Are you getting a changing table?

[October2013]

Are changing tables necesary to have? I'm trying to decide whether or not to get:

2 in 1 Crib/ Changing Table combo for $130 and buying a separate mattress for $40. So I'd have everything I "need" for around $170, but I coulnd't use the crib for anything else but a crib and then a toddler bed.

or

4 in 1 Convertable Crib and Mattress combo for $160 and not getting a changing table. I'd be spending only a little less, but I'd be able to use the bed essentially forever (until it wears out).

If the changing tables are unnecesary in your opinion, I'd rather get the 4 in 1 crib so we can use it longer. Opinions? Thanks!

 

[MommyGrim]

We got one for DD and NEVER used it! I mean, I did right when we got home from the hospital, but after that, I never used it. It was a gift, so it wasn't tragic, but yea. I think it really depends on you though, if you really think you'll use it, then go for it!

 

[src]

I won't be getting one, it seems unnecessary. We're getting a regular dresser instead that they can use for a long while. Figure that we'll use the bed or floor to change more often than a table and can always get a little changing station to put on the dresser.

 

[surprisedmama]

I would say 9 times out of 10, we use the changing table with our daughter. Everything is right there (diapers, wipes, toys to keep her occupied), that it just makes sense to do it there than get everything and change her elsewhere. Ours has 3 cubby holes underneath for storage and has 2 drawers under that. When we're out of the diapering phase, we'll use it as storage/a dresser for her.

 

[calliebaby]

We just used the dresser with a changing pad on it for my son. Saved space and money and will be used for a very long time. Short answer, not necessary.

 

[exoticsiren]

Have one in dd nursery... will use it but probably will use my bed for one too lol.

 

[nullaby]

I would go with the convertible crib. I didn't buy a changing table with my first, did with my second. I barely used it as I had diapers and wipes in a bin, but next to the couch. It is convenient in the beginning, but once they roll and move around its easier on the couch and less worry of baby falling!

 

[angel2010]

With my son, we got a crib/changing table combo from Babies R Us and it was so crappy and fell apart in a couple of moves. We just tossed the changing part out. With this one I plan to get a long dresser and put the changing pad on it.

edited to say that we did use ours all the time.

 

[whispersof3]

We bought one for our daughter but never used, it became a shelf for toys instead.... I have always changed our babies on the floor since I am usually there anyway. I just keep a package of wipes and diapers in the different rooms I am normally in so babies room, my room, living room. You just have to think about what's right for you!

 

[October2013]

With my son, we got a crib/changing table combo from Babies R Us and it was so crappy and fell apart in a couple of moves. We just tossed the changing part out. With this one I plan to get a long dresser and put the changing pad on it.

edited to say that we did use ours all the time.

Was it a "Dream On Me", by any chance?

 

[kailynn]

We plan on getting a convertible crib and a dresser to throw a changing mat on i don't bother with changing tables, knowing I'll probably only use it a handful of times!

 

[Dream.dream]

I think they are a waste if money , a dresser with a change pad or the floor works alot better.

 

[October2013]

Thanks, girls. This is why I come to you, you all know best.

Well I'm pretty convinced by the majority of the vote that I don't really need a change table, BUT it looks like the 4 in 1 crib with mattress that I wanted is not available to add to my registry, for some stupid reason! Walmart, you suck!

 

[Amygdala]

We have a changing table (I made it by screwing an ikea table top onto the dresser we had anyway) and we still use it all the time and will for baby 2 as well. It helps to have them at a comfortable height, especially when thru don't feel like being changed, and it's easier to clean the changing table than the floor or bed if needed. Has to be a decent size though I think. You can buy a crib-top changing pad if you don't have the space for a stand alone table.

With the bed, I'd think about what you'll need in a few years time. Are you planning more kids soon? In that case, you'd need one new bed in a few years anyway and might as well move your then-toddler into a single and reuse the crib for a new baby. If this baby is your last/only for a longer time, then a bed that grows with them would make more sense.

 

[NinaAutumn]

I was under the impression it depended on your space. I am getting a mat to put on top of a chest of drawers as we're on one level and the bedroom is next to the living room. I don't think I'd bother with a changing table if I was running up and down stairs to the nursery all day. The mat will be on the drawers at night and in the living room in the day. I have seen a handy changing 'caddy' that I'm gonna get so all baby's changing stuff is in a handy carrier.

 

[Prinny]

For me personally I don't think their a needed item, with my DS I used a changing mat on the bed which was always more convenient for me..I couldn't imagen at 3am getting up to put the baby on a changing table to do it's nappy when I could just do it on the bed, I'll be co-sleeping too so makes more sense for me..x

 

[SIEGAL]

I liked mine but it was a gift. I don't know if I would have bought it as it is just comfy table at a good height that you can store things. I did use it alot but if I had a choice between changing table or crib I preferred I would have sacrificed the table.
But I am ok changing baby on beds, couches and carpets. If you don't like to bend on the floor or lean over the couch you may like the table

 

[Noo]

I want one that has proper drawers in it so I can use the top for changing and the drawers for clothes storage. The nursery is going to be the smallest bedroom in the house (Prob 7ft by 8/9ft) so we will literally only be able to have the cot and dresser in the room and maybe a small chair. If anything - It will be somewhere to change the baby during the night as otherwise I'd have to do it on my bed or the floor. You could get an over the crib changing table?

 

[MindUtopia]

I'd say they're totally unnecessary unless you mostly need one for the storage capacity underneath. We just got a cot top changer for 26 quid and that's been great. We didn't even use it on the cot for about the first 2-3 months because we just brought it to whatever room we were in (to the lounge during the day and into our bedroom at night) and changed her on the floor there.

 

[craftymama]

The changing table I had was one I got used from a family member. I painted the shelves and painted lady bugs on them to match the decor of her room at the time. I used it every morning to get her changed and dressed in the mornings and used it at bedtime, otherwise never in between. It was in her room, which was downstairs, so it seemed silly to go downstairs just to change her. I had a travel changing mat I used all the time. I would say a changing table is not a necessity, and you'll get longer use out of the convertible. However, I always thought that I would use my convertible crib for every stage, and didn't. It's cheaper to buy a toddler bed than it is a new crib. So if you have another baby, you'll be needing the crib and will have to purchase a bed anyways.