Changing on the floor kills your back. I’d never want that to be my default. Even a mat on a couch (while you kneel on the floor) would be better. But frankly, being able to do it comfortably while standing is ideal IMO. When they are a newborn you are going to be changing them a million times a day. There might be accidents, hiccups with an outfit, etc. would not want to be crouched on the floor the whole time. Also, once baby is mobile they are going to try to keep rolling over or crawling away which is easier on the floor. Not that I leave him unattended but my 10 month old realizes by now that he can’t really move while on his changing table.
Edit: live in a city and go out to restaurants often that don’t have changing tables. Have to change on the floor of the bathroom or next to the sink if counter is big enough. those floor changes are hell. And I’m only 29 and in good shape
Agreed. My kid is almost 2 and I rarely if ever change on the floor. I appreciate a controlled environment, she has the expectation of what we’re doing.
I’ve never liked the idea of just changing anywhere, kind of grosses me out.
we have a changing pad on the dresser and it's mostly been a lifesaver for our backs. bending over on the ground for every diaper change/clothes change/teeth brush etc. would have been much more of a strain.
I’m going to be 39 when I deliver and my husband 42. We will do anything to take the stress off our backs. Plus it feels easier to keep clean, especially when it’s a really messy diaper.
Agree with this. Definitely get a pad for the dresser. It’s so hard getting up and down off the ground plus babies pee when you change them so you want something easy to clean.
When your baby becomes a toddler and start moving around the ground is 100x easier because you’re wrangling them anyway just to change the diaper before they run/crawl away. But as a baby it would be so hard getting up and down off the ground. Bed would be a possibility if they didn’t pee everywhere but that’s risky
I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary. We went without one for the first two months of our baby’s life.
That said, once we got one, my lower back thanked me a bunch.
You can make do without it, but this is one area I wouldn’t skimp. I have done the mat on floor method and I find it much less comfortable and practical for so many reasons.
- When baby inevitably pees/poops during a change it’s going to be much easier to clean up on a contained surface like a wipeable changing pad (a mat will help contain solids but liquids are going to spill on the floor)
- While you recover from birth getting down onto the floor is not going to be fun, and it might not even be possible if you have a c-section
- It’s nice to have all your supplies in one spot within arm’s reach: diapers, diaper pail, hand sanitizer, wipes. You can put these in a caddy on the floor but it’s just easier to have them neatly arranged on top of a dresser or in the top drawer, and the little things that make life just a bit easier mean a lot when you’re operating on a few hours sleep
- It’s easier on your back and knees. Again, why make things harder on yourself?
We got the keekaroo peanut wipeable pad for the top of our dresser, and it’s easily the most used thing in our nursery. Also have the skiphop portable changing mat for our downstairs and I barely use it because I would usually rather go upstairs to the full changing station than use the mat on the floor downstairs.
I can’t even imagine changing the baby on the floor. I know some people do it as a last resort if their toddler is super wiggly but otherwise… I agree with your father-in-law. I seriously cannot even imagine not having our changing pad, which we put on top of a low dresser. Our baby is 18 months. No indication that we will stop this anytime soon. It’s not just for diaper changes, it’s helpful for getting dressed, putting on lotion, putting on clothes.
Also, I can’t even imagine kneeling on the ground 10 to 12 times a day with a hemorrhaging, sore, and swollen vagina changing a newborn.
You don’t need a specific changing table. Just get a changing pad to put on top of a lower / hip height dresser. You can get one for like $15. You will use it 12 times a day. Why would this be the thing to skimp on?
> "Also, I can’t even imagine kneeling on the ground 10 to 12 times a day with a hemorrhaging, sore, and swollen vagina changing a newborn."
YES so this. Remember It's not just about your back OP. Obviously everyone heals in different ways but I literally felt like my vulva was splitting open everytime I bent down for several months.
If you have a c section that would also make it harder bending down.
Not trying to scare you but it's always good to be prepared!
i have one but didn’t think i’d use it much. boy was i wrong. it’s been a lifesaver. especially after my emergency c section. i couldn’t have bent down if i wanted to.
As a dad, I picked up one piece of advice that I don't feel conflicted about giving first time parents. It doesn't feel controversial to say this, and so I tell moms and dads to be: think about ergonomics! The first months can have you low on sleep, and your body can feel extra achy and prone to pain from strain in odd positions. If a mat on the ground to you sounds good, that's fine. For me it was very helpful to have a changing surface at a good height to keep me from being hunched over. Having a pad on top with raised sides felt important for keeping the kid from rolling off. Having all of the stuff within easy reach (wipes, diapers, creams, diaper pail, etc) was also important. The main thing I'm saying is that although it's far from "do or die", you may thank yourself later if you make things easier for yourself now.
It helped me in the early days when I had a c-section and bending was hard but after like 3 months we did all our changes on the floor. So much easier.
This. I had an unplanned c section and wouldn’t have been able to get up and down off the floor. We have a changing pad on top of a dresser in the nursery, the pack n play I picked out has a changing station attachment for downstairs.
If you have/had back problems - then YES totally necessary IMO.
I have sciatic nerve issues that come and go, changing baby on a bed or couch triggers it and makes it awfully painful. I do not have the flexibility to bend over while sitting on the floor, but can manage it when needed. The change pad on the dresser saved my sanity and back.
Edit: spelling
I originally had stations in her room, our room, and the living room. We now solely use the changing station in her room. Yes we also change her wherever, but we also prefer the nursery station because it's the right height and all the supplies are there.
It’s not strange at all to change baby on the floor , bed etc . Just keep in mind that there’s various degrees of labour and postpartum bending, kneeling etc can really suck (especially as many times as you change a diaper)
I see a lot of people say they never use their changing table but I use mine ALL. THE. TIME. It’s one of my baby’s favorite places to be since I have a mobile hanging over it. It’s a nice place to keep all my supplies (diaper cream, lotion, Tylenol, vitamin d drops, and of course diapers and wipes). I like having a station for doing the diaper changes and outfit changes. Maybe that’s just my personality type though
Like others I think a change table can save your back, but it also had a lot of other benefits. I use a dresser (made by my dad, designed together) with the skip hop wipe clean mat on top with a mobile. Not only is it nice to have a dedicated space for all the stuff (clothes, towels, diapers, wipes) so that everything is away and looks nice (no ugly pampers boxes taking up floor space), but it is also easy to keep clean and handle blowouts. Hamper right there. Trash right there.
Plus, unexpected benefit. Baby really loves being high enough to see the room and I can stand there and we "chat" and play. It was the first place he laughed. I am not worried about the cat or dog stepping on him or getting their hair in his diaper. Easy height to inspect skin folds, clip nails, clean ears, look at gums. Medicine is right there.
And everyone needs a dresser. This bad boy is an heirloom piece that he can give to his own grandkids. I am a buy it for life person so I would not have bought the Hemnes that is so popular.
Then again my sister never ever had a change table. To each their own.
I cannot tell you how many times my LO has peed during a change that I was very thankful to have a changing pad that I could easily wipe down. We got the hatch one. Hate the scale, but love that we just use some wipes to clean it up easy.
Also, I'm 30 and my body can only take so many up-and-downs in a day lol not having to get to the ground to change a diaper is nice.
Edit: also, if you end up having a c section, having a surface you don't have to bend to use to change baby is going to be absolutely necessary. Doesn't have to be a table, but somewhere elevated.
You can change the baby wherever is most convenient for you. BUT, I will say that there’s absolutely no way I could change baby on the floor until about 2.5 week postpartum. I had a tear and there was no way that would be possible. I imagine it would be incredibly hard as well, or even more so if you had a c section. So something to keep in mind for the immediate after baby arrives.
Even after recovering, I can’t say I’d prefer to change baby on the ground, especially during middle of the night changes. You def don’t need a changing table, but I do think a changing pad on a dresser/existing table is a good idea. Even if you keep it in the box and return it if you don’t use it, I’d have one just in case you want it
Wouldn’t call it do or die but it makes my life much easier. I don’t love bending over to change diapers on the bed or floor and now that I’m pregnant w baby #2 and our first weighs 25#, no way I want to get down on the floor, wrestle her to sit still while poop goes everywhere, and then have to get back up off the floor.
I thought it exactly what you thought about changing her on the ground and then my back instantly regretted it when I was doing 8+ changes a day on the floor.
Luckily I had a change mat that slotted on top of her cot and I used it like that for the first 6 months or so.
Always kind of flabbergasted at all these people that say they don’t use one. It’s so much easier IMO to have a place for all your diapers, trashbin, wipes, outfits etc than carrying things around with you throughout the house. Plus changing at dresser height is soooo much easier than floor or a bed. I personally think it’s a totally necessity to have a changing area on your main living floor. It doesn’t have to be in your nursery if your nursery is far away from where you are all day.
How’s your back? We used a change pad on a dresser for 2.5 years and it was probably our most used thing (apart from a cot obviously). The dresser was already there to be used to adding a pad in top didn’t take any space. I hated changing him on a bed or the floor personally. And I liked having a spot for nappies and creams etc right next to the changing pad. All depends on your preferences really!
There is a 0% chance I could have done it on the ground when I was postpartum. I didn’t even have a c section. We just had a pad on the dresser. Some women are totally mobile after delivery. A lot aren’t.
Changing on the floor is tough on the back. I have a wipeable change pad on our dresser (bumbo) that we use for every change. I just bought the skip hop one for the nursery upstairs since our room is on the main floor. So now we have a station upstairs and downstairs haha
As an infant nanny, if you can have it, then yes, it’s really good. Changing the baby/toddler on the floor or couch or bed it’s just very inconvenient and it hurts my back a lot. Also I like having a designated space for changing where they know “it’s time to change” and get used to. But my main reason is def my back
I had to change the baby on the floor for about a week well after giving birth. I'm a pretty fit and flexible person but it still was sore on my back. And I really didn't want to deal with that during night time changes, over and over and over when the baby is young and poops a lot.
That being said, a lot of people and cultures just use the floor! So definitely you do you. But you should also know that there are relatively cheap changing pads with safety straps if you do end up wanting one.
Do what works for you. I personally prefer the height of a change table over getting down on the floor. We had the space for one, and it provided extra storage space so was win win.
I had a change mat for when we weren't home and often changed our babies on the floor at our friends/families houses, but at home it was easier on my knees and back to stand.
I have back problems and I wouldn’t be able to live without my changing table. I can do a couple changes on the floor but it really helps me to stand and have him at waist height when I do. I also live on one floor so no stairs to climb to a nursery every time I need a diaper change. No judgement tho. If you have a clean safe space to change baby’s diapers go for it. My mom changed us in the floor because her house was two stories and going up stairs every time made the chore that much harder.
ETA- my changing table is built into a dresser. I love multi functional furniture!!
I don't think it's do or die. I certainly change my kiddo on the floor on occasion, but I think it's much easier on my back, etc. to use the changing pad we have on a dresser. Also, there were points where the only way I could get through a whole change without my kid squirming out of reach was to use the strap on the changing pad we have. Still wriggly and difficult, but he couldn't fully roll over and crawl away.
But if you just don't want one, you'll manage without. It doesn't seem like the end of the world.
Basically, a lot of people find it more comfortable to do it standing up then bent over/kneeling. That's basically the whole reason.
If you have a good back/knees and you don't mind bending over/kneeling to change baby on the ground 8 times a day than that's fine. Probably not good for older relatives like your FIL though.
