Peculiarities
It is safe to swaddle, dress your baby, give him a massage, and play finger games, most conveniently on a flat, stable surface.
Some mothers are content with a regular bed or sofa. But at the same time, the load on the woman’s spine increases - low furniture forces her to bend over the baby, bent in an uncomfortable position. Other parents use a table for these purposes, and there should always be free space on it not only for the child, but also for things to care for him. And when children's cosmetics, towels, and undershirts are stored in another place, the mother will have to leave the baby if she forgot to bring some care products. In view of the above, it is much more comfortable to use a changing table or chest of drawers specially designed for changing clothes. The furniture is useful, comfortable, and most importantly, multifunctional. In addition, the design is compact, which allows it to be placed even in a small room. Depending on the configuration, the chest of drawers can be used for:
- storage of children's things, cosmetics;
- swaddling and changing the baby;
- performing massages, taking air baths;
- hygiene procedures;
- bathing (furniture with a built-in bath);
- medical examination during a doctor's visit.
A children's chest of drawers can be made in any style and color - choosing the right option will not be difficult. The main requirements are the presence of sides covered with silicone inserts, the absence of sharp corners, and stability. The larger the surface for changing a baby, the more comfortable and longer the furniture can be used - on average up to a year. When choosing an installation location, you need to take into account that there must be a free and safe passage from the front to the chest of drawers with a changing table for newborns.
It is important to remember that leaving an infant unattended on a high open surface, even one equipped with sides, is strictly prohibited. This applies to children of any age. But you need to especially carefully monitor the baby, who has already learned to actively roll over from his stomach to his back.
Design and rules for choosing a chest of drawers for newborns
Frame
First, it’s worth understanding what components a changing chest for newborns consists of. The frame is not a complex structure. It is based on two side walls and one back. The bottom and tabletop are used as stiffening elements. In overhead models, this role is played by the base under the changing table.
A chest of drawers with a changing table for newborns often has quite different dimensions; the selection of a model depends on certain parameters.
- Height. Here you should make sure that mom is comfortable. It turns out that the choice must be made based on the woman’s height.
- The length and width should allow the baby to fit completely on the table. Moreover, it will fit with some margin. When choosing a chest of drawers based on these parameters, it is worth remembering that capacity also depends on the width.
For understanding, we list the main dimensions that are considered standard.
- Width at least 50 cm.
- Height 90–110 cm.
- Length 60–90 cm.
When choosing sizes, it is worth remembering that the larger the chest of drawers, as well as the table, the longer it can be used for changing a child. Accordingly, you won’t have to rack your brains and look for an alternative when the baby gets a little older.
Filling
As in a classic chest of drawers, drawers are the most common. Depending on the design features and dimensions, their number can range from 3–8 pieces. Typically, small drawers are used to store care and hygiene items that should be on hand at all times. Large boxes are good for storing diapers, clothes, and nappies.
There are modifications with shelves and open niches. The shelves are usually covered with doors; it is convenient to place baby care products here. Niches are usually used for sanitary napkins, rattles, and other small items.
Sometimes you can find multifunctional chests of drawers with add-ons. Such furniture can be combined with a closet, allowing you to save space and store more children's things.
Accessories
When choosing a specific model, you should definitely look at the quality of the fittings. It should only be of high quality. The handles are rounded and the drawers slide out without additional effort.
Drawers can be pulled out on ball or roller guides.
- Roller guides are the most common. Movement occurs along guides, which are located on the sides of the box. Rollers are attached to the box itself, which move along the guide rail. It is worth remembering that such a solution is not reliable; under heavy load, the “rail” can become deformed, and if handled carelessly, the roller falls out of it. But such a system is inexpensive.
- Ball guides are more expensive. They are more resistant to loads and make virtually no noise when moving. Thanks to the stops, the drawer does not fall out, even if it is almost completely pulled out.
If you use a door for shelves, you should pay attention to the hinges. Here, a hinged furniture hinge is used, where one half is securely fastened to the body, and the second is installed on the door, and when opened, moves in an arc. It is necessary to pay attention to the strength of the fasteners, as well as ease of opening.
