When my husband and I started the adoption process, I became mildly obsessed with researching baby gear. Since I’m of the opinion that most baby stuff is merely a ploy to get me to part with my money, I’ve wanted to make sure that what I buy is necessary and the best price for the quality I desire.
One of the items that I oscillate my opinion on is a changing table. Many of the playard units come with changing table attachments, but kids are usually finished with playards by nine months and diapers need to be changed for quite a while after that. The pads that secure to the top of dressers are nice, but we don’t have a single dresser in the house that is the appropriate height. We could forgo the changing table altogether, but we would still need a basket or something to hold extra diapers, diaper cream, wipes, and such.
This weekend, I discovered a new item from Ikea that seems to solve our specific changing table issue. And, the Spoling Changing Table appears to be an unclutterer’s dream.
From the product description:
Key features
- Foldable; easy to store when not in use.
- The cover and the storage pockets are washable and easy to put on and take off.
- Easily accessible and practical storage for diapers, bottles, toys, changing table accessories, etc.
- The storage net underneath can also be used as a laundry bag; just remove and zip up.
Now, when the time comes, it looks like I may have found an organized solution. My favorite part is definitely the dirty clothes net that zips up and can be tossed in the laundry.
(It also comes in beige and white.)
Although I don’t need baby things, the words “compact” and “uncluttered” always catch my eye. Nice choice.
I am a very late thirties mom to an 11 month old boy. A changing table is a must, if for no other reason than to save your back. You want something very sturdy because he/she will eventually roll all over the place and even stand up, while you are in the middle of changing him/her. And clutter, get used to some, it comes naturally with the child. I’m the same way with all baby gear. Basics, I tell you. Really, how did they do it thousands of years ago? It’s true, “love is all you need!” Congrats on starting the adoption process, hope everything turns out great and makes your dreams come true.
P.S. I would stay away from beige or white.
I’m not sure that looks stable and sturdy enough for a squiggly baby. If you don’t want to buy a piece of furniture, why not just put a change pad on the floor?
we decided against the single use diaper changing table as well. we just placed the diaper changing pad on top of a square folding table. it has extra space on the sides to accommodate a package of diapers (taken out), a box of wipes, and a tube of diaper rash cream. a folding table, if you dont have one already, is always something handy to keep around.
after our daughter got older, we just keep the diaper pad on the floor in her room, that way she can crawl/walk to the pad and lie down herself for us to change her.
You’re going to adopt a baby!? Oh how exciting, I feel like I’m the last person to know now. I’m sorry for not keeping in touch a little better. I am so happy for you both!
And yes, this folding table is an unclutterers dream.
By the way, I saw the cover of your new book with all the sticky notes on the monitor, it’s great. I can’t wait to read it.
xo
Holly
This seems like a wonderful idea but not sure that it will last much longer than the changing surface of a pack and play. It doesn’t look sturdy enough to hold a squirming 12+ month old. If you have enough space, you may want to look at a dresser that is the right height. We got one from Ikea 8 years ago for our first son and it is now serving our 2 year old. Not only is the surface great to attach the changing pad but there is room for a basket for diapers and wipes. The drawer space comes in handy for clothes and extra diapers, etc..
Also, congratulations on the adoption!
As the mother of a seven-month-old boy, I’d want to make sure this would not be prone to moving once the baby gets more active (as early as 3 or 4 months this could begin to become a concern). How sturdy is this?
I spent twice as much as this item costs and got a lovely used dresser on craigslist – all wood and in perfect condition. It is larger and does not fold up to be put away, but I have a place for everything there and everything in its place, including the boxes of diapers and wipes, burp cloths, pajamas, clothes, blankets, etc. And when my son no longer needs a changing table, it will still be usable. It might take up a little more room, but it will do a great deal more in one space!
Congratulations, Erin! As the mom of a 21 month old who practically does yoga while I’m trying to change her diaper, I have to echo the concerns about change table stability.
We just happened to spot this in a furniture store one day, and it’s worked out great for us so far: Sauder Universal TV Stand. It’s a little higher than most dressers, which I prefer and which works especially well for my 6’2″ husband. The surface is roomy; even with the change pad, there’s still room end for a box of wipes, tin of diaper cream, etc. Diapers and whatnot are easily accessible on the open shelves, and the drawers hold plenty of clothes. We stuck 3 removable hooks along each side to hang diaper covers, towels, and a trash bag. We did find that the drawer bottoms were a little flimsy and prone to popping out, but a little reinforcement fixed that problem. It’s not the most unobtrusive piece of furniture, but we expect to get years of use out of it as a change table and dresser (maybe even a TV stand, eventually…).
Congrats again and all the best!