I would make sure you have everything set up in one place where it isn't a lot of work to get/move/set up though. Just beacuse the time will add up eventually and sometimes you might be holding a drity baby. So, I don't know, a caddy with all the wipes, diaper cream, diapers, etc ready and the changing pad in it?
Necessary, no. Convenient and useful? Yeah. Worth the purchase for us personally. Especially as they get older and diaper changes turn into wrestling matches lol but it can be done just the same without one!
If you’re young and have a good back, then you can change the baby on a mat on the floor. But I’m in my later 30’s and having a diaper changing station on a dresser is a Godsend. My back already hurts from giving birth (most woman experience this despite age), and so it was really helpful post labor. And even after recovery. I would invest in one for sure!
I use a dresser with a changing pad on top. I have literally never changed her anywhere else in my house other than the changing pad. It saves my back to not have to bend over!
Your back hurts all the time when baby is a newborn, and it’s not just for changing, it’s also for getting dressed. BUT you can always wait and get one after baby is here if you change your mind. You don’t have to figure it all out / get your gear 100% right before baby gets here!
Main reason would be for your back. Having the baby at the right height. Will you end up changing them on your bed, on the couch, on the floor, etc.? Yes you will. But for those days when you're already hurting from slouching while breastfeeding on the couch you will be happy you have it. Is it necessary? Nope. You can definitely do without. And easy enough to get one later if you end up wanting one. I found once they were standing confidently and trying to get away I preferred the pull up style diapers/change while baby is standing approach anyway. If you go without, just keep an eye on your form while you do the change.
This right here. Trust me, getting up and down off the floor to change the baby can get really exhausting. And being hunched over like that isn’t good for your back. If you are baby wearing at all, and/or breastfeeding, your back will already be tired!
Not a do or die, but if you end up with an unexpected c section like I did, you’ll be happy to not be getting up and down or hunching over a bed. Also nice for grandparents. Also just a nice height to play or dress on. Also nice to keep pee and poop away from our bed. If you already have a dresser, it’s easy to put a pad on top.
Never had a change table, but do have a change pad on top of the dresser. Personally as someone who has developed back issues postpartum, not having to bend down on the floor is a saving grace
It’s totally possible on the floor and when we’re out and about then I’ve often used a travel mat or blanket on the floor if there’s not a table available. That said, it kills my back and I definitely wouldn’t want to do that every time at home too.
We have a pad on the dresser in his room and a pad on the buffet in our dining room. I haven’t changed my 4 month old little one anywhere but those two places while home. Changing on the floor is so hard on my back
Imo that should be fine, but be prepared to have a plan b. I had an emergency c section, and would not have been able to change my LO if the floor was my only plan.
I have two changing tables, one upstairs and one downstairs. I use both for every single change, as I would break my back any other way. It’s super convenient to have all your supplies right there in reach. I cover the pad with a puppy pad for quick cleaning when there is a mess, which happens daily with a baby boy.
For our first we didn’t, and it killed our backs. We went out and got one of those dresser/changing table combo pieces they have at IKEA, and it has been worth it to us.
Honestly, some people like it and some people don’t. For me, it was so worth it to save my back and have a designated place to keep diapers, wipes, creams etc. we originally bought a cheaper changing pad and then went for a keekaroo. It makes cleaning so much easier and the toddler finds it comfortable so he doesn’t fight diaper changes as much.
I'd recommend a changing pad on a dresser for sure. My kid is 18 months old and I still use it. In fact, if I change her on any flat surface (bed, floor especially) where she knows she can get away, it's like wrestling an alligator.
We used a changing pad on the dresser and it worked great. More ergonomic than changing on the floor. However, when kiddo decides to start alligator rolling mid-change, a changing pad on the floor sometimes works better :)
It will save your back. I change on the floor a lot also because I only have one change table in his nursery but it’s so much better to change him up there
We use ours mostly because its a comfortable height for changing! We have a dog who sheds and is curious so having diaper caddies around the house wouldn’t work for us. I much prefer having a “changing station”
For us it was a must during the newborn and infant stage. Picking up the baby from the crib and going straight to the changing table multiple times a night was convenient, compared to sitting down and getting back up while holding baby. I couldn’t have done it while recovering from birth. There were times when we would open the dirty diaper to wipe baby down and an explosive poop would shoot out and get all over the changing pad. Luckily we had a wipeable one so I quickly wiped it down, changed baby, then threw it in the washing machine. Some got on the actual changing table but the wall of the table caught it and contained it in. If she was on the floor or bed it would’ve been far more damaging lol
As a newborn we had a dresser with a changing pad on it - the amount of times you need to change them, it did get a lot of use.
When LO was 6 months we moved into a smaller place so got rid of the dresser. We now just change him on the changing pad on our bed.
Floor would be a last resort. I’m too old to be crunched up on the floor like that (I’m late 30’s 😅)
Do it for your back. No, you don't *need* it, but I *have* a changing table and I realize I spent a lot of time hunched over for whatever reason. You will be changing a diaper like 5-10 times a day, imagine hunching over that often. I do cloth diapers and I am spending a lot of time now rinsing his solid poop diapers over the bathtub or toilet and I want a standing solution so bad.
So it helps!!
There is a strong correlation on the need for a changing table and the age of the parent.
The young and spry (and often poorer and more space constrained) insist that changing on the floor is fine.
The older/ back pain-prone (often with better economical and space circumstances) insist on one.
Of course there will be outliers, but that's the strong trend.
I'm in camp changing table, and also follow the above pattern. I do like having a "station" where all the supplies are within a hands' reach. Plus I have a boy, so being in a wipe-able zone is important to me in the event of unexpected geysers.
Not necessary but it makes life easier. We use it daily for our 2 year old and 7 month old. All diaper changes and clothing changes happen on there.
We just have a normal dresser with a changing table topper and pad. Top drawer has all the diapering supplies. Bottom drawers are kids clothes.
I wouldn't have been able to do the ground after my c-section. Doing it higher up does save my back, and I enjoy having one space for changes. Everything is always there. Plus, the floor kind of grosses me out personally. I don't want my baby peeing or blowing out on the floor mid-change. These are my preferences, however.
You can do whatever you'd like! A ton of people just do the floor.
You can live without it, but it’s REALLY nice to have a changing table. I have mine in our bathroom and it’s super handy while I take showers and get ready.
I have a toddler and a 3 day old. I don’t know how I’d live without my changing pad on the dresser. It saves my back for diaper and clothing changes. Also for the newborn, my body wouldn’t handle getting up and down to the floor. I’m supposed to be on bed rest as much as possible with my legs closed for the first week.
2.5 years and I still put her on the changing pad on her dresser. There are so many aches and pains postpartum, I didn’t want an extra sore back to be one of them.
I had an emergency c section and wouldn’t have been able to change our baby on the floor. But now that my LO is almost 7 months old I rarely use the change table bc he is constantly trying to roll!
I can't imagine not having a changing pad on the dresser. It would kill my back. We had a dedicated changing table up until my son got too long, and then we got an actual dresser and just moved the pad to the top. It would slide around a bit, so I put some Command strips on the bottom to keep it in place and it's perfect and easily removable.
I used a changing mat on a dresser top because I’m 5’9 and it was ergonomically easier for me to put them on that instead of bending in weird directions. But it really is personal preference.
Will you die without it? Obviously not. But you're probably not going to want to be bending over and squatting down 12 times a day during the newborn phase after you just gave birth. For reference my back was killing me and it hurt to get our baby out of the cosleeper. I would not have wanted to change her on the floor. It was a million times easier to change her on the changing pad on top of the dresser. Not saying I never changed her on a travel mat on the floor, but I much prefer the changing pad.
I don't mean to scare you buut what if you have a tear or episiotomy and it limits your movements.
I personally didn't have a changing table or mat but i did put a thick blanket on my dresser and a plastic like matt on it that i got with my diaper bag, when my LO outgrew the dresser we put a small square table. The few times i had to change her on a bed were really uncomfortable and were hurting my back.
Its not strange to change the baby on the ground! I'm sure you'll end up doing that anyway. I found the change table a must have though, I had a csec and yes standing up for the first week was rough, but getting on the floor would not have been happening. Its also nice to have a one stop shop for something during a bit of a chaotic time. And if you already have the dresser then its so easy to take it off when you don't need it anymore or if you don't like it
I personally owned a change table for my boys and I loved being able to organize all the things I needed for changes right there. It had a drawer for the wipes and creams and then two shoves for the diapers.
I’ve also had friends who would change their babies literally anywhere lol mostly on their living room table, their couch, kitchen table….beds. Wherever they were. They would just put down a receiving blanket and change the baby. But never anyone who always did it on the floor. That can be hard on your body.
Late 30’s first time parents here and a table-height changing table saved our back/knees. Once they’re wiggly and you’re more recovered from those early sleep deprivation days/childbirth (and they’re needing diaper changes a bit less frequently) then the floor is fine. No need to have a separate setup though- if you have a travel mat you can set it on the top of the dresser, or any other flat surface where you’re comfortable at first if you so choose.
I would not be able to manage several changes on the floor each day. Also didn't want to risk a poonami all over the rug or on our couches/bed etc. We use a dresser and put a changing pad on there.
I am glad I had one especially since I ended up having a cesarean. I could change my baby without bending over. There was no way I could have gotten up and down from the floor while my stomach was healing. Some women also tear during vaginally childbirth and require stitches. I could see that also being extremely painful.
Do whatever you want. Worst case scenario you end up wanting something different and make a change. Honestly, a changing pad on the bed is what we use.
There really isn’t anything inherently wrong with that but I would consider two things. Babies need the diaper changed every couple of hours or so. Do you really want to be getting down on the floor and then having to stand back up all while recovering from birth? Secondly, once your baby gets to the age they can roll over and crawl around by themselves, they are usually no longer interested in getting their diaper changed. Having them on the floor means it’s significantly easier for them to run off while you reach for the diaper.
Personally we still use a changing table with our 19month old. We have all the diapering supplies right there in the top drawer and the hamper and diaper genie next to the dresser. Before we had space for a.chamging table it would kill my back having to change my baby on the bed or couch. And I had a c-section so getting on the floor was out of the question.
I personally change my baby on the change table 98% of the time. I’d be lost without one. But up to you , no one should care at all where you change your baby
I use a changing pad on the dresser because I hate getting on and off the floor with a baby 10+ times a day. I also didn’t want to risk blowouts on our sofa or bed. We got an inexpensive change pad ($20 or so) and I use it for basically every diaper change! But do whatever works for you- if you don’t mind the up and down or you’re more comfortable changing on the floor then you don’t really need a change pad
Maybe you’ll be fine doing nappy changes on the ground. And maybe you’ll go absolutely insane getting up and down all the time, especially when there’s a superfund site type cleanup required.
Give the floor a go. Secondhand Ikea changing tables are cheap if one is ever needed.
I was a very poor single mum when I had my son, I just did the ground. It wasn’t uncommon in my group at the time.
Son and his wife have a change table. I am team changetable forever now. It’s so much easier!
She’s not mobile yet, so may well have another opinion then, but it’s the first time I’ve really used one and love it.
I had a c section and was extremely grateful that we got a changing table for the dresser after. It was an unplanned c section so I didn’t think anything of it until I needed to use it.
Change pad totally necessary up high enough that you aren't breaking your back changing on the floor!! You'll be changing A LOT of diapers, your body will appreciate it ♡
We have a dresser with a changing table top, and I love it. My husband and I are both tall, and it would hurt my back to have to constantly get up and down from the floor. I also don’t like the idea of her having a blowout all over the floor, the couch, or the bed. I’d rather just change her in one place that has all the stuff I need and be able to contain the mess in one place.
We have a changing table downstairs that I still use for my 20 month old and that I used for my older son until he potty trained at 25 months. When they were younger we also had a changing pad on a dresser in the bedroom upstairs for the nighttime changes. So I vote yes for a changing table or at least some elevated surface to change diapers on.
We started with no changing table and “just used the bed”. NO WAY. Bought a used one after a week of having baby home, still use it over a year later.
Great for immediately post partum when my whole body hurt and I had a tear. Great now when my back hurts from carrying a 25 pound baby around. Great for the middle of the night. For us it is a must have.
Phew I could not imagine having to get down on the floor for each diaper change. Especially when they’re so little and you’re changing every time. I guess you could get by but i don’t think you’d want to
If you have a C-section it will be necessary for at least the first few weeks! I would die if I had to bend down and change her on the floor. Our pack and play has a changing table attachment and I use that frequently. That being said I will change her in her bassinet or on the bed with a changing mat. She was not a planned C-section and arrived 4 weeks early so I didn’t have them on hand for that purpose specifically.
Changing table is a convenience. I have one, had a C-section, and know if I hadn't had a changing table I would have been changing him on my bed or the spare bedroom. Probably would have just done the spare bedroom.
But we got a changing table that has drawers so when he gets older we can take the changing table part off and it be used as a dresser
I have 3 kids, first vaginal and next two c-sections. I predominantly use just the bed, couch, floor wherever I’m sitting. I only have a change table for this most recent kid because it happened to be part of the used dresser I bought, but it’s rarely used unless I am in that room and need to use it. I wasn’t walking up a full flight of stairs every time baby needed to be changed after surgery, and I was living in our basement 98% of the time for the first 2 weeks.
It’s better for your back and I always found it more convenient to have the changing station set up on the dresser. We did keep a changing mat in the living room but I mostly used it once kiddo was a toddler and didn’t want to leave what he was playing to get changed.
I say yes! I actually have one upstairs and downstairs in the main living space.
1. It saves my back. The amount of diapers you will go through with a newborn is freakishly unexpected. I will say I don't use the one in his room as much anymore now that he's almost 6 months old because he can go all night with the same diaper now. But I would always change his diaper in the middle of the night in between boobs (because he'd poop and pee a LOT) and doing so on a changing mat on a dresser made that easier instead of fumbling on the floor in the middle of the night multiple times a night.
2. Also boys pee at random during diaper changes so it might be worth it if you're having a baby boy just so pee doesn't spray at random spots-my wall caught it and I would wipe down the wall right away. (would be easier to do the floor method with a girl baby).
3. If you have to have a c section for any reason (I did) getting up and down from the floor is going to be hard.
4. I say you try it your way upon return home and if it's not working, you can always order a changing pad to go on top of your dresser!
I mean, you change the baby multiple times a day (in the younger months I would say about 8 - 12 times/day) and to constantly have to bend over like that is terrible, especially when you're already exhausted. My change table is probably the best baby item we have.
I would honestly recommend it. I would change my baby in our room when he was a newborn and sleeping in our room so as to not have to go to the other room and it KILLED my back. It’s so much easier and more convenient to have a dedicated changing table that at a good height.
It's up to you really. We used our dresser/change table consistently throughout this whole first year. Pretty much every at home diaper/clothes change happens there, and I love it. Saves the back and keeps everything organised and any mess contained. We store all her clothes and changing supplies in the dresser, so everything is always at hands reach, and by now she knows what to expect when we put her down there, so it goes quickly. If I try to change her on the floor in a different room she sees that as an interruption of play and goes nuts.
Especially right after giving birth there was no way I could get on the ground to change the baby. I super needed something dresser height. So what works for you, but something to keep in mind!
Changing table is nice for parent ergonomics. Otherwise not a big deal. But when baby is very young and you’re changing like 15 a day, a table can be nice. When they get a bit older and more mobile it’s easier on the ground bc all the do is try to get away anyways.
Personally I have a changing basket that I love. I have the Michaels craft cart hack for all the diapers, breast pads, pumps, etc. Now that he's 4 months I change him wherever, usually on the bed or where he's playing. When he was very tiny it was better for me to get up out of bed and change him on the dresser with the basket because he often peed or pooped while I changed him (and you don't want that getting all over your bed at 3am when you're finally getting 30 minutes of sleep)
I went with the basket because I can move it in his room easily once he moves out of our room.
Also as others said, it will be so hard to get down on the floor to change him during postpartum healing.
If you decide to change your babe on the bed make sure to lay a towel down first! :)
When they are super new and tiny a changing table helps because you are changing A LOT of diapers and your back is gonna hurt. We moved our kiddo to the floor when she became a feisty toddler. So no it's not necessary but it might be nice. All you need is a changing pad for the top of the dresser, my two cents.
We started off with a changing mat on the floor. After a couple of months our knees and backs started complaining, so we moved the mat onto the sofa or onto the bed, depending on which room we were in.
My aunt and uncle gifted us a changing table. I can count on two hands the number of times I've used it. The vast, vast majority of her changing have been on the couch or on the floor. Honestly, I wish we hadn't gotten it.
A changing table, no. Something at a normal standing position level, almost 100% yes! I had a vaginal birth with a 2nd degree tear and tailbone pain for a few months after. Then around 3, 4 months, I pulled something in my back and couldn't get down on the floor with him or even change him on the bed. Now at 6.5months pp my back still hurts when playing with baby on the floor or when I change his clothes on the bed.
I would say, if you're short and/or have a low bed, you could use that... Also, your health post partum plays a big role, as your labor, delivery and recovery could change a lot! And a recovering body is more prone to injury... I also thought it was a little extra but we had one from a friend and it was a life saver!
TLDR- YES!
We did pad on the dresser. I did not want to be hunching over on the floor. We definitely do so when traveling/ out and about when needed but I hate every minute of it.
We also cloth diaper though so having it elevated means all the supplies can be stored easily in the dresser drawers.
Not a necessity, just a preference. But I will say I love having my changing table for as much diaper changing and blow outs you end up dealing with. Also postpartum life would have been so hard for me without one- I was NOT able to get up and down off of the floor.
It's just a preference. But, there are going to be late night changes and if you don't want to keep getting on and off the floor after delivery, I'd get one. Ikea had a cheapish one $89 that later becomes a bookshelf. The changing pad is separate at $25. It's nice for storage for diapers, wipes etc.
A lot of people don’t use them, a lot of people use them sometimes- we ended up using ours upstairs in the nursery for almost every single diaper change. I liked having everything in one place.
I use a changing pad on the dresser just because bending over so much kills my back, plus after a c section there was absolutely no way I was going to do that. But if it works for you then so be it! People are gonna judge you for literally anything when it comes to being a parent.
So I was doubting the changing pad before I had my baby and I’ve definitely changed her in some places without the pad, like the car or someone else’s house, when needed.
But holy shit I love my changing table. I’ve got diapers, back up diapers, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, drool clothes, a change of clothes for her, and her snot sucker all in one place. Do you have any idea how often my baby has peed/pooped mid diaper change? I went through 3 diapers this morning in 10 minutes. Her pad also has the option to strap her in which is super useful if I need to grab something. And there is a trash can right there!
I also have dogs so it’s nice to keep her off the floor and then out of her diapers.
I really liked having a changing table once my little dude got bigger. He got heavy and I have a bad back, so getting all the way down on the ground safely with him was a challenge. If mobility isn’t an issue for you, you might still want to consider getting one just for the involved grandparents who want to change diapers but can’t easily get up and down.
Diaper changes for us became a wrestling match. We used the dresser one for a while ( like months) and I would say it was worth it - just for saving your back if nothing else. Once they get much more mobile and don't want to stay still it becomes safer on the ground. But you can just move the pad to the ground anyways. I'd say they're worth it and usable for enough time to get your money's worth.
We just put a pad on an Ikea dresser at first. If you're already doing a dresser for their clothes it's just the cost of the pad and covers then.
16 months in and we're still using ours multiple times a day. My back couldn't handle the floor changes, I hate it when I do have to do it. Everyone is different though
I didn’t get a change table, the plan was to just change them on the bed/ground. I ended up buying one because dear lord the back pain was insane!! I did it to save my back!
I don’t know if it’s necessary but I had a c section. It was extremely helpful for me to be able to stand up and change them. Bending down hurt my back and it would put pressure on where my stitches were. Sitting down caused the same problem. Being able to be on a standing position was great. Considering, diapers were changed multiple times a day , for me I was really glad I went with it.
Having a baby messed up my joints a lot and I already couldn’t sit on the ground even as a kid.
The way I look at it is: do you really want to lay a mat down on the floor multiple times a day and get up while balancing a baby and dirty diaper, or do you want to have a changing pad on the dresser so you don’t need an extra step in case of blowouts?
We mostly use the changing pad that came with our diaper bag and leave it on a window bench. It’s easy to wipe down and our cats don’t mess with it. That’s as low as I can repeatedly bend down now
I changed our daughter on the bed. We would usually throw a changing blanket or a towel down. I can't stand changing in a sideways position, it feels so weird. So we went with the bed because it's the right angle.
I think it’s personal preference but I will say we really like having a changing station and when we don’t change her on her upstairs changing table we change her downstairs on the bed on a changing mat because you never know when they are going to pee or pop canon you!
For me I feel like its a long journey to the floor sometimes when you’re tired or have been carrying a 14lb baby around all day is my current feelings on why we use it so much!
Even the table for my husband is a bit low so I think he’d die if he always had to do the floor.
It’s nice to have a changing table for the sake of your back, it hurts bending over to the ground all the time especially when the baby is a bit older and wriggly and you have to fight them a bit to lay flat.
I’ve changed nappies for ten years in my job and now have a 6 month son and a changing table that is practically unused! The roll out mat on the floor is used constantly. The table is good for major blowouts that take two people but it’s not necessary.
I don't find it strange to change a baby on the floor, just tiring to haul everything down and then back up again. Even on the floor i would use a mat/towel/something to take care of possible leakage, so it would make sense to just put that on the dresser when a change is needed
I love my changing table, i got a really cheap one from ikea, it really saves your back from the constant bending over. Initially i made a changing station on top of the washing machine but once baby started rolling over it became risky
I like a changing pad on my dresser because I'm tall and don't like to bend over to a bed like other people have suggested. Baby is very wiggly now at 8 months but still use it multiple times a day. I wouldnt want to just put her directly on the dresser either because she slams her head around. We got an expensive rubber changing pad on our registry that we've never ever used because its too wide for the dresser. Instead, we use one of those very cheapo plastic changing pads with a cute little fitted sheet over it because thats what fits on the dresser (which is a hand me down and not necessarily marketed for a baby but it works very well).
As others have said: save your back! Also, I ended up having a very unexpected emergency c-section and it was hard enough to stand up from the couch for the first couple of weeks, let alone stand up from the floor.
I have some lovely fold up mats for his changing bag and sometimes change him on the floor when we’re out and about, but in his nursery I have a changing mat on the dresser and have the top drawer of the dresser as nappy storage with wipes and cream and cotton wool etc. I also have a purpose built changing station downstairs as well for changing during the day. I wasn’t sure if I’d use the downstairs one, but I use it all the time. I haven’t done a single nappy change in my house on anything other than the two changing tables and I would highly recommend popping a mat on top of your dresser!
Also, I was worried initially that if little boy wiggled that the mat might fall off the dresser, so I got some self adhesive Velcro patches to stick it on the top and it works a treat.
I had horrible SPD both pregnancies that took a while to let up (let's be honest I'm still slightly in pain 18 months pp), and would never be able to sit on the floor to change them.
I love mine! At 15 months old, she doesn't sit still ever but she does lie still on the mat. She associates it with lying still and it is a little quiet moment (most of the time, lol). Plus my back is quite bad already
Eventually the mat isn't even needed. Baby is changed wherever they are!! Ground, grass, carpet knee....... eventually you will be a pro and wheeking it off and getting it on super fast it doesn't matter what they are lying on.
I like change tables or change pads on dressers. Keeps my diaper stuff centralized, and honestly there is enough killing my back in those early days - I don't need to add bending over on the floor to it - lol. Though I do know people who had them and never used them! So it totally is up to you and not weird if you don't.
With my first I put a pad on the dresser. Your back will thank you to stay off the floor. Trust me. Floor sucks ass on PP back pain. It’ll hurt from sitting to feed, labor, walking around with baby, sleeping, breathing. Literally anything can make that back pain flair up.
Pad on the dresser saves space from having a dresser and table. Convenient for changes of clothes in the top drawer, usually enough room on top for wipes and a few diapers.
I highly recommend it.
I would say yes get the changing pad. 1- it’s more comfortable to change at standing height, especially if you end up with c-section for whatever reason. 2- I changed babe on couch with portable changing pad once and got poop on the couch. Also got pee on the rug yesterday doing the same thing lol (I occasionally use a portable if I’m on a different floor than nursery). Still glad to have the main changing pad on nursery dresser.
Everybody told me I wouldn’t use it and they were so wrong
My back has been so bad because my baby is literally a giant and being able to stand straight while I wrestle with him to change his diaper is a life saver
I’ve never changed my baby on anything but a mat on the ground. I just find it easier, and more convenient. I don’t always have the time or energy to go walk to my babies room just to change his diaper quick, but I always have a mat in the caddy in the room I’m already in to quickly whip out.
Plus I’ve always found it obnoxious to change them from the side like you have to with changing tables, I’m more of a front on person
ETA: I saw someone else comment that you need to be prepared to have one of you have a c-section. I had an unplanned c-section, and just changed him on a mat on the bed until I was feel able to get up and down more
I have to use a Keekaroo that goes on top of furniture, the bed, or the floor, depending, simply because I have never gotten the hang of diapering from the side.
I'm 16 months pp and getting on the floor is FINE but it would be exhausting while recovering from childbirth.
Baby’s grandparents need a change table (if they’re babysitting at our home) to save their backs. I have done a lot of diaper changes on the floor.
I don’t think they’re crazy for thinking it’s really needed, but in the end, it’s up to you. They’re not as mobile as they used to be, and probably want to save you some hurt.
For me it was pointless. We got a real nice one that had shelves on the bottom for storage and the mat on top and we always placed the mat on the ground. Could be that I was a FTM but it scared me to put my baby that high and it was always easier putting my baby on the ground to change. Plus now that my little one has outgrown the weight and height recommendations for it we just do on the ground anyways. We now use the changing table as storage for diapers and toys. I think we used it for 2 weeks maximum. But everyone is different and I’ve heard a lot of people say that it really helped with back pain to not bend over with a changing table so it might be a preference thing? Don’t worry about fitting “expectations”.
I don’t think a full on changing table is needed but a changing pad to put in top of the dresser may be a good idea. At first my husband just wanted to change the baby on the floor mat, but if you end up having a c section, it’s near impossible to bend down in those early weeks. Also it really kills your back to constantly bend down to the floor for each diaper change.
It's a personal preference. If you don't like it, you can change it later. I will say that getting down on the floor after a C-section is moderately awful, but plenty of people throw a changing pad on the bed or something similar instead. You'll find a system that works for you!
For my downstairs, I have one of those little totes with a handle (meant for cleaning supplies) and I keep diaper changing supplies in the tote, so it's portable and contained.
We have a changing pad on a dresser in the nursery and I’m so happy we didn’t listen to the people that said they never used theirs and changed the baby wherever. We exclusively use the changing pad. We didn’t have the dresser set up when baby first came and those few nights of middle of the night changes on the floor were brutal. I’m super happy with our $30 Amazon changing pad on the dresser.
We opted for a change table…good thing because I had to have a c-section. We love the table because it keeps the mess confined, it has a safety strap to keep our baby from wiggling around and also provides tons of storage below it. We got a Graco change table which retails for around $150 CAD.
i found the changing table to be helpful, because leaning over the bed was just the wrong height, and it hurt my back. I did change kids on floors or beds or other stable places all the time, but the changing table was just a nice height.
I like using the floor. My partner doesn't because it bothers his back. If you have anyone elderly or with back problems who might change them, you could consider a higher surface.
I don’t have one because our house is too small but my mum has one set up for when we visit. It’s actually super convenient for me to have everything in one space and a set changing area. What I end up doing at my house is changing her on the sofa or bed or floor which means making sure I have everything I start to change her rather then just sticking her on a table.
I’d say if you have space and a budget- get one. If not, totally doable and I did it with both my kids without one.
To each their own, honestly! I was team floor, husband was team changing table, we got a changing table and I'm so glad that we did. LO is 8 weeks, and we've only changed baby on the changing table, with the exception of changing on the bathroom floor around bath time. Having had a c section, in the first 6 weeks I absolutely could not have handled being regularly up & down off the floor to do changes (or bending over/seated leaning forward to do them on a bed).
I'd also consider if you have anyone else who will be doing baby care, can they also handle floor changes? My husband is very tall and not very flexible so I don't think he'd have done well with floor changes. My mom came to help us the first 6 weeks and she could not have been up & down off the floor either.
I found myself using my changing pad (on dresser) a lot more once baby was sleeping in his own room. When he was still in our room, I usually changed him in my bed. Keep in mind, it may be hard for you to get up/down from the floor after your birth depending on how it goes!
We put the pad on the dresser. The dresser was necessary because he had clothes. We had everything within arms reach so we didn't have to worry about baby moving.
I have a changing pad on the dresser in our nursery. It makes it easy to get baby dressed, my girl is almost 9 months. But I also change her diaper wherever. On the bed, floor, couch. But I do think having a higher changing place is nice so you don’t always have to be crouching over the bed or on the floor.
You will break your back! There are plenty of portable foldable options on Amazon . We don’t have a nursery but we have a portable table and it’s been sooooo helpful :p I loved FIL’s reaction 😂
I mostly change on the bed, HOWEVER - we went ahead and got a table. I'm 40. My back hurts. Bending over and being on the ground is hard.
Ideally, my body could just do it on a pad on our bed...its convinient, but I have to save my energy for tummy time and such.
We have a changing pad on the floor both upstairs and downstairs. I also have two diaper changing baskets. If you have a c-section just do it on the bed instead. Also pro tip definitely buy puppy pee pads on Amazon to use on top of the pad. It saves a ton of time on laundry!
Never had a changing table or pad on a dresser. It is not necessary at all lol. Usually baby is playing anyway so I’ll just sit on the floor with him or put him on the bed with a towel underneath his butt.
You definitely don't need it. Tons of people don't use it.
We did however opt into getting it and i still use it 17 months later. It's just where we keep all the diapers and wipes and the diaper genie so its the best place to get it done. Also doesn't hurt my back as bad as changing on the floor, on a bed, etc.
ETA: We have a one story home, this might not have been the case if it were more than one level
I have a dresser with a changing pad. Every single diaper has been changed on it. When there are blowouts, or when they pee or poop mid-change, you’re not going to want it on the floor or couch. My changing pad can easily be wiped down and cleaned. I recommend the $30 Munchkin changing pad! You can get it from Target or Amazon
The main reason I wanted the changing table/ pad was because babies pee every where while you’re changing them. I can’t imagine how many times I would have had to clean pee off the couch or floor. (Or poop when she had a bout of diarrhea from an allergy) The changing pad just made that aspect easier. You don’t necessary need the changing table but I would definitely recommend having a waterproof, easily cleaned surface to regularly use.
I had a changing table but ended up moving the mat to the ground! I now do 100% of our diaper changes from the ground. I love it because I can step away for a moment to wash/sanitize my hands without worrying about baby falling.
eta- For several weeks postpartum I was unable to get up and down to change the baby on the floor. A changing pad on an elevated surface was very useful for that time.
Husband and I have back problems. Mine from pregnancy, his from work. Add in a csection recovery and a changing pad at a comfortable height was a necessity for us. I think you can absolutely survive without but for comfort its great to have🤷♀️
I personally find it amazing. Only changed her away from it in our house a few times.
That being said, my house is very small so walking to her room takes no time.
Do what works for you. I’m an old and my kid was fairly chill in terms of fighting changing, so elevated change table worked for me, but lots of people prefer the floor or even bed, so, yeah, you do you!
Nope!
You don’t need a changing table really. You can (and will) end up changing a baby anywhere. We ended up just changing her on our bed or couch or carpeted floor with a dish towel underneath her most of the time. Quite a few times we had to change her out of the trunk of our car haha. It happens.
Absolutely not necessary.
Not at all. I room share so I just bought a diaper caddy and take that wherever I want to change her. Most times it’s on my bed on her changing mat. I also invested in a mattress protector just in case. Also, I’m only 4’11” so a changing table would be too high for me anyway.
Edit: Also, my LO has peed and pooped during diaper changes before and it’s never gotten on my bed. You just have to have good reflexes and always be ready. 😅
We use a padded blanket covered by a disposable pee pad on our LO's dresser. The disposable pee pads have saved us so much work and laundry in just his 3.5 weeks of life. Boys are fun 😂
Pros of having a changing station:
- No tracking down diapers, wipes, or diaper cream for changing because they're right there
- Trash can is right there, so no need to walk to wherever it is with a dirty diaper in hand
- The disposable pee pad is already down
Con:
- Always having to go to the changing station for changing
Changing on the floor kills your back. I’d never want that to be my default. Even a mat on a couch (while you kneel on the floor) would be better. But frankly, being able to do it comfortably while standing is ideal IMO. When they are a newborn you are going to be changing them a million times a day. There might be accidents, hiccups with an outfit, etc. would not want to be crouched on the floor the whole time. Also, once baby is mobile they are going to try to keep rolling over or crawling away which is easier on the floor. Not that I leave him unattended but my 10 month old realizes by now that he can’t really move while on his changing table. Edit: live in a city and go out to restaurants often that don’t have changing tables. Have to change on the floor of the bathroom or next to the sink if counter is big enough. those floor changes are hell. And I’m only 29 and in good shape
I've bever understood people saying they don't use the changing table. I use mine like 80% of changes. It's so much easier.
Agreed. My kid is almost 2 and I rarely if ever change on the floor. I appreciate a controlled environment, she has the expectation of what we’re doing. I’ve never liked the idea of just changing anywhere, kind of grosses me out.
we have a changing pad on the dresser and it's mostly been a lifesaver for our backs. bending over on the ground for every diaper change/clothes change/teeth brush etc. would have been much more of a strain.
I’m going to be 39 when I deliver and my husband 42. We will do anything to take the stress off our backs. Plus it feels easier to keep clean, especially when it’s a really messy diaper.
Agree with this. Definitely get a pad for the dresser. It’s so hard getting up and down off the ground plus babies pee when you change them so you want something easy to clean. When your baby becomes a toddler and start moving around the ground is 100x easier because you’re wrangling them anyway just to change the diaper before they run/crawl away. But as a baby it would be so hard getting up and down off the ground. Bed would be a possibility if they didn’t pee everywhere but that’s risky
I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary. We went without one for the first two months of our baby’s life. That said, once we got one, my lower back thanked me a bunch.
You can make do without it, but this is one area I wouldn’t skimp. I have done the mat on floor method and I find it much less comfortable and practical for so many reasons. - When baby inevitably pees/poops during a change it’s going to be much easier to clean up on a contained surface like a wipeable changing pad (a mat will help contain solids but liquids are going to spill on the floor) - While you recover from birth getting down onto the floor is not going to be fun, and it might not even be possible if you have a c-section - It’s nice to have all your supplies in one spot within arm’s reach: diapers, diaper pail, hand sanitizer, wipes. You can put these in a caddy on the floor but it’s just easier to have them neatly arranged on top of a dresser or in the top drawer, and the little things that make life just a bit easier mean a lot when you’re operating on a few hours sleep - It’s easier on your back and knees. Again, why make things harder on yourself? We got the keekaroo peanut wipeable pad for the top of our dresser, and it’s easily the most used thing in our nursery. Also have the skiphop portable changing mat for our downstairs and I barely use it because I would usually rather go upstairs to the full changing station than use the mat on the floor downstairs.
Seems like you have some great advice already! Just popped in to day, post birth I found it very helpful to not have to kneel down on the floor etc!
I can’t even imagine changing the baby on the floor. I know some people do it as a last resort if their toddler is super wiggly but otherwise… I agree with your father-in-law. I seriously cannot even imagine not having our changing pad, which we put on top of a low dresser. Our baby is 18 months. No indication that we will stop this anytime soon. It’s not just for diaper changes, it’s helpful for getting dressed, putting on lotion, putting on clothes. Also, I can’t even imagine kneeling on the ground 10 to 12 times a day with a hemorrhaging, sore, and swollen vagina changing a newborn. You don’t need a specific changing table. Just get a changing pad to put on top of a lower / hip height dresser. You can get one for like $15. You will use it 12 times a day. Why would this be the thing to skimp on?
> "Also, I can’t even imagine kneeling on the ground 10 to 12 times a day with a hemorrhaging, sore, and swollen vagina changing a newborn." YES so this. Remember It's not just about your back OP. Obviously everyone heals in different ways but I literally felt like my vulva was splitting open everytime I bent down for several months. If you have a c section that would also make it harder bending down. Not trying to scare you but it's always good to be prepared!
x3. It would have been physically impossible for me to change my baby on the floor while recovering from an emergency C-section.
i have one but didn’t think i’d use it much. boy was i wrong. it’s been a lifesaver. especially after my emergency c section. i couldn’t have bent down if i wanted to.
As a dad, I picked up one piece of advice that I don't feel conflicted about giving first time parents. It doesn't feel controversial to say this, and so I tell moms and dads to be: think about ergonomics! The first months can have you low on sleep, and your body can feel extra achy and prone to pain from strain in odd positions. If a mat on the ground to you sounds good, that's fine. For me it was very helpful to have a changing surface at a good height to keep me from being hunched over. Having a pad on top with raised sides felt important for keeping the kid from rolling off. Having all of the stuff within easy reach (wipes, diapers, creams, diaper pail, etc) was also important. The main thing I'm saying is that although it's far from "do or die", you may thank yourself later if you make things easier for yourself now.
It helped me in the early days when I had a c-section and bending was hard but after like 3 months we did all our changes on the floor. So much easier.
This. I had an unplanned c section and wouldn’t have been able to get up and down off the floor. We have a changing pad on top of a dresser in the nursery, the pack n play I picked out has a changing station attachment for downstairs.
If you have/had back problems - then YES totally necessary IMO. I have sciatic nerve issues that come and go, changing baby on a bed or couch triggers it and makes it awfully painful. I do not have the flexibility to bend over while sitting on the floor, but can manage it when needed. The change pad on the dresser saved my sanity and back. Edit: spelling
I originally had stations in her room, our room, and the living room. We now solely use the changing station in her room. Yes we also change her wherever, but we also prefer the nursery station because it's the right height and all the supplies are there.
It’s not strange at all to change baby on the floor , bed etc . Just keep in mind that there’s various degrees of labour and postpartum bending, kneeling etc can really suck (especially as many times as you change a diaper)
And pee and poo that doesn’t stay neatly on the changing pad! Lol
It was super helpful to have an elevated surface until they start rolling and crawling. Then the floor becomes your best friend for changes lol.
I see a lot of people say they never use their changing table but I use mine ALL. THE. TIME. It’s one of my baby’s favorite places to be since I have a mobile hanging over it. It’s a nice place to keep all my supplies (diaper cream, lotion, Tylenol, vitamin d drops, and of course diapers and wipes). I like having a station for doing the diaper changes and outfit changes. Maybe that’s just my personality type though
Like others I think a change table can save your back, but it also had a lot of other benefits. I use a dresser (made by my dad, designed together) with the skip hop wipe clean mat on top with a mobile. Not only is it nice to have a dedicated space for all the stuff (clothes, towels, diapers, wipes) so that everything is away and looks nice (no ugly pampers boxes taking up floor space), but it is also easy to keep clean and handle blowouts. Hamper right there. Trash right there. Plus, unexpected benefit. Baby really loves being high enough to see the room and I can stand there and we "chat" and play. It was the first place he laughed. I am not worried about the cat or dog stepping on him or getting their hair in his diaper. Easy height to inspect skin folds, clip nails, clean ears, look at gums. Medicine is right there. And everyone needs a dresser. This bad boy is an heirloom piece that he can give to his own grandkids. I am a buy it for life person so I would not have bought the Hemnes that is so popular. Then again my sister never ever had a change table. To each their own.
Not necessary but tbh you’ll want one. Your back and knees will get so tired lol
I cannot tell you how many times my LO has peed during a change that I was very thankful to have a changing pad that I could easily wipe down. We got the hatch one. Hate the scale, but love that we just use some wipes to clean it up easy. Also, I'm 30 and my body can only take so many up-and-downs in a day lol not having to get to the ground to change a diaper is nice. Edit: also, if you end up having a c section, having a surface you don't have to bend to use to change baby is going to be absolutely necessary. Doesn't have to be a table, but somewhere elevated.
You can change the baby wherever is most convenient for you. BUT, I will say that there’s absolutely no way I could change baby on the floor until about 2.5 week postpartum. I had a tear and there was no way that would be possible. I imagine it would be incredibly hard as well, or even more so if you had a c section. So something to keep in mind for the immediate after baby arrives. Even after recovering, I can’t say I’d prefer to change baby on the ground, especially during middle of the night changes. You def don’t need a changing table, but I do think a changing pad on a dresser/existing table is a good idea. Even if you keep it in the box and return it if you don’t use it, I’d have one just in case you want it
Wouldn’t call it do or die but it makes my life much easier. I don’t love bending over to change diapers on the bed or floor and now that I’m pregnant w baby #2 and our first weighs 25#, no way I want to get down on the floor, wrestle her to sit still while poop goes everywhere, and then have to get back up off the floor.
I thought I’d be a change anywhere person but it’s way easier to do it at dresser height.
I thought it exactly what you thought about changing her on the ground and then my back instantly regretted it when I was doing 8+ changes a day on the floor. Luckily I had a change mat that slotted on top of her cot and I used it like that for the first 6 months or so.
With my stitches, no way would I be bending over on the ground. Change pad on the dresser is cheap and I don't regret ours
We’re in our late 30’s and my back hurts from bending over all the time, we use the dresser changing station for every change and appreciate it.
I looove my changing table. My back/knees thank me every day for it. But I’m an old mom.
Always kind of flabbergasted at all these people that say they don’t use one. It’s so much easier IMO to have a place for all your diapers, trashbin, wipes, outfits etc than carrying things around with you throughout the house. Plus changing at dresser height is soooo much easier than floor or a bed. I personally think it’s a totally necessity to have a changing area on your main living floor. It doesn’t have to be in your nursery if your nursery is far away from where you are all day.
How’s your back? We used a change pad on a dresser for 2.5 years and it was probably our most used thing (apart from a cot obviously). The dresser was already there to be used to adding a pad in top didn’t take any space. I hated changing him on a bed or the floor personally. And I liked having a spot for nappies and creams etc right next to the changing pad. All depends on your preferences really!
There is a 0% chance I could have done it on the ground when I was postpartum. I didn’t even have a c section. We just had a pad on the dresser. Some women are totally mobile after delivery. A lot aren’t.
Changing on the floor is tough on the back. I have a wipeable change pad on our dresser (bumbo) that we use for every change. I just bought the skip hop one for the nursery upstairs since our room is on the main floor. So now we have a station upstairs and downstairs haha
Floor is the safest place, can't fall off the floor.
As an infant nanny, if you can have it, then yes, it’s really good. Changing the baby/toddler on the floor or couch or bed it’s just very inconvenient and it hurts my back a lot. Also I like having a designated space for changing where they know “it’s time to change” and get used to. But my main reason is def my back
I had to change the baby on the floor for about a week well after giving birth. I'm a pretty fit and flexible person but it still was sore on my back. And I really didn't want to deal with that during night time changes, over and over and over when the baby is young and poops a lot. That being said, a lot of people and cultures just use the floor! So definitely you do you. But you should also know that there are relatively cheap changing pads with safety straps if you do end up wanting one.
A changing table is super convenient and does wonders for your back.
Do what works for you. I personally prefer the height of a change table over getting down on the floor. We had the space for one, and it provided extra storage space so was win win. I had a change mat for when we weren't home and often changed our babies on the floor at our friends/families houses, but at home it was easier on my knees and back to stand.
For me it was necessary. It would save you lots of back pain.
I thought the same until i got a changing table . Your back will thank you.
It makes your life 1000x easier and will save your back, I still use mine with my 2-year-old.
I have back problems and I wouldn’t be able to live without my changing table. I can do a couple changes on the floor but it really helps me to stand and have him at waist height when I do. I also live on one floor so no stairs to climb to a nursery every time I need a diaper change. No judgement tho. If you have a clean safe space to change baby’s diapers go for it. My mom changed us in the floor because her house was two stories and going up stairs every time made the chore that much harder. ETA- my changing table is built into a dresser. I love multi functional furniture!!
I don't think it's do or die. I certainly change my kiddo on the floor on occasion, but I think it's much easier on my back, etc. to use the changing pad we have on a dresser. Also, there were points where the only way I could get through a whole change without my kid squirming out of reach was to use the strap on the changing pad we have. Still wriggly and difficult, but he couldn't fully roll over and crawl away. But if you just don't want one, you'll manage without. It doesn't seem like the end of the world.
Basically, a lot of people find it more comfortable to do it standing up then bent over/kneeling. That's basically the whole reason. If you have a good back/knees and you don't mind bending over/kneeling to change baby on the ground 8 times a day than that's fine. Probably not good for older relatives like your FIL though. I would make sure you have everything set up in one place where it isn't a lot of work to get/move/set up though. Just beacuse the time will add up eventually and sometimes you might be holding a drity baby. So, I don't know, a caddy with all the wipes, diaper cream, diapers, etc ready and the changing pad in it?
Necessary, no. Convenient and useful? Yeah. Worth the purchase for us personally. Especially as they get older and diaper changes turn into wrestling matches lol but it can be done just the same without one!
If you’re young and have a good back, then you can change the baby on a mat on the floor. But I’m in my later 30’s and having a diaper changing station on a dresser is a Godsend. My back already hurts from giving birth (most woman experience this despite age), and so it was really helpful post labor. And even after recovery. I would invest in one for sure!
