Parent's Guide to Changing Table Safety

Changing tables can be one of the most wonderful tools you may have when you bring your new baby home from the hospital. Changing tables make it possible to conveniently change your baby’s diapers and clothing without straining your back. Changing tables have grown from mere changing platforms, and have evolved into beautiful and elaborate piece of furniture. Some have baskets and mesh areas suitable for storage. Others have built in drawers and can be used as dressers long after your child has outgrown the changing table portion.

However, until those days come, you will be using the changing table surfaces. There are many safety precautions that you must take to ensure that your child remains unharmed when you are using your changing table. The first and most important rule for changing table safety, is to never leave your child unattended for any reason.

Always secure your child with the child safety straps when you lie him or her on the changing table surface. You should hear an audible “click” when you connect the harness clips. Please remember that though many changing tables comes standard with child safety straps and harnesses, you should never depend on them alone. Children only need a single moment of freedom from you watchful eye to wiggle and squirm their way out of child safety straps. A nasty fall from a changing table would be enough to seriously harm your little one. If your changing table did not come with safety straps, it is highly recommended that you purchase them separately.

Be sure that you check the bolts and screws on your changing table from time to time to make sure that they are still tight and secure. Your changing table should not wobble. If you find that the changing table moves with little resistance, tighten all screws and bolts immediately. Failure to do so could result in your changing table collapsing, potentially harming you or your baby.