DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

DH - Thinks putting a changing table topper thingy on a dresser is dangerous.

Me - Thinks having a changing table is impractical.

What are you doing? Why?

If you're doing the topper, do you have a link to it? I need an example of "see, this looks safe!"

I hate unnecessary furniture!

TIA!

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

DH wanted a real changing table- but we didn't see any sets that we liked that had one. So- we got the dresser/changer combo.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I don't think it's dangerous unless you leave the baby unattended on it.
In that case a changing table or even your bed woudl be dangerous.

We are doing the dresser option- I feel it's more practical....

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

we are doing the dresser topper option..don't have a pic, because it gets delivered tomorrow , but I know it comes with straps that attach it to the dresser (in the back so it doesn't ruin the dresser) and either way, you should never leave the baby unattended, so I don't see how it wouldn't be safe. I was thinking of getting the rubbery shelf liner stuff too, so that I can put that under the changing table and it definitely won't slide around..

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We had a similar battle. He wanted the changing table - I want nothing. We are opting to skip the whole thing and just change the baby wherever it is convenient. If it is too much for me in the beginning I am going to set up the PNP which has it's own changing table there.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I love my dresser top changing station. It is secured to the back of the dresser but can be removed when you no longer need it with no damage to the dresser. I have pics in my album of it under nursery.

Message edited 3/15/2010 10:46:36 AM.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

Personally I've always felt a changing table is a big ole waste of space once the baby is a toddler. We've used the topper. Perfectly safe, not sure how it's any different than a changeing table.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

Dresser with topper but it's a wooden piece that fits in there so it's not dangerous.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We use a changing pad on top of the dresser. You can get grip liners (the ones used on shelves or in drawers) to keep the changing pad in place and protect the wood from being damaged.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I'm right there with you. I think an actual changing table is impractical. We went with the changing pad on top of the dresser and have had NO issues whatsoever. Baby should never be left unattended when they're being changed no matter where it's happening, so I wouldn't say having it on top of the dresser is any more dangerous than having a changing table. Plus, we put a rubber thing under the changing pad so there would be no sliding.

Here's a pic of our "changing area". If you look closely you can see the red rubber thing we have under the changing pad to prevent sliding. DD bounces around up there all the time and the pad never moves an inch.


ETA: That white strap coming from the pad is not attached to anything. It's just tucked into that drawer so it doesn't hang down and get in the way.

Message edited 3/15/2010 10:50:48 AM.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We used the dresser topper with DS and will this time around also. And there are straps that screw into the back of the dresser so it can go anywhere. Its really no different than a changing table.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

we did the dresser w/changing table topper for DS and will do it again for these babies...
a separate changing table is just another piece of furniture that takes up space...

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I'm having this problem with my mom, of course she recently had to hear a story from one of her friends who's grandchild was being changed on the topper and topper slipped off of the dresser and the baby broke its finger.

I'm still undecided I guess.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We did the topper on a dresser, and now 18months in I'm really glad we did it that way; no changing table to eventually get rid of/give away!!!

I put velcro tape on the underside of the changing pad (2 strips lengthwise) and aligned those with the "grippy" side which I adhered to the dresser top. In a year and a half we have had NO ISSUES at all with slipping or sliding. It's totally safe. I use the top 3 drawers for diapers wipes first aid stuff etc and the rest of the drawers are storage for baby clothes. It works really well, don't hesitate due to a safety issue....

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We have it on the dresser. It is bolted to the dresser, so its not going nowhere! I can take a picture when my hubby gets home and he can move the dresser for me lol.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We are doing on top of the dresser. I didn't want a changing table..and I don't even think my DH knows what one is. The dresser though has screws in the back where you can secure the changing pad, and then when you don't need it any longer it just screws off, so the baby is extremely secure.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I'm in the minority and got a changing table for DD # 1 and will get one for DS's room also. I like having the changing station separate from the dresser. DD's dresser also has a hutch attached and while I know I could have removed the bottom shelf, I just didn't want to. Both their rooms are big enough to have a changing table...if that wasn't the case then I wouldn't have gotten it.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

WOW we are having the same debate in our house. DH wants separate changing table b/c I wanted and we got the hutch for the dresser. We can remove the bottom shelf on the hutch so there is plenty of room to change the baby and not have the shelf be in the way...but DH thinks he will knock head anyway. We'll see how it is when the furniture arrives. If we must I don't mind buying a real inexpensive changing table...I'd rather not but if it will be easier I'll find somewhere to stick it.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We have the pad on top of the dresser. It has a non-slip backing and is also screwed to the back of the dresser.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

2 years with a changing pad on top of a dresser and no issues - it's no more or less dangerous than a changing table.

My DH screwed the straps of the changing pad into the dresser a while ago - not even right away, mind you, just a while ago when DD first started acting like the nutjob that she is - and it's fine.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

we have a real changing table that CONVERTS back to a stand that can be used for a TV or toys or whatever when DS is older

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I hate changing tables, I know several people who have had accidents w/ babies rolling off even before they knew the kid could move. I always changed DS on a pad on the floor. no chance of getting hurt!

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

We use the top of the dresser. You can attach the changing table pad to the dresser so that it won't come off. Also, you can bolt the dresser to the wall. My son is 21 months and has never fallen off the table. (and hopefully never will!) Our dresser looks like this, but a different color.

Re: DH vs. Me in Battle of the "changing table vs. topper on a dresser", what are you doing?

I think both are impractical. We use the bed or floor.