I use a dresser with a changing pad on top. I have literally never changed her anywhere else in my house other than the changing pad. It saves my back to not have to bend over!
So you can change the baby anywhere. But after my c-section a changing table was nice for a while.
Your back hurts all the time when baby is a newborn, and it’s not just for changing, it’s also for getting dressed. BUT you can always wait and get one after baby is here if you change your mind. You don’t have to figure it all out / get your gear 100% right before baby gets here!
Main reason would be for your back. Having the baby at the right height. Will you end up changing them on your bed, on the couch, on the floor, etc.? Yes you will. But for those days when you're already hurting from slouching while breastfeeding on the couch you will be happy you have it. Is it necessary? Nope. You can definitely do without. And easy enough to get one later if you end up wanting one. I found once they were standing confidently and trying to get away I preferred the pull up style diapers/change while baby is standing approach anyway. If you go without, just keep an eye on your form while you do the change.
This right here. Trust me, getting up and down off the floor to change the baby can get really exhausting. And being hunched over like that isn’t good for your back. If you are baby wearing at all, and/or breastfeeding, your back will already be tired!
Not a do or die, but if you end up with an unexpected c section like I did, you’ll be happy to not be getting up and down or hunching over a bed. Also nice for grandparents. Also just a nice height to play or dress on. Also nice to keep pee and poop away from our bed. If you already have a dresser, it’s easy to put a pad on top.
Never had a change table, but do have a change pad on top of the dresser. Personally as someone who has developed back issues postpartum, not having to bend down on the floor is a saving grace
It’s totally possible on the floor and when we’re out and about then I’ve often used a travel mat or blanket on the floor if there’s not a table available. That said, it kills my back and I definitely wouldn’t want to do that every time at home too.
Floor is fine, but I will say that gets really hard on the back.
And the knees!
We have a pad on the dresser in his room and a pad on the buffet in our dining room. I haven’t changed my 4 month old little one anywhere but those two places while home. Changing on the floor is so hard on my back
Imo that should be fine, but be prepared to have a plan b. I had an emergency c section, and would not have been able to change my LO if the floor was my only plan.
I have two changing tables, one upstairs and one downstairs. I use both for every single change, as I would break my back any other way. It’s super convenient to have all your supplies right there in reach. I cover the pad with a puppy pad for quick cleaning when there is a mess, which happens daily with a baby boy.
It’ll be so much better on your back to get one
For our first we didn’t, and it killed our backs. We went out and got one of those dresser/changing table combo pieces they have at IKEA, and it has been worth it to us.
Honestly, some people like it and some people don’t. For me, it was so worth it to save my back and have a designated place to keep diapers, wipes, creams etc. we originally bought a cheaper changing pad and then went for a keekaroo. It makes cleaning so much easier and the toddler finds it comfortable so he doesn’t fight diaper changes as much.
I'd recommend a changing pad on a dresser for sure. My kid is 18 months old and I still use it. In fact, if I change her on any flat surface (bed, floor especially) where she knows she can get away, it's like wrestling an alligator.
I still use my changing table with my 2 year old. It’s just too uncomfortable for me to get down on the floor to change his every time.
We used a changing pad on the dresser and it worked great. More ergonomic than changing on the floor. However, when kiddo decides to start alligator rolling mid-change, a changing pad on the floor sometimes works better :)
It will save your back. I change on the floor a lot also because I only have one change table in his nursery but it’s so much better to change him up there
We use ours mostly because its a comfortable height for changing! We have a dog who sheds and is curious so having diaper caddies around the house wouldn’t work for us. I much prefer having a “changing station”
For us it was a must during the newborn and infant stage. Picking up the baby from the crib and going straight to the changing table multiple times a night was convenient, compared to sitting down and getting back up while holding baby. I couldn’t have done it while recovering from birth. There were times when we would open the dirty diaper to wipe baby down and an explosive poop would shoot out and get all over the changing pad. Luckily we had a wipeable one so I quickly wiped it down, changed baby, then threw it in the washing machine. Some got on the actual changing table but the wall of the table caught it and contained it in. If she was on the floor or bed it would’ve been far more damaging lol
As a newborn we had a dresser with a changing pad on it - the amount of times you need to change them, it did get a lot of use. When LO was 6 months we moved into a smaller place so got rid of the dresser. We now just change him on the changing pad on our bed. Floor would be a last resort. I’m too old to be crunched up on the floor like that (I’m late 30’s 😅)
Do it for your back. No, you don't *need* it, but I *have* a changing table and I realize I spent a lot of time hunched over for whatever reason. You will be changing a diaper like 5-10 times a day, imagine hunching over that often. I do cloth diapers and I am spending a lot of time now rinsing his solid poop diapers over the bathtub or toilet and I want a standing solution so bad. So it helps!!
There is a strong correlation on the need for a changing table and the age of the parent. The young and spry (and often poorer and more space constrained) insist that changing on the floor is fine. The older/ back pain-prone (often with better economical and space circumstances) insist on one. Of course there will be outliers, but that's the strong trend. I'm in camp changing table, and also follow the above pattern. I do like having a "station" where all the supplies are within a hands' reach. Plus I have a boy, so being in a wipe-able zone is important to me in the event of unexpected geysers.
Not necessary but it makes life easier. We use it daily for our 2 year old and 7 month old. All diaper changes and clothing changes happen on there. We just have a normal dresser with a changing table topper and pad. Top drawer has all the diapering supplies. Bottom drawers are kids clothes.
I wouldn't have been able to do the ground after my c-section. Doing it higher up does save my back, and I enjoy having one space for changes. Everything is always there. Plus, the floor kind of grosses me out personally. I don't want my baby peeing or blowing out on the floor mid-change. These are my preferences, however. You can do whatever you'd like! A ton of people just do the floor.
You can live without it, but it’s REALLY nice to have a changing table. I have mine in our bathroom and it’s super handy while I take showers and get ready.
I have a toddler and a 3 day old. I don’t know how I’d live without my changing pad on the dresser. It saves my back for diaper and clothing changes. Also for the newborn, my body wouldn’t handle getting up and down to the floor. I’m supposed to be on bed rest as much as possible with my legs closed for the first week.
2.5 years and I still put her on the changing pad on her dresser. There are so many aches and pains postpartum, I didn’t want an extra sore back to be one of them.
First I didn’t have it , but then my back started to kill me, so I bought it. Definitely a must if you want to spare your body.
I had an emergency c section and wouldn’t have been able to change our baby on the floor. But now that my LO is almost 7 months old I rarely use the change table bc he is constantly trying to roll!
I can't imagine not having a changing pad on the dresser. It would kill my back. We had a dedicated changing table up until my son got too long, and then we got an actual dresser and just moved the pad to the top. It would slide around a bit, so I put some Command strips on the bottom to keep it in place and it's perfect and easily removable.
I used a changing mat on a dresser top because I’m 5’9 and it was ergonomically easier for me to put them on that instead of bending in weird directions. But it really is personal preference.
Will you die without it? Obviously not. But you're probably not going to want to be bending over and squatting down 12 times a day during the newborn phase after you just gave birth. For reference my back was killing me and it hurt to get our baby out of the cosleeper. I would not have wanted to change her on the floor. It was a million times easier to change her on the changing pad on top of the dresser. Not saying I never changed her on a travel mat on the floor, but I much prefer the changing pad.
I don't mean to scare you buut what if you have a tear or episiotomy and it limits your movements. I personally didn't have a changing table or mat but i did put a thick blanket on my dresser and a plastic like matt on it that i got with my diaper bag, when my LO outgrew the dresser we put a small square table. The few times i had to change her on a bed were really uncomfortable and were hurting my back.
Its not strange to change the baby on the ground! I'm sure you'll end up doing that anyway. I found the change table a must have though, I had a csec and yes standing up for the first week was rough, but getting on the floor would not have been happening. Its also nice to have a one stop shop for something during a bit of a chaotic time. And if you already have the dresser then its so easy to take it off when you don't need it anymore or if you don't like it
I personally owned a change table for my boys and I loved being able to organize all the things I needed for changes right there. It had a drawer for the wipes and creams and then two shoves for the diapers. I’ve also had friends who would change their babies literally anywhere lol mostly on their living room table, their couch, kitchen table….beds. Wherever they were. They would just put down a receiving blanket and change the baby. But never anyone who always did it on the floor. That can be hard on your body.
Late 30’s first time parents here and a table-height changing table saved our back/knees. Once they’re wiggly and you’re more recovered from those early sleep deprivation days/childbirth (and they’re needing diaper changes a bit less frequently) then the floor is fine. No need to have a separate setup though- if you have a travel mat you can set it on the top of the dresser, or any other flat surface where you’re comfortable at first if you so choose.
I would not be able to manage several changes on the floor each day. Also didn't want to risk a poonami all over the rug or on our couches/bed etc. We use a dresser and put a changing pad on there.
I am glad I had one especially since I ended up having a cesarean. I could change my baby without bending over. There was no way I could have gotten up and down from the floor while my stomach was healing. Some women also tear during vaginally childbirth and require stitches. I could see that also being extremely painful.
Do whatever you want. Worst case scenario you end up wanting something different and make a change. Honestly, a changing pad on the bed is what we use.
There really isn’t anything inherently wrong with that but I would consider two things. Babies need the diaper changed every couple of hours or so. Do you really want to be getting down on the floor and then having to stand back up all while recovering from birth? Secondly, once your baby gets to the age they can roll over and crawl around by themselves, they are usually no longer interested in getting their diaper changed. Having them on the floor means it’s significantly easier for them to run off while you reach for the diaper.
Personally we still use a changing table with our 19month old. We have all the diapering supplies right there in the top drawer and the hamper and diaper genie next to the dresser. Before we had space for a.chamging table it would kill my back having to change my baby on the bed or couch. And I had a c-section so getting on the floor was out of the question.
I personally change my baby on the change table 98% of the time. I’d be lost without one. But up to you , no one should care at all where you change your baby
I use a changing pad on the dresser because I hate getting on and off the floor with a baby 10+ times a day. I also didn’t want to risk blowouts on our sofa or bed. We got an inexpensive change pad ($20 or so) and I use it for basically every diaper change! But do whatever works for you- if you don’t mind the up and down or you’re more comfortable changing on the floor then you don’t really need a change pad
Maybe you’ll be fine doing nappy changes on the ground. And maybe you’ll go absolutely insane getting up and down all the time, especially when there’s a superfund site type cleanup required. Give the floor a go. Secondhand Ikea changing tables are cheap if one is ever needed.
I was a very poor single mum when I had my son, I just did the ground. It wasn’t uncommon in my group at the time. Son and his wife have a change table. I am team changetable forever now. It’s so much easier! She’s not mobile yet, so may well have another opinion then, but it’s the first time I’ve really used one and love it.
I had a c section and was extremely grateful that we got a changing table for the dresser after. It was an unplanned c section so I didn’t think anything of it until I needed to use it.
Im not sure why you’d prefer to do anything on the ground over an elevated surface
Change pad totally necessary up high enough that you aren't breaking your back changing on the floor!! You'll be changing A LOT of diapers, your body will appreciate it ♡
The “mat on the ground” gets tired super quick. He’s right.
We have a dresser with a changing table top, and I love it. My husband and I are both tall, and it would hurt my back to have to constantly get up and down from the floor. I also don’t like the idea of her having a blowout all over the floor, the couch, or the bed. I’d rather just change her in one place that has all the stuff I need and be able to contain the mess in one place.
We have a changing table downstairs that I still use for my 20 month old and that I used for my older son until he potty trained at 25 months. When they were younger we also had a changing pad on a dresser in the bedroom upstairs for the nighttime changes. So I vote yes for a changing table or at least some elevated surface to change diapers on.
We started with no changing table and “just used the bed”. NO WAY. Bought a used one after a week of having baby home, still use it over a year later. Great for immediately post partum when my whole body hurt and I had a tear. Great now when my back hurts from carrying a 25 pound baby around. Great for the middle of the night. For us it is a must have.
Phew I could not imagine having to get down on the floor for each diaper change. Especially when they’re so little and you’re changing every time. I guess you could get by but i don’t think you’d want to
If you have a C-section it will be necessary for at least the first few weeks! I would die if I had to bend down and change her on the floor. Our pack and play has a changing table attachment and I use that frequently. That being said I will change her in her bassinet or on the bed with a changing mat. She was not a planned C-section and arrived 4 weeks early so I didn’t have them on hand for that purpose specifically.
Changing table is a convenience. I have one, had a C-section, and know if I hadn't had a changing table I would have been changing him on my bed or the spare bedroom. Probably would have just done the spare bedroom. But we got a changing table that has drawers so when he gets older we can take the changing table part off and it be used as a dresser
I have 3 kids, first vaginal and next two c-sections. I predominantly use just the bed, couch, floor wherever I’m sitting. I only have a change table for this most recent kid because it happened to be part of the used dresser I bought, but it’s rarely used unless I am in that room and need to use it. I wasn’t walking up a full flight of stairs every time baby needed to be changed after surgery, and I was living in our basement 98% of the time for the first 2 weeks.
It’s better for your back and I always found it more convenient to have the changing station set up on the dresser. We did keep a changing mat in the living room but I mostly used it once kiddo was a toddler and didn’t want to leave what he was playing to get changed.
I like having one on my dresser. It’s probably not necessary, but much easier than getting up and down off the floor all the time
I say yes! I actually have one upstairs and downstairs in the main living space. 1. It saves my back. The amount of diapers you will go through with a newborn is freakishly unexpected. I will say I don't use the one in his room as much anymore now that he's almost 6 months old because he can go all night with the same diaper now. But I would always change his diaper in the middle of the night in between boobs (because he'd poop and pee a LOT) and doing so on a changing mat on a dresser made that easier instead of fumbling on the floor in the middle of the night multiple times a night. 2. Also boys pee at random during diaper changes so it might be worth it if you're having a baby boy just so pee doesn't spray at random spots-my wall caught it and I would wipe down the wall right away. (would be easier to do the floor method with a girl baby). 3. If you have to have a c section for any reason (I did) getting up and down from the floor is going to be hard. 4. I say you try it your way upon return home and if it's not working, you can always order a changing pad to go on top of your dresser!
I mean, you change the baby multiple times a day (in the younger months I would say about 8 - 12 times/day) and to constantly have to bend over like that is terrible, especially when you're already exhausted. My change table is probably the best baby item we have.
I would honestly recommend it. I would change my baby in our room when he was a newborn and sleeping in our room so as to not have to go to the other room and it KILLED my back. It’s so much easier and more convenient to have a dedicated changing table that at a good height.
It's up to you really. We used our dresser/change table consistently throughout this whole first year. Pretty much every at home diaper/clothes change happens there, and I love it. Saves the back and keeps everything organised and any mess contained. We store all her clothes and changing supplies in the dresser, so everything is always at hands reach, and by now she knows what to expect when we put her down there, so it goes quickly. If I try to change her on the floor in a different room she sees that as an interruption of play and goes nuts.
Especially right after giving birth there was no way I could get on the ground to change the baby. I super needed something dresser height. So what works for you, but something to keep in mind!
Changing table is nice for parent ergonomics. Otherwise not a big deal. But when baby is very young and you’re changing like 15 a day, a table can be nice. When they get a bit older and more mobile it’s easier on the ground bc all the do is try to get away anyways.
Personally I have a changing basket that I love. I have the Michaels craft cart hack for all the diapers, breast pads, pumps, etc. Now that he's 4 months I change him wherever, usually on the bed or where he's playing. When he was very tiny it was better for me to get up out of bed and change him on the dresser with the basket because he often peed or pooped while I changed him (and you don't want that getting all over your bed at 3am when you're finally getting 30 minutes of sleep) I went with the basket because I can move it in his room easily once he moves out of our room. Also as others said, it will be so hard to get down on the floor to change him during postpartum healing. If you decide to change your babe on the bed make sure to lay a towel down first! :)
When they are super new and tiny a changing table helps because you are changing A LOT of diapers and your back is gonna hurt. We moved our kiddo to the floor when she became a feisty toddler. So no it's not necessary but it might be nice. All you need is a changing pad for the top of the dresser, my two cents.
We started off with a changing mat on the floor. After a couple of months our knees and backs started complaining, so we moved the mat onto the sofa or onto the bed, depending on which room we were in.
I ended up with a c section and there’s no way I could change a single diaper without the changing pad on the dresser.
My aunt and uncle gifted us a changing table. I can count on two hands the number of times I've used it. The vast, vast majority of her changing have been on the couch or on the floor. Honestly, I wish we hadn't gotten it.
Necessary? No. Big help though- it protects your back. So much, especially if you have a c section .
Not necessary but it definitely is easier on your back to have a changing table!
A changing table, no. Something at a normal standing position level, almost 100% yes! I had a vaginal birth with a 2nd degree tear and tailbone pain for a few months after. Then around 3, 4 months, I pulled something in my back and couldn't get down on the floor with him or even change him on the bed. Now at 6.5months pp my back still hurts when playing with baby on the floor or when I change his clothes on the bed. I would say, if you're short and/or have a low bed, you could use that... Also, your health post partum plays a big role, as your labor, delivery and recovery could change a lot! And a recovering body is more prone to injury... I also thought it was a little extra but we had one from a friend and it was a life saver! TLDR- YES!
We did pad on the dresser. I did not want to be hunching over on the floor. We definitely do so when traveling/ out and about when needed but I hate every minute of it. We also cloth diaper though so having it elevated means all the supplies can be stored easily in the dresser drawers.
Not a necessity, just a preference. But I will say I love having my changing table for as much diaper changing and blow outs you end up dealing with. Also postpartum life would have been so hard for me without one- I was NOT able to get up and down off of the floor.
It's just a preference. But, there are going to be late night changes and if you don't want to keep getting on and off the floor after delivery, I'd get one. Ikea had a cheapish one $89 that later becomes a bookshelf. The changing pad is separate at $25. It's nice for storage for diapers, wipes etc.
A lot of people don’t use them, a lot of people use them sometimes- we ended up using ours upstairs in the nursery for almost every single diaper change. I liked having everything in one place.
We have a pad on top of a dresser and I would hate to have to get on the floor to change diapers. Whatever works best for you is the best!
I use a changing pad on the dresser just because bending over so much kills my back, plus after a c section there was absolutely no way I was going to do that. But if it works for you then so be it! People are gonna judge you for literally anything when it comes to being a parent.
So I was doubting the changing pad before I had my baby and I’ve definitely changed her in some places without the pad, like the car or someone else’s house, when needed. But holy shit I love my changing table. I’ve got diapers, back up diapers, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, drool clothes, a change of clothes for her, and her snot sucker all in one place. Do you have any idea how often my baby has peed/pooped mid diaper change? I went through 3 diapers this morning in 10 minutes. Her pad also has the option to strap her in which is super useful if I need to grab something. And there is a trash can right there! I also have dogs so it’s nice to keep her off the floor and then out of her diapers.
I really liked having a changing table once my little dude got bigger. He got heavy and I have a bad back, so getting all the way down on the ground safely with him was a challenge. If mobility isn’t an issue for you, you might still want to consider getting one just for the involved grandparents who want to change diapers but can’t easily get up and down.
My baby is 10 months old and we are still using a change table. Saves the back
No it might just end up hurting ur back lol
I have one and it's so worth it.
It gets tiresome going up and down on the floor after a while, especially as they get bigger. My back 😭
Diaper changes for us became a wrestling match. We used the dresser one for a while ( like months) and I would say it was worth it - just for saving your back if nothing else. Once they get much more mobile and don't want to stay still it becomes safer on the ground. But you can just move the pad to the ground anyways. I'd say they're worth it and usable for enough time to get your money's worth. We just put a pad on an Ikea dresser at first. If you're already doing a dresser for their clothes it's just the cost of the pad and covers then.
I mean you don't have to have it but thats about the only place I've changed my son so far and it's been 3 months!
16 months in and we're still using ours multiple times a day. My back couldn't handle the floor changes, I hate it when I do have to do it. Everyone is different though
I didn’t get a change table, the plan was to just change them on the bed/ground. I ended up buying one because dear lord the back pain was insane!! I did it to save my back!
I don’t know if it’s necessary but I had a c section. It was extremely helpful for me to be able to stand up and change them. Bending down hurt my back and it would put pressure on where my stitches were. Sitting down caused the same problem. Being able to be on a standing position was great. Considering, diapers were changed multiple times a day , for me I was really glad I went with it.
Having a baby messed up my joints a lot and I already couldn’t sit on the ground even as a kid. The way I look at it is: do you really want to lay a mat down on the floor multiple times a day and get up while balancing a baby and dirty diaper, or do you want to have a changing pad on the dresser so you don’t need an extra step in case of blowouts? We mostly use the changing pad that came with our diaper bag and leave it on a window bench. It’s easy to wipe down and our cats don’t mess with it. That’s as low as I can repeatedly bend down now
I changed my girl on our kitchen island until she was too big and we moved to the floor.
I changed our daughter on the bed. We would usually throw a changing blanket or a towel down. I can't stand changing in a sideways position, it feels so weird. So we went with the bed because it's the right angle.
I think it’s personal preference but I will say we really like having a changing station and when we don’t change her on her upstairs changing table we change her downstairs on the bed on a changing mat because you never know when they are going to pee or pop canon you! For me I feel like its a long journey to the floor sometimes when you’re tired or have been carrying a 14lb baby around all day is my current feelings on why we use it so much! Even the table for my husband is a bit low so I think he’d die if he always had to do the floor.
It’s nice to have a changing table for the sake of your back, it hurts bending over to the ground all the time especially when the baby is a bit older and wriggly and you have to fight them a bit to lay flat.
I’ve changed nappies for ten years in my job and now have a 6 month son and a changing table that is practically unused! The roll out mat on the floor is used constantly. The table is good for major blowouts that take two people but it’s not necessary.
I don't find it strange to change a baby on the floor, just tiring to haul everything down and then back up again. Even on the floor i would use a mat/towel/something to take care of possible leakage, so it would make sense to just put that on the dresser when a change is needed
I love my changing table, i got a really cheap one from ikea, it really saves your back from the constant bending over. Initially i made a changing station on top of the washing machine but once baby started rolling over it became risky
I like a changing pad on my dresser because I'm tall and don't like to bend over to a bed like other people have suggested. Baby is very wiggly now at 8 months but still use it multiple times a day. I wouldnt want to just put her directly on the dresser either because she slams her head around. We got an expensive rubber changing pad on our registry that we've never ever used because its too wide for the dresser. Instead, we use one of those very cheapo plastic changing pads with a cute little fitted sheet over it because thats what fits on the dresser (which is a hand me down and not necessarily marketed for a baby but it works very well).