Supports
A chest of drawers for changing a baby can have the following types of bases.
- Base. This is the most stable option; in fact, it is a continuation of the frame. The sidewalls are used as the main support. When choosing such a model, you should pay attention to the sawn bevel at the back; this is done for the baseboard; if there is no bevel, it will not be possible to place the furniture close to the wall.
- Wheels. A very interesting option, which is characterized by increased mobility. Furniture can be quickly moved, making room cleaning easier. There are modifications where wheels are installed at the back and legs at the front. When purchasing, always check that there are locks on the wheels. This is important for safety; the chest of drawers will definitely not “move away” from you at the most inopportune moment.
- Legs can be high or low, sometimes made of metal or wood. For greater stability, you should choose a model where the height of the legs is 10–15 cm. They should also be quite wide. Check how securely the legs are attached to the body.
Pros and cons of buying a changing chest
Purchasing a dedicated changing device turns out to be a smart choice. In this regard, one of the most popular options, which has a lot of advantages, is a chest of drawers:
- The dimensions of the chest of drawers will allow it to fit into any room. You can choose a narrow chest of drawers, which takes up less space, or you can choose a wide one, then even an older child will be comfortable on a wide table.
- To change the baby's clothes and perform hygiene procedures, as well as for massage, gymnastics and tummy time, the mother will not need to bend over, as is the case if an adult bed is used for all of the above. The health of mom and her back is very important!
- The chest of drawers has drawers in which you can put baby's clothes, diapers, nappies and all hygiene items, so everything you need will be at hand, and mom won't have to run to the other end of the room if she forgot to grab a diaper or clean pants.
- The chest of drawers has a folding or pull-out changing table - when it is not needed, it folds up, and the chest of drawers does not take up much space, and if necessary, it can be easily folded back or pulled out with one hand.
- A chest of drawers can be used even after the child grows up, and he can be changed by placing him on the bed. Store your baby’s clothes or toys in it, and if the chest of drawers is a neutral color, you can put it not only in the nursery.
- Most dresser models are equipped with sides along the edge of the tabletop; this is safe and convenient - the child will definitely not fall.
Against the background of these advantages, some disadvantages can be noted. The most significant is that even the narrowest chest of drawers still takes up a lot of space. Also, the dresser table is usually made of chipboard, so you also need to buy a soft changing mat. This is an extra expense, and given the considerable cost of the chest of drawers itself, this disadvantage may outweigh all the advantages.
Types of changing chest
A chest of drawers with a changing table can have various modifications.
Changing chest with crib
This piece of furniture consists of a bed and an adjacent changing chest of drawers. As a rule, this is a one-piece structure, but there are also models with free-standing pieces of furniture. This composition does not take up much space. It is convenient because all the necessary pieces of furniture for the nursery are in one place. They do not need to be purchased separately. In addition, the chest of drawers and the bed are made in the same style. The disadvantage of the design is that when the child grows up, all these items will have to be replaced with new ones.
Changing chest of drawers
This is the most versatile model of its kind. While the baby is small, the top of the chest of drawers is used as a changing pad, and when he grows up, it will become a convenient table for him.
Changing chest with bath
This design consists of a chest of drawers, a changing table and a bathtub, which is usually located in the middle drawer of the device. This piece of furniture performs several functions at once - you can bathe the baby, immediately get everything you need for changing and dress the baby. The main disadvantage is that the bath only lasts for 2 months. After this, the design will have to be changed.
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Chest of drawers with removable changing table
A chest of drawers with a removable changing table is convenient because when the baby grows up, the tabletop can be removed and the chest of drawers can be used for its intended purpose.
Changing chest on wheels
A changing chest of drawers on wheels is convenient because it can be transported to anywhere in the apartment. The main thing is that the wheels are securely fixed, otherwise the structure may move at the most inopportune moment, when the baby is lying on the table alone.
