya

The assortment includes children's furniture, goods for walking and traveling, accessories for caring for the baby and organizing the child's leisure time.

Materials used in production: Interspan chipboard (made in Hungary), Egger (made in Austria), German Dollken edgeband. The models have fronts with rounded edges that protect the child from injury.

Gandylyan

The company sells children's furniture. Designs for newborn babies and teenagers, educational games and play vehicles are presented. Among the popular products:

• cots on wheels that can be easily moved around the room;
• rocking beds with wheels equipped with a cradle function;
• cribs with a pendulum mechanism;
• transformable cribs that combine the functional features of a changing table and bedside table;
• linen and changing chests of drawers, equipped with an ergonomic shelf for changing a newborn;
• children's mattresses are springless products made from elite materials.

The structures are made from high-quality materials: beech, chestnut, oak. The wood does not require special impregnation or painting; it retains its integrity under a safe water-soluble varnish.

For glossy grinding and varnishing of surfaces, high-precision German, French, and Italian equipment is used. The company's changing chests of drawers are stable, durable, protected from moisture and fading of the body.

Geuther

The company's principle is to produce safe and comfortable products. The furniture is made from natural materials, high-quality types of wood are used.

Environmentally friendly paint and varnish coatings are used for surface treatment. Products are tested at different production stages.

The company's products are divided into three groups:

1. Functional furniture for children's rooms: comfortable chairs, cabinets, cribs. Combines harmonious design and functionality.
2. Furniture for games and entertainment that helps a child explore the world. These are ergonomic sets of tables and chairs for drawing, rocking horses.
3. Products used for child care: changing chests and tables. Such models are compact and ergonomic, equipped with barriers and playpens for safety.

The company's products are certified according to standards and labeled appropriately.

Kubanlesstroy

The company's products include cribs, wardrobes, chests of drawers, handmade furniture and home accessories. The company focuses on modern production technologies in accordance with well-known design trends.

Factory-produced and handmade furniture is produced. The range includes products with a pleasant texture, smooth outlines and a variety of shades.

MIBB

The brand's products are made from environmentally friendly materials, are safe for health, reliable and functional. The products satisfy modern customer needs and comply with standards and regulations.

There are transformable beds that can be folded out conveniently. Acceptable ratio between quality and price of goods.

Micuna

The products are environmentally friendly to health, made of natural wood, and coated with non-toxic varnishing compounds. Represented by the following products:

• cribs;
• cabinets;
• changing chests and accessories;
• high chairs;
• shelves;
• hangers;
• textile elements (cases, bed linen sets, towels, bedspreads);
• decorative items.

The company's furniture is reliable, undergoes strict certification, is comfortable and easy to use.

The company's changing tables are equipped with reliable sides, have an original design, are functional and easy to clean.

The products are manufactured in accordance with international and European standards.

Mozhga

The products are represented by kitchen, office and cabinet furniture. Children's products include playpens, chairs, changing tables. Changing tables are distinguished by their durable design, reliability, and environmental friendliness.

The products are designed for the average consumer, meet standards, and are properly labeled.

OKT Kids

The brand specializes in plastic household goods. These include food storage containers, drawers, laundry baskets and bathtubs. Children's products include bathtubs of various shapes, children's potties, boxes for storing things and toys.

The company's products are distinguished by functionality, environmental safety, and excellent quality. The products have a quality certificate DIN EN ISO 9001:2000. Acceptable ratio of pricing policy and quality of goods.

SKV

The product range is constantly expanding, innovative technologies are used. During production, the needs of the modern market, standards and sanitary norms, and the equipment of modern living spaces are taken into account.

The company is distinguished by the use of high-quality fittings and paints and varnishes. The products are certified and labeled according to standards, designed for the average consumer.

Vedruss

The brand's products are distinguished by their convenient shape, beautiful colors, functionality and reliability.

Baby cribs with drawers, on wheels or runners are comfortable and reliable, they are distinguished by their attractive appearance, aesthetic design, and high functionality.

Changing tables are produced with reliable sides, high-quality fittings and durable construction.
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Color version

When choosing the color of a chest of drawers, you need to clarify in advance what style the children's room will be decorated in, or how to fit the selected model into the finished room. In most furniture stores you can order a changing chest of almost any color and design, which greatly simplifies the problem of choice. The most common colors now are all shades of white. With such a chest of drawers you will get a delicate and airy children's room.

Dark shades such as wenge or chocolate are also possible. They will contrast well with light walls. There are often cases when parents order changing chests with photo printing. This is also a good way to diversify a child’s room and make it brighter.

Funny images of your favorite cartoon characters or simply original children's patterns will lift your spirits and undoubtedly attract the child's attention.

In addition, changing chests of double colors look good in any interior. For example, the following solutions are possible:

• white-pink;
• beige-lilac;
• white-blue;
• white + lemon;
• dark brown + beige and others.

Posting rules

The changing type of chest of drawers can be located in different parts of the bedroom, but often it is installed along the wall of the room. Its width then practically does not matter, since it still will not interfere with walking around the room.

If you purchase a 2 in 1 design, then take into account that using any element in it should be convenient, so you often have to move the chest of drawers a little away from the wall. If the room is too small, then a corner piece of furniture is selected. A photo of such a product can be viewed below. It will be roomy and comfortable for constant use.

Before removing furniture from the shipping box, you should ensure that it is intact. If you purchase a changing chest on wheels, its location may change periodically. This is relevant if it is used not only for swaddling, but also for washing the baby, since it can be moved to the bathroom at any time. It is recommended to choose models with rubber wheels. It is desirable that they be replaceable, since if an element is damaged, it can be quickly and easily replaced.