A few weeks ago we commented that it is necessary to buy the head changer. We believe that this maxim should be applied to the changer, and any other furniture or gadget we need when children arrive home. Therefore, if you have decided that the bath-changing table is the best option, here are a few points to consider before deciding on the purchase of one or another model of bath-changing table.
Does a folding or fixed bathtub suit me more? What is the best place to place it? Taking these and many other points into consideration, it will be harder for us to have to go back to the store to make any changes or to regret the purchase we have made. In addition, we will soon see how easy it is to extend the life of the changer. These are the tips to keep in mind:
Where we put the bath-changer. As a bathtub, logically it is best to place it in the bathroom. For convenience, because we have to fill it with water and it is best to do it from the large bathtub itself thanks to the shower phone and not walk with buckets of water to another place in the house.
Once located in the bathroom, we have to place the bath-changer in the most appropriate place. This premise cannot be carried out in many cases for the simple reason that the bathroom is so small that it only fits here or here. But the changing table can be placed inside the bathtub, with adjustable leg models to adapt to the measurements of the large bathtub (they must be non-slip supports). Or also on the ground.
How much space can we occupy. Take measures of the bathroom and keep in mind that the bath-changing table will occupy us about 80x50 centimeters minimum. Let's put some tapes with the measurements on the floor and check that we can stand and move next to the bathtub for when we use it for the baby.
Take advantage of the bidet space. The bidet is the bathroom furniture that we can do without to attach the bath-changing table taking full advantage of the space. If we decide on this practical option, we have to take measurements of the height of the bidet, since the changers usually carry lower trays that could be incompatible with the bidet.
How many lower trays do I need? If we have space, it is good to have several trays that will allow us to place and order from diapers to shoes or towels and bath products. If we are going to place the changer on the bidet, the trays are reduced to one. A changer like the one in the photo below would not help us. As we have just said, the compartment must be above the height of the baby. There are some changers whose lower tray is supported by a flexible net, so if the difference in centimeters is small, these models will also work for us.
The density of the changing surface. We will use the changing table much longer than the bathtub. Therefore, we must look for a piece of furniture that has a good surface, balanced between firm and comfortable. The bases are usually made of foam rubber. It is preferable that this is quite dense, since it is gradually yielding and softening. A surface that is too soft from the beginning may end up deforming.
That the changer has slightly raised sides. Although we should not leave babies alone at any time on the changing table, when they are already moving a lot it is good that there is some "passive protection" because the surface is not completely flat. There are some changers that incorporate high rollers as a complement on the sides, although in my opinion they can make it difficult for the daddies to maneuver from above.
Accessory compartments. On the sides of the bath there are usually two or three rigid or flexible compartments (cloth or grid) that are very practical to put accessories of the baby's bath and daily hygiene: sponge, brush, soap, body lotion, protective creams ...
Have a security system to prevent children from opening it easily when they reach from the ground.
If the changer has wheels, have a "brake" or anti-slip system on them.
Have a drainpipe. Most bathtubs-changer incorporate this tube that we take to the bidet or the bathtub (or is placed directly there if the bathtub is on them) so that the water comes out. If we do not have the bidet or bathtub nearby, we will have to place a bucket or bowl that collects the water and then throw it away. If it does not have a drain, it must be emptied from the top by lifting it to the weight to the place where to pour the water.
That the tub cubicle is not stuck motionless to the structure. So we can tilt it more easily to finish emptying it of water in case it has a drain pipe or take it and empty it into the large bathtub if it does not have a drain.
Folding or fixed changing table?
I have left this section to comment more widely, because it is one of the questions that we will first be asked in the store to which we go to buy our bath-changer. Do we want it foldable or fixed? At first glance, it seems that folding is going to be more comfortable, because we "keep it" in a small space. But are we really going to store the furniture? When?
In my opinion Folding changing bathtubs are no advantage. If our intention is to use the furniture as a changing table, we will be folding and unfolding every two by three, many times a day, and relocating the bath tub where it does not bother. I don't think anyone is folding and unfolding the furniture 10 times a day. If the problem is of space, there are other more practical solutions before opting for the changing bathtub.
That's why I think fixed ones are more practical, created to be fixed, they offer me more stability. If we are not going to use it as a changing table, then do not buy a bath changing table, place the changing table in another place or simply change the baby taking advantage of other surfaces.
In addition, another drawback of folding to take into account is that having scissor legs are incompatible with the bidet if we have to take advantage of that space.
On the other hand, when removing the changing bathtub, after having used it for years (and let's not talk if there is more than one child at home), which is foldable or not, is going to matter, since it will end up in the storage room , or when someone does not inherit it for the same use or directly is so worn out that it must be disposed of.
We hope these tips to buy the perfect bath-changer, or at least the one that best suits your needs, they have been useful for you.