Changing chest of drawers with rack
Parents who have acquired a large amount of clothes for the child, as well as hygiene products, can choose a changing chest of drawers with a rack. Here, adjacent to the main structure, there is also a rack in which you can store any of the baby’s things, his toys, hygiene items, etc. Both items can continue to be used after the child grows up.
Changing chest of drawers with doors
The changing chest of drawers can be equipped not only with drawers, but also with a cabinet with a door. There are no differences between these pieces of furniture in terms of functionality. It’s just that some users prefer doors to drawers.
Popular models
The difference between a changing chest and a regular one is the presence of a place on the top surface for child care. The classic model is equipped with a built-in table and drawers. Designs can be of two types - overhead and folding. Manufacturers often produce changing chests with an extension, open shelves, side niches, a bathtub, and wheels for ease of movement.
The main disadvantage of a built-in board is the limited functionality of the chest of drawers. Accordingly, the furniture will lose relevance when the child grows up.
With overhead table
The soft changing board for the chest of drawers is a separate element. It is placed on the top cover of the furniture while caring for the child, and then it can be removed and put away. The design of the cover allows it to be installed without any fastenings. Such a board is usually supplemented with protective sides and a soft, waterproof lining.
The model with an overhead board is more practical than other options. The table can be easily removed, and the chest of drawers can continue to be used even when the child has grown up.
With folding table
The folding surface folds in half at the top of the cabinet, that is, the dimensions of the furniture are not tied to the size of the changing area. When unfolded, the table protrudes slightly beyond the top lid of the chest of drawers, allowing you to comfortably place a child and all the necessary care items on it. When there is no longer a need for a changing area, the folded board can be used as a shelf or you can remove the fastenings and put it away completely, turning the children's chest of drawers into a regular linen closet.
With hinged lid and built-in bath
Changing chests with a bathtub are suitable only for the youngest children. As a rule, such models move on wheels to make it convenient to use the furniture anywhere in the apartment. For example, if you have a spacious bathroom, you can move the chest of drawers there for bathing time, or move it to the middle of the room for the convenience of parents and to protect the walls from accidental splashes.
When a chest of drawers with a changing table is placed in a permanent place, the wheels must be blocked to eliminate the possibility of injury to the baby as a result of accidental movement of the furniture during hygiene procedures.
There are two options for the location of the bath:
- below under the folding changing board;
- in the form of a retractable structure.
In the first case, you will have to lift the hinged lid to access the tub, and then lower it again when it is time to dry and change the baby. It is difficult to perform all these manipulations alone. A pull-out bathtub is much more convenient. After washing, the baby is simply transferred to the table, where everything is ready to be dressed. This model of chest of drawers is convenient for bathing, but collecting and draining water is quite difficult, especially if water procedures take place in the living room. You will have to use buckets or hoses - this is a significant disadvantage of the product.
Transformers
A transforming bed with a chest of drawers is a multifunctional design. Depending on their height, a child can use it up to 8 years old. Initially, the baby sleeps in the cradle, and the chest of drawers is attached to it at the head or feet. When the child turns 3–4 years old, the bedside table is disconnected from the bed, placing these pieces of furniture separately. You can continue to use the bed, the only caveat is that you will have to purchase a new mattress, since the size of the sleeping surface will increase.
There are transformer options in which the chest of drawers folds out into a desk or is disassembled into separate elements: a bedside table, hanging shelves. Both designs are convenient and functional, but the second type is much more expensive. However, it will last much longer as a storage space, a table for games and activities, shelves for small items and toys.
The best manufacturers of changing chests
When choosing a chest of drawers with a changing table for babies, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. Below are the most popular of them.
Fairy 1780
Number of boxes :5 | Accessories : none | Changing place : folding | Dimensions : 92x80x47
Large and stable chest of drawers with 5 drawers: three wide and two small.
The changing area reclines; if necessary, you can remove it and use the chest of drawers as a simple piece of furniture.
- The folding changing table has a size of 77x72 centimeters, so any baby can fit on it.