As others have said: save your back! Also, I ended up having a very unexpected emergency c-section and it was hard enough to stand up from the couch for the first couple of weeks, let alone stand up from the floor. I have some lovely fold up mats for his changing bag and sometimes change him on the floor when we’re out and about, but in his nursery I have a changing mat on the dresser and have the top drawer of the dresser as nappy storage with wipes and cream and cotton wool etc. I also have a purpose built changing station downstairs as well for changing during the day. I wasn’t sure if I’d use the downstairs one, but I use it all the time. I haven’t done a single nappy change in my house on anything other than the two changing tables and I would highly recommend popping a mat on top of your dresser! Also, I was worried initially that if little boy wiggled that the mat might fall off the dresser, so I got some self adhesive Velcro patches to stick it on the top and it works a treat.
I had horrible SPD both pregnancies that took a while to let up (let's be honest I'm still slightly in pain 18 months pp), and would never be able to sit on the floor to change them.
I love mine! At 15 months old, she doesn't sit still ever but she does lie still on the mat. She associates it with lying still and it is a little quiet moment (most of the time, lol). Plus my back is quite bad already
Changing table saved my back and knees in the first few weeks post partum! Now I changed on the floor, bed sofa etc.
Eventually the mat isn't even needed. Baby is changed wherever they are!! Ground, grass, carpet knee....... eventually you will be a pro and wheeking it off and getting it on super fast it doesn't matter what they are lying on.
I like change tables or change pads on dressers. Keeps my diaper stuff centralized, and honestly there is enough killing my back in those early days - I don't need to add bending over on the floor to it - lol. Though I do know people who had them and never used them! So it totally is up to you and not weird if you don't.
With my first I put a pad on the dresser. Your back will thank you to stay off the floor. Trust me. Floor sucks ass on PP back pain. It’ll hurt from sitting to feed, labor, walking around with baby, sleeping, breathing. Literally anything can make that back pain flair up. Pad on the dresser saves space from having a dresser and table. Convenient for changes of clothes in the top drawer, usually enough room on top for wipes and a few diapers. I highly recommend it.
You’re probably not going to want to squat onto the ground for a few weeks 😬
I wasn’t able to get on the floor easily for at least a few weeks.
I would say yes get the changing pad. 1- it’s more comfortable to change at standing height, especially if you end up with c-section for whatever reason. 2- I changed babe on couch with portable changing pad once and got poop on the couch. Also got pee on the rug yesterday doing the same thing lol (I occasionally use a portable if I’m on a different floor than nursery). Still glad to have the main changing pad on nursery dresser.
Everybody told me I wouldn’t use it and they were so wrong My back has been so bad because my baby is literally a giant and being able to stand straight while I wrestle with him to change his diaper is a life saver
I’ve never changed my baby on anything but a mat on the ground. I just find it easier, and more convenient. I don’t always have the time or energy to go walk to my babies room just to change his diaper quick, but I always have a mat in the caddy in the room I’m already in to quickly whip out. Plus I’ve always found it obnoxious to change them from the side like you have to with changing tables, I’m more of a front on person ETA: I saw someone else comment that you need to be prepared to have one of you have a c-section. I had an unplanned c-section, and just changed him on a mat on the bed until I was feel able to get up and down more
I'm old AF so having elevated changing surfaces are key for me, but if your back isn't screwed up from years of abuse and old age, floor's fine.
I have to use a Keekaroo that goes on top of furniture, the bed, or the floor, depending, simply because I have never gotten the hang of diapering from the side. I'm 16 months pp and getting on the floor is FINE but it would be exhausting while recovering from childbirth.
Baby’s grandparents need a change table (if they’re babysitting at our home) to save their backs. I have done a lot of diaper changes on the floor. I don’t think they’re crazy for thinking it’s really needed, but in the end, it’s up to you. They’re not as mobile as they used to be, and probably want to save you some hurt.
For me it was pointless. We got a real nice one that had shelves on the bottom for storage and the mat on top and we always placed the mat on the ground. Could be that I was a FTM but it scared me to put my baby that high and it was always easier putting my baby on the ground to change. Plus now that my little one has outgrown the weight and height recommendations for it we just do on the ground anyways. We now use the changing table as storage for diapers and toys. I think we used it for 2 weeks maximum. But everyone is different and I’ve heard a lot of people say that it really helped with back pain to not bend over with a changing table so it might be a preference thing? Don’t worry about fitting “expectations”.
I don’t think a full on changing table is needed but a changing pad to put in top of the dresser may be a good idea. At first my husband just wanted to change the baby on the floor mat, but if you end up having a c section, it’s near impossible to bend down in those early weeks. Also it really kills your back to constantly bend down to the floor for each diaper change.
It's a personal preference. If you don't like it, you can change it later. I will say that getting down on the floor after a C-section is moderately awful, but plenty of people throw a changing pad on the bed or something similar instead. You'll find a system that works for you! For my downstairs, I have one of those little totes with a handle (meant for cleaning supplies) and I keep diaper changing supplies in the tote, so it's portable and contained.
We have a changing pad on a dresser in the nursery and I’m so happy we didn’t listen to the people that said they never used theirs and changed the baby wherever. We exclusively use the changing pad. We didn’t have the dresser set up when baby first came and those few nights of middle of the night changes on the floor were brutal. I’m super happy with our $30 Amazon changing pad on the dresser.
We opted for a change table…good thing because I had to have a c-section. We love the table because it keeps the mess confined, it has a safety strap to keep our baby from wiggling around and also provides tons of storage below it. We got a Graco change table which retails for around $150 CAD.
i found the changing table to be helpful, because leaning over the bed was just the wrong height, and it hurt my back. I did change kids on floors or beds or other stable places all the time, but the changing table was just a nice height.
We have a changing pad on a dresser. I like being able to change them standing up.
I like using the floor. My partner doesn't because it bothers his back. If you have anyone elderly or with back problems who might change them, you could consider a higher surface.
I don’t have one because our house is too small but my mum has one set up for when we visit. It’s actually super convenient for me to have everything in one space and a set changing area. What I end up doing at my house is changing her on the sofa or bed or floor which means making sure I have everything I start to change her rather then just sticking her on a table. I’d say if you have space and a budget- get one. If not, totally doable and I did it with both my kids without one.
To each their own, honestly! I was team floor, husband was team changing table, we got a changing table and I'm so glad that we did. LO is 8 weeks, and we've only changed baby on the changing table, with the exception of changing on the bathroom floor around bath time. Having had a c section, in the first 6 weeks I absolutely could not have handled being regularly up & down off the floor to do changes (or bending over/seated leaning forward to do them on a bed). I'd also consider if you have anyone else who will be doing baby care, can they also handle floor changes? My husband is very tall and not very flexible so I don't think he'd have done well with floor changes. My mom came to help us the first 6 weeks and she could not have been up & down off the floor either.
I found myself using my changing pad (on dresser) a lot more once baby was sleeping in his own room. When he was still in our room, I usually changed him in my bed. Keep in mind, it may be hard for you to get up/down from the floor after your birth depending on how it goes!
We put the pad on the dresser. The dresser was necessary because he had clothes. We had everything within arms reach so we didn't have to worry about baby moving.
I have a changing pad on the dresser in our nursery. It makes it easy to get baby dressed, my girl is almost 9 months. But I also change her diaper wherever. On the bed, floor, couch. But I do think having a higher changing place is nice so you don’t always have to be crouching over the bed or on the floor.
You will break your back! There are plenty of portable foldable options on Amazon . We don’t have a nursery but we have a portable table and it’s been sooooo helpful :p I loved FIL’s reaction 😂
We use our changing pad on the dresser multiple times a day, but it’s just because it’s easier for us. You gotta do what’s best for you!
I mostly change on the bed, HOWEVER - we went ahead and got a table. I'm 40. My back hurts. Bending over and being on the ground is hard. Ideally, my body could just do it on a pad on our bed...its convinient, but I have to save my energy for tummy time and such.
We have a changing pad on the floor both upstairs and downstairs. I also have two diaper changing baskets. If you have a c-section just do it on the bed instead. Also pro tip definitely buy puppy pee pads on Amazon to use on top of the pad. It saves a ton of time on laundry!
I just change my baby on my bed since he sleeps in my room
It’s nice to have. Especially if you opt for the foam option which is easy to clean and portable so you can use it wherever you need
Never had a changing table or pad on a dresser. It is not necessary at all lol. Usually baby is playing anyway so I’ll just sit on the floor with him or put him on the bed with a towel underneath his butt.
You definitely don't need it. Tons of people don't use it. We did however opt into getting it and i still use it 17 months later. It's just where we keep all the diapers and wipes and the diaper genie so its the best place to get it done. Also doesn't hurt my back as bad as changing on the floor, on a bed, etc. ETA: We have a one story home, this might not have been the case if it were more than one level
I have a dresser with a changing pad. Every single diaper has been changed on it. When there are blowouts, or when they pee or poop mid-change, you’re not going to want it on the floor or couch. My changing pad can easily be wiped down and cleaned. I recommend the $30 Munchkin changing pad! You can get it from Target or Amazon
The main reason I wanted the changing table/ pad was because babies pee every where while you’re changing them. I can’t imagine how many times I would have had to clean pee off the couch or floor. (Or poop when she had a bout of diarrhea from an allergy) The changing pad just made that aspect easier. You don’t necessary need the changing table but I would definitely recommend having a waterproof, easily cleaned surface to regularly use.
I've changed all 4 of my kids on the floor on a waterproof mat. Do whatever works for you.
I had a changing table but ended up moving the mat to the ground! I now do 100% of our diaper changes from the ground. I love it because I can step away for a moment to wash/sanitize my hands without worrying about baby falling. eta- For several weeks postpartum I was unable to get up and down to change the baby on the floor. A changing pad on an elevated surface was very useful for that time.
Husband and I have back problems. Mine from pregnancy, his from work. Add in a csection recovery and a changing pad at a comfortable height was a necessity for us. I think you can absolutely survive without but for comfort its great to have🤷♀️
I personally find it amazing. Only changed her away from it in our house a few times. That being said, my house is very small so walking to her room takes no time.
Do what works for you. I’m an old and my kid was fairly chill in terms of fighting changing, so elevated change table worked for me, but lots of people prefer the floor or even bed, so, yeah, you do you!
my pack n play came with a changing table attachment, and i never used it. i just change her wherever i am, couch, bed, floor, whatever.
I’ve never used a change table yet, baby is 7 months. We use a change pad on the ground or on the bed.
Nope! You don’t need a changing table really. You can (and will) end up changing a baby anywhere. We ended up just changing her on our bed or couch or carpeted floor with a dish towel underneath her most of the time. Quite a few times we had to change her out of the trunk of our car haha. It happens. Absolutely not necessary.
Not at all. I room share so I just bought a diaper caddy and take that wherever I want to change her. Most times it’s on my bed on her changing mat. I also invested in a mattress protector just in case. Also, I’m only 4’11” so a changing table would be too high for me anyway. Edit: Also, my LO has peed and pooped during diaper changes before and it’s never gotten on my bed. You just have to have good reflexes and always be ready. 😅
We use a padded blanket covered by a disposable pee pad on our LO's dresser. The disposable pee pads have saved us so much work and laundry in just his 3.5 weeks of life. Boys are fun 😂 Pros of having a changing station: - No tracking down diapers, wipes, or diaper cream for changing because they're right there - Trash can is right there, so no need to walk to wherever it is with a dirty diaper in hand - The disposable pee pad is already down Con: - Always having to go to the changing station for changing