Build a Diaper Basket
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I’ve never really been one to use a changing table for changing baby’s diaper. Oh, we had a makeshift changing table for the first child or two. But, in reality, once they grew beyond the newborn phase, we took to changing them on the floor, usually on a blanket or portable changing pad. It was just so much more comfortable to sit with them on the floor to take care of business.
Quite honestly, I’m surprised I’m sharing this with the world.
Is this taboo? I’m not really sure.
I bought an honest to goodness changing table at a garage sale when FishChick was born because I felt like that was what you were supposed to do. But, other than store baby supplies, it didn’t really serve its purpose. I didn’t use it once she was a tad bit mobile.
Instead, I have diaper baskets. One upstairs and one downstairs. And in the house where I bathed the kids in the master bathroom, I kept a basket in our room, too. The Diaper Basket is what works for us.
What works for YOU?
I’ve always used the couch, floor or the bed for baby #1, 2 and soon will be doing the same for #3. I had a c-section with both of my now toddlers and the floor was not an option for a few weeks, in fact a changing table probably would have been a good idea for recovery but I highly doubt I would have continued to use it after I was able to move more fluidly without much pain. And with the way my kids move…a changing table would be dangerous rather than a nice commodity.
I also never used a basket, though I think that might be a great way to go this time. I always used an empty shelf or space to gather all diapers, wipes, ointments etc. on both the first and second floor. The ‘diaper area’ usually ended up chaos so I believe this might end up being our solution! Thanks for the awesome tip!
As soon as our kids outgrew the pack’n’play changing pad and got really squirmy (about 6 months old), we switched to a changing pad on the floor. And I love having supplies in a basket like that; right now stuff is a little bit more, ahem, all-over-the-place, but it works for me.
I use the changing table for the baby who is 7 weeks old but once they get mobile like my 2 yr old I also use a diaper basket.
I use an old desk/vanity? with a changing pad on the top. Leaves plenty of space underneath for my diaper pail. I also have a 1 story apartment, and cloth diaper. It just seems easier to keep all the cloth diaper stuff together. Not sure what I will do when my baby girl starts eating solids and I have to walk to the other side of the apartment to rinse the poo off the diapers.
I bought a changing table for my first because I was “supposed to.” But then I switched to cloth diapers and really needed a place to organize them. From then on I almost ALWAYS used the changing table. I even took DD upstairs to change every time. It kept me organized because everything was always in one place — diapers, wipes, spray, cream, and wet bag. So when DS was on the way I bought a second changing table for his room because it helps me so much. I still do change them there frequently and DD is over 2 and DS is 10 months and both quite wiggly at times. I found if I trained them to lie still on the changing table they typically would even when being still was NOT their idea of a good time. Both did/do fight me more on the floor, bed, etc. than on the changing table. (DS tries really hard to roll away from me and then crawl off if I change him anywhere else. Plus he kicks me.)
And worse, now, I have gotten into the habit of changing them in random places and there are diapers ALL over my house. Often, but not always, clean ones…. I think if I used disposables I would be more likely to use a “diaper basket” of sorts, but with cloth, they all need to be collected and washed, so it makes more sense to have a designated space.
i did floor as well. i had 2 and still have one changing table. i can count on one hand how many times i have used them for that purpose. i use it for extra storage in my kitchen.
Your diaper basket looks almost exactly like ours! I keep ours at a level that is easy for our 2 year old to reach. Then, when it’s time for diapers changes (I always do both kids at the same time or I forget who I changed last and how long ago!), he goes to get a diaper from his basket and one from his baby sister’s basket. He loves to be able to be Mommy’s helper and this is one more simple, yet still very helpful way he can help!
Now, I just need to figure out a better way to stay on top of keeping the baskets stocked…!
We have used it all…changing table, towel on the bed, towel on the floor and on the couch. I really liked our changing table but with a quad, running upstairs wasnt always something I wanted to do. Now he is just too heavy to pick it up and put on the changing table, which is good since he is now into pull ups and we can do those standing up. 🙂
am i the only person who can’t live without a changing table? lol. well i probably could, but i would rather not. I think maybe its because I had become use to her being at my standing level for so long in the NICU
I LOVE my change table. With our four kids we’ve been through 2 of them. I use them until the baby is potty trained. I love knowing that all the things I need are exactly where I need them. Have never had a baby roll off… so far so good!