- The design provides 5 spacious drawers for baby clothes, diapers and various accessories.
- The body of the chest of drawers is made of chipboard and has a standard set without accessories and wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages
Several design color options to suit different interiors.
Wide changing area.
There are no wheels or other accessories, such as a mattress.
SWEET BABY Albero
Number of boxes : 4 | Accessories : none | Changing place : folding | Dimensions : 80x153x47
The advantage of this chest of drawers is that the design additionally includes an upper open shelf. You can store essentials or cute interior details on it.
The chest of drawers also boasts a large folding changing area.
- Stable chest of drawers made of chipboard without wheels, equipped with an additional shelf.
- The design includes 4 wide drawers with two handles on each.
- A folding changing table, when disassembled, the depth of which is 70 centimeters.
Advantages and disadvantages
The changing table can be removed and the chest of drawers can be used as regular furniture.
Comfortable and wide open top shelf.
The kit does not include accessories; the mattress must be purchased additionally.
Some note the flimsiness of the structure.
Nuovita Lusso Bianco
Perfectly polished surface, embossed design Country: Italy Average price: RUB 17,999
The Italian Nuovita Lusso Bianco changing chest for newborns is convenient and practical to use. It is equipped with deep drawers that can be used to store children's clothes and other things. The model has wheels for smooth and quick movement from one room to another.
Comes with a removable changing board. It is securely fixed on top of the body and has restrictive sides that ensure the safety of the baby. The model is made of durable materials that have passed certification (beech, laminated chipboard). Pros: polished surface, relief decor, three stylish colors. Cons: high price, difficult to assemble.
Polini Simple 1270
Number of boxes : 3 | Accessories : none | Changing place : folding | Dimensions : 86x70x47
This chest of drawers does not boast the number of drawers or shelves, but it will organically fit into a minimalist interior design.
A convenient and minimalist chest of drawers that can be placed both in the bedroom and in the bathroom, and can be used for many years after removing the changing table.
- There is one shelf behind the dresser doors, and above it there is an open shelf, divided into two sections.
- The chest of drawers is made of chipboard and is available in several colors, for example, in white and white-beige design.
- The changing table is a folding type, you can remove it and use the chest of drawers as simple furniture.
Advantages and disadvantages
Stylish design for any interior.
Convenient and wide openable changing table.
No wheels or accessories included.
For some parents, there aren't enough shelves for everything.
Mozhga "Red Star"
Safe and non-toxic coating, modern design Country: Russia Average price: RUB 13,990.
The practical chest of drawers “Red Star” with a folding changing shelf is equipped with five drawers. They are fixed on roller guides, so you can quickly and silently open the desired compartment. The chest of drawers is made of fibreboard, coated with a safe and non-toxic varnish for greater wear resistance.
The model from a Russian factory is equipped with two wheels, so its movement is a little difficult. Pros: no sharp corners, modern design, high quality of every detail, changing mattress included. Cons: heavy weight (68 kg), difficulty in self-assembly. Overall good value for money.
Pali Dado
Number of boxes : 3 | Accessories : wheels, bath | Changing place : overhead | Dimensions : 76x90x45
A great option for parents who want to bathe and change their baby in one place. The chest of drawers is equipped with an internal bath and an overhead diaper.
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The design also provides lockable wheels, so the chest of drawers can be conveniently rearranged.
- One of the few dresser models equipped with a bathtub.
- It has comfortable wide drawers with two handles on each of them.
- It has four wheels with locks, so it is convenient to move the chest of drawers from one room to another.
Advantages and disadvantages
The presence of fixed wheels for ease of moving the chest of drawers.
Bath tub covered with a changing table.
Due to the presence of a bathtub, the chest of drawers is then inconvenient to use as ordinary furniture.
But a chest of drawers with a bathtub may not be practical once the child no longer fits there. Therefore, if your budget does not allow you to spend money on another chest of drawers, we recommend choosing a simple model and buying a baby bath separately, choosing from our rating.
