What To Do When a Baby Is Too Big for Changing Table
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For most babies, you can expect them to comfortably fit on a changing table until they are about two years old. However, this is not always the case, depending on your genetics and your baby’s rate of growth. When your baby hits 30 lbs (13.6 kg) or simply becomes too tall to fit, you will need to start changing them elsewhere.
When your baby is too big for the changing table, you will want to look for a large, stable space to use. Floorspace or the top of a large dresser both work great. Use a combination of towels, blankets, and changing pads to make the ideal changing environment.
In the rest of this article, we will take a look at what you can do when your baby has outgrown the changing table. We will see some great alternatives and helpful tips to help you out on your journey through your baby’s early years.
Find a Safe and Stable Table
When your baby becomes too tall or too heavy for the changing table, using one can put your baby at risk. Depending on the changing table, it might not be able to support your baby’s weight and may prove to be unstable.
Alternatively, if your baby is too long, making sure he is resting securely on the table may be increasingly difficult.
When looking for good alternatives, you want to make sure you have a safe and stable area where your baby can rest comfortably while you change the dirty diaper. While it is important that it is safe and stable, it must also be comfortable enough for your baby to lay down easily.
Use the Floor
If you have enough available floor space, you can easily transform it into an ideal baby changing station. You have a few options with how you would like to set up this alternative changing spot.
The first option is to cover the floor with a soft, folded blanket. The blanket will provide a soft, cushioned surface to make your baby feel comfortable without having to worry about his weight. Consider using a towel over the blanket in case there is any mess.
You can easily wash the towel to keep your changing space sanitary.
Additionally, you might purchase a changing pad that you can place directly on the floor or a blanket. These are usually waterproof and ideal for placing your baby directly on when it comes to changing diapers.
You can wash these by hand with a bit of soap and water and use them over and over.
Changing pads come in a variety of thicknesses. You might prefer a travel changing pad that is thin and easy to transport, or a much thicker one with foam inside that functions like a small, waterproof mattress.
The changing pad you choose depends on your own personal preferences.
If you have a wiggly baby who likes to move around while you are changing his diaper, using the floor is an ideal setup for you. It removes any risk of falling due to your little one’s movements. You can customize your setup to include as much padding or waterproof surfaces as needed for you and your little one.
Use the Top Of a Dresser
While some parents grow accustomed to changing their babies on the floor, others may be bothered by having to crouch down low or be hunched over. Especially for parents with sensitive backs, they may be looking for an alternative option that allows them to be standing up straight when changing the baby.
Using the top of a dresser is another place you may consider when changing your baby. It will have to be a larger dresser with a smooth, flat top where your baby can easily fit without any risk of getting too close to the sides.
On the top of your dresser, you will need a thick changing pad in order to provide your baby with support while keeping a safe, waterproof surface that you can easily clean. If you are worried about your baby feeling cold when lying directly on the plastic mat, consider putting a small blanket or towel on top of the mat.
Choose one that you can easily wash in case of any mess.
If you are tight on space in your home, using the top of a dresser can be an ideal spot to change your little one. You can use the drawers of the dresser as usual for storage and have the top surface dedicated to changing diapers.
For a guided tutorial on how to set up your own DIY changing station on top of a dresser, you can check out this Youtube video below: