Products

You'll need to put your baby down to dry them off after a bath, change their clothes, changing nappies and to give them a massage. When at home, you might want a dedicated change table with a padded change mat on top so that you can stand and maintain a comfortable position where you can easily maintain eye contact and connect with your baby. Being up high means making sure you have at least one hand and eye on your baby at all times, especially from the age of around 3 months where they can suddenly figure out how to roll! If you're not fussy on style, change tables in good used condition can be easily picked up online or amongst your friends and family group.

What to look for:

- Design:

• Ensure the top height of the change table is around your and any user's hip height. Too high and it will be hard to reach across, and too low, you will be in a stooped posture which is hard on your lower back
• Shelves or compartments within easy reach for easy access to nappy changing essentials
• Easy to wipe down surface
• If you will move the change table between rooms, look for one on lockable wheels
• If you have limited space, consider a folding change table and/or a combined change table and baby bath

- Safety:

• Ensure you can get a compatible sized change mat to fit snuggly on top. Any gaps can be an entrapment hazard for baby.
• Raised sides will hold the change mat snug and if higher than the change mat, may help prevent your baby from rolling off
• A waist strap/belt either attached to the change table or the mat can help to prevent baby from rolling off. If it has a strap/buckle, ensure you can unclasp and clasp it with one hand.
• Always ensure you are supervising and have one hand on your baby when using any change table or have your baby on any raised surface

- Materials:

• Easy to wipe down, waterproof, and durable surface is the most practical option. 
• Look for solid construction material such as timber (avoid MDF or plywood which often contain formaldehyde based glues) or a metal framed table.
• Non-toxic paint/finish

What to avoid:

• Avoid if there is a strong smell to the product as it may indicate it is made with poor quality materials and glues
• Flimsy construction and joins - regularly check any screws and joins are tight
• If you have carpets in the rooms (and particularly for boys!), consider if the change table needs to be on a tiled or floorboard surface which is easy to clean such as in a bathroom or living area. Nappy accidents do happen and carpets can be unforgiving!