Mr Sandman Raven
The best chest of drawers for changing, comfort and safety of use Country: Russia Average price: 7,849 rub.
Mr Sandman Raven is the best changing chest at an affordable price, made of natural wood. Thanks to its classic design, it will harmoniously fit into the interior of any children's room. The safety of the newborn is ensured by rounded edges and protective sides. Now swaddling, changing clothes and massaging your baby will become even more comfortable, quick and safe.
The model is equipped with five spacious drawers with closers, silent wheels with a stopper and a folding changing table, which can be quickly removed if necessary. Pros: official guarantee for 18 months, best workmanship, modern design, comfort of use, as well as convenient fixation of the facade to the body of the product using screws.
Aton Furniture Sirius 80/5 laminated chipboard with shelf
Number of boxes : 5 | Accessories : none | Changing place : folding | Dimensions : 80x133x40
Another great dresser model with an additional open shelf on top. The shelf is equipped with a limiter, so things will definitely not fall off it.
Next to the folding changing station there is a small free space to store wet wipes or creams.
- A convenient and stable chest of drawers with five drawers: three wide and two smaller.
- A wide selection of colors so that the chest of drawers fits any interior.
- Folding changing place measuring 68x52 centimeters, which can be removed if necessary.
Advantages and disadvantages
Free space near the changing table for storing essentials.
Top stand with open shelf and stopper.
Does not come with any accessories and does not have wheels.
IKEA Sundvik
Natural solid pine, open shelf for essentials Country: Russia Average price: 12,999 rub.
A roomy, yet not bulky Sundvik chest of drawers is offered by the IKEA brand. One of its advantages is the folding changing table. It is spacious, so you can put different care products and still have plenty of space for your baby. The chest of drawers is equipped with two deep drawers and one open shelf.
Here you can store essential supplies, including diapers, diapers, wet wipes, etc. The color of the chest of drawers will suit any interior of the children's room. Pros: sleek design, optimal height, access to all drawers and shelves even with the changing table open, and the use of solid pine as the main material for production.
Master "Kid-13"
Expanded equipment, drawers of different capacity Country: Russia Average price: 6,580 rub.
The main advantage of the “Baby-13” chest of drawers is its increased equipment. It includes not only a changing room, but also a standard shelf. When your baby grows up, you can change the lid and use the chest of drawers as a spacious place to store personal items. The model is available in various colors: dark burgundy, white, milky, brown, etc.
The chest of drawers is equipped with five drawers, all of which differ in size and capacity. Reviews say that the small upper compartments are convenient for storing hygiene products (powder, ointments, etc.). Pros: classic style, safety of use, reliable fixation of the table. The downside is the fragility.
Construction and equipment of a chest of drawers with a changing table
When choosing a chest of drawers for changing, it is important to understand how it is designed, determine the size, material of the product, as well as the quality of the fittings and the design itself.
Frame
The structure consists of four main elements:
- the upper horizontal surface, which is the changing table, or the base for its fastening;
- lower horizon;
- back wall;
- two side walls.
The dimensions of the module can be quite different and you should choose a model taking into account the following parameters:
- the height should be such that it is convenient for the mother to perform the procedures;
- the width and length should be such that the baby not only fits on the table, but feels free on it, and do not forget that the width is also the capacity of the drawers.
How to choose
Models come in different sizes, colors, filling, production materials, with or without patterns, painted and varnished surfaces. Pelenators do not need to be associated with old bulky chests of drawers that can ruin the entire interior. Compared to them, their sizes are more compact, they are narrower, but quite functional.
In addition to its direct purpose, which follows from the name, the swaddling device is equipped with spacious compartments with shelves and a large number of drawers. It’s good that their height is not too high, then it will be more convenient to sort children’s things in them. If the size of the room requires maximum space saving, the ideal solution would be a changing chest of drawers with a transformer-type table.
The materials from which children's chests of drawers are made are also important. The entire range for children is made from raw materials that do not contain harmful substances, which is verified by tests and confirmed by certificates. If in doubt, you need to check the documents.
Since the sizes of chests of drawers are different, when choosing a convenient option for yourself, you should take into account all the parameters:
- the height should be such that it is convenient for the mother to swaddle the baby or perform other procedures;
- The dimensions (width and length) of the board should correspond to the height of the baby and provide free space, so you should not choose too narrow models.
In a children's chest of drawers, its safety is important. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase diapers for newborns that have the following properties:
- made of solid wood, natural veneer (possibly with the addition of chipboard), environmentally friendly plastic or polylaminate;
- with a surface coated with special paint or varnish, with carefully processed rounded edges;
- no small peeling or unscrewing parts on the surface.
Along with the furniture, you can purchase additional accessories - small internal organizers for drawers, original stickers on their fronts, side hangers.
When choosing a children's chest of drawers, you need to make sure that the purchase becomes useful, functional and fits harmoniously into the design. Material, color, tabletop dimensions, height and other parameters are selected individually, taking into account recommendations and customer reviews of a specific model.
Standard sizes
In order for the baby and his mother to use the changing surface comfortably, it must have comfortable dimensions so that the baby can fit on it at full height. For children under six months old, the length of the changing board is recommended within 70 cm. If parents plan to use this device in the future, it is better to choose a model with a length of up to 90 cm.
The recommended height of the sides is 15.5 cm.
Almost all models of free-standing changing chests are equipped with folding standard changing boards. This allows you to create a comfortable and spacious place for your baby with a relatively shallow depth of the chest itself. The surface dimensions of such a board vary from 66*69 cm for the narrowest chest of drawers to 96*77 cm for a wide chest of drawers, the tabletop of which is divided into two functional zones: the changing surface itself and a place for storing baby cosmetics.
An interesting find was the positioning of the babies sideways to their mother, while the design of the chest of drawers made it possible to dispense with the folding changing board. This innovation is present in models of the Italian brand Feretti, which allows you to increase the length of the changing surface to 86 cm. The height of the sides in some models reaches 17 cm, and on average varies between 15-16 cm.
For built-in chests of drawers, the size of the changing surface is limited by the width of the crib, that is, such chests of drawers can have a tabletop length of 68-72 cm. As for the width, manufacturers, forced to limit the size of the built-in chest of drawers due to aesthetic considerations, have found a way to increase the width of the changing surface due to the fact that its side edge protrudes 10-15 cm above the wall of the chest of drawers. If the overall dimensions of such a chest of drawers are 46*66 cm, then the size of the changing pad can be from 56*66cm to 61*66 cm, and this is already quite acceptable for a baby under six months of age.
A review of the height of changing chests deserves special attention, since this indicator directly affects the comfort of use. There is no standard in this category; the minimum height of chests of drawers on the market is 88-92 cm. These models are produced by Almaz-Mebel, Antel, Feya, Lel, Ikea, as well as chests of drawers from the luxury brand Geuther Cottage.
This height will be convenient for short mothers. For those who are taller, it is worth considering height options in the range of 94-98 cm, for example, chests of drawers produced by Gandylyan, Aton Furniture, Ikea. Chests of drawers with a height of 102 cm (Feretti), 104-106 cm (Krasnaya Zarya, Mozhga, Leander), 108 cm (SKV-Company, Sweet Baby Domenica, Ikea) are also produced.
Thanks to such diversity, every mother will be able to find the best option for herself.
As for such a parameter as the depth of the changing chest, manufacturers almost unanimously offer narrow models that do not take up too much space in the nursery. The minimum depth of the models is 44 cm, the maximum is 52 cm.
The exception is a few premium models, for example, an oval chest of drawers from the Leander brand, transformable into a bureau for a teenage student, has a depth of 72 cm and is designed for corner installation. In addition, this model is distinguished by a comfortable and spacious changing surface and a price tag of 83,000 rubles.
Material of manufacture
The next criterion that needs to be taken into account when choosing a chest of drawers for changing is the material used to make this piece of furniture.
laminated chipboard
Laminated chipboard is currently the most popular material for making furniture, including changing chests. This is due to its reasonable cost and long operational period. The main disadvantage is the insufficient environmental friendliness of the material. The fact is that during manufacturing it is impregnated with formaldehyde resin, which releases harmful substances. It is not recommended for children to buy furniture made from chipboard.
Tree
Wood is the most environmentally friendly and warm material. The use of items for a children's room that are made from it will not cause harm to the child's health. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
MDF
MDF is an environmentally friendly material that will not harm the baby’s health. In addition, it has a long service life and its price is significantly lower than the cost of wood. Despite this, it is quite high, since in Russia the production of furniture from this material is poorly organized.
Popular chest of drawers manufacturers
Today, any baby goods store offers a wide selection of changing chests. Among domestic manufacturers, the trademarks “Mozhga”, “Fairy”, “Aton Furniture” are widely represented. “Mozhga” is known for its more expensive models made of natural wood; their chests of drawers have classic shapes and will fit well into the sophisticated interior of a child’s room. “Fairy” and “Aton Furniture” are budget models made of chipboard, but they are available in a variety of wood shades and in different sizes.
Ikea chests of drawers are also popular. They are made from environmentally friendly materials, and their laconic design is liked by many customers. In addition, Ikea chests of drawers can be complemented with convenient accessories - hanging containers and pockets, drawer dividers and the like. There are also models that transform into a desk for an adult child.
Color and style
When choosing a changing chest of drawers, you should imagine in advance what style you would like to decorate the children's room in. In most cases, manufacturers offer an interesting variety of colors for almost every dresser model, so the choice depends solely on the preferences of the baby’s parents. Recently, the trend has been to decorate nurseries for little ones in white, so a white chest of drawers can be found in almost every manufacturer.
The names of the shades vary, ranging from simple white to complex colors called antique white and Bianco, which also translates to white in Italian.
In addition to color combinations, a chest of drawers for a baby can be decorated using decor, such as photo printing or even real hand painting. Funny drawings in the form of airplanes, trains and cars are designed to make kids smile and lift their spirits. Chests of many brands have their own distinctive decor options. In one of the Spanish elite models, the changing chest is decorated with Swarovski crystals, the radiance of which will undoubtedly attract additional attention of the baby and encourage him to explore such an interesting find.
The famous Italian brand Feretti decorates its products with organza butterflies and images of flowers applied using silk-screen brushing.
Changing chest or board - which is better?
A special chest of drawers and a board are the most popular changing items. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The changing board is equipped with a protective edge, thanks to which the baby can be left alone for a while without fear of him falling on the floor. In addition, it is transportable. It can be easily moved to any corner of the house. Another advantage of this item is its reasonable price. Among the disadvantages, experts highlight the lack of need for operation after the child grows up.
A changing chest has many advantages. One of them is the ability to store all the necessary accessories for changing at the place of manipulation. Thanks to this, parents can immediately change their baby’s clothes as soon as the need arises, rather than going to the closet in search of diapers and undershirts. The advantage of such a piece of furniture is also that it can be used after the child grows up. It will be enough just to remove the board. After this, the chest of drawers is used for its intended purpose.
The disadvantages include the fact that this piece of furniture requires a special place for it. The chest of drawers cannot be removed and then taken out when the need arises. This piece of furniture will always be in the room. The disadvantages also include the high price of the chest of drawers.
Having compared all the pros and cons, the consumer himself decides which item to use for swaddling the baby.
Tips for choosing
When choosing a baby changing chest, you should first of all pay attention to the material of manufacture and the overall quality of workmanship, which directly affect the health and safety of the child. But design is not such a priority when buying furniture for a newborn baby. If you choose a functional changing chest, you can later transform it into a classic version and store children's things and toys there. This is one of the ways to teach your baby to have order, because he will always know where his clothes are.
Children's chests of drawers, including 2-in-1 models (chest of drawers + changing area), must meet the following requirements:
- availability of certificates of quality and compliance with GOSTs;
- absence of unpleasant odor, external defects, protruding sharp parts;
- reliability of fastenings;
- structural stability;
- the presence of a durable fence in the changing area;
- smooth and free movement of drawers and lids, protection against their arbitrary loss;
- wheels equipped with a locking mechanism.
Before purchasing furniture for changing a baby, it is important not only to choose a place to place it, but also to carefully measure the size of the free space. In addition, you need to take into account the height of the future chest of drawers, determine whether shelves or cabinets hanging from above will interfere, and whether there is a convenient approach to the design.
The height of the products varies from 88–92 (domestic brands) to 99–108 cm (European brands). When choosing this option, they are guided by the mother’s growth - in the process of caring for the baby, she should not have a feeling of heaviness in her arms and back.
Why do you need a changing table?
Before the birth of a child, future parents have to resolve many issues, make a lot of purchases and preparations. In the general whirlwind of endless acquisitions, the thought of possible savings involuntarily creeps in. But to the question of whether a family that will soon have a baby needs a changing table, there can be only one answer - of course it is needed. Only at first glance it may seem that you will only be changing the baby on the changing table or chest of drawers, and this will take a couple of minutes. And this process will last less than a year. For some, the use of a changing table or board ends before the baby reaches six months of age. But even this period is several months of constant use. On the changing table you will not only change the baby's clothes, but also do gymnastics and massage, clean the nose, ears and trim nails, treat the baby's delicate skin and carry out many other procedures and even games.
If we imagine that all these actions will need to be performed several times a day, not on the plane of a changing table or carrying board that is convenient for the mother’s growth, but on a bed or sofa (depending on the layout of the children’s room or the lack of a separate room for the baby), then it becomes It is clear that no back can withstand such a load. So, a changing surface is necessary, any experienced parent can convince future mothers and fathers of this. Let's consider variations of creating a comfortable, safe and ergonomic place for changing (and not only) a baby.
Posting rules
The changing chest can be located in different parts of the bedroom, but often it is installed along the wall of the room. Its width then practically does not matter, since it still will not interfere with walking around the room.
If you purchase a 2in1 design, then take into account that using any element in it should be convenient, so you often have to move the chest of drawers a little away from the wall. If the room is too small, then a corner piece of furniture is selected.
Before removing furniture from the shipping box, you should ensure that it is intact. If you purchase a changing chest on wheels, its location may change periodically. This is relevant if it is used not only for swaddling, but also for washing the baby, since it can be moved to the bathroom at any time. It is recommended to choose models with rubber wheels. It is desirable that they be replaceable, since if an element is damaged, it can be quickly and easily replaced.
How to assemble it yourself
The standard set of parts for a chest of drawers with a changing table contains:
- frame elements, including back walls made of fiberboard or thin plywood;
- guides for drawers;
- facades;
- internal walls (if the model has two rows of drawers, or there are internal shelves);
- accessories and fasteners.
To work, you will need a screwdriver or screwdriver, and a tape measure to control the dimensions. After opening the package, you should carefully study the diagram and instructions, check the presence of all the parts listed in the package.
Procedure:
- Work begins by assembling the frame. The first step is to connect the sidewalls, base and internal jumpers.
- The installation of drawers involves connecting the sidewalls, after which the guides and the facade are screwed on.
- If all steps are performed correctly, the drawers and changing table will fall into place smoothly and effortlessly.
If you lack self-confidence, you should not risk the safety of your newborn baby; it is better to entrust the assembly of children's furniture to a professional.
Insert locks (1-5) into the walls, drive in wooden dowels and dowels, disassemble the guide, screw the non-separable parts of the guides with Euroscrews. Connect the side walls to the bottom shelf, prepare the front and back legs. Secure the back wall with confirmations, attach the front legs, screw in the pin, and secure with a plastic washer. Connect the hinge parts and screw them to the top shelf of the chest of drawers. Attach the back of the dresser. Screw the rods into the folding shelf, connect the sides of the drawer and the back wall, attach the bottom, and put on the front of the drawer. Collect boxes. The chest of drawers is ready.