Every new parent faces many decisions when it comes to outfitting their nursery and preparing for their baby’s arrival. One purchase that often creates debate is whether or not to buy a changing table topper for your baby’s changing station? If you have small room space, changing space and accessory space for your new born kid items, you would need a changing table.
A changing table topper allows you to convert your dresser, or any flat surface area into your changing table. Often they are less expensive than a complete changing table, your budget will not be disturbed if you buy these for convenience. Once your kid grows, and you do not feel a specific need of changing table topper, it can be easily removed and your dresser is useful again. Make sure to attach this table topper securely with the surface of dresser, other flat, strong base to prevent possible slipping and sliding.
Changing Table vs. Dresser
Changing Table Topper
Going with an organized changing table vs. dresser? While a topper seems like a simple convenience item, there are arguments on both sides of its necessity. Let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons of using a changing table topper vs a dedicated changing table vs. dresser. For those unfamiliar, a changing table topper is a padded waterproof protective layer that fits over the top of a baby’s changing table or changing station vs using only a changing table vs. dresser.
Dresser
It provides a safe, flat surface for diaper changes and prevents any waste or supplies from coming into direct contact with the changing table itself. Toppers are usually vinyl or polyurethane coated on one side for easy cleaning and range in thickness from 3/8 to 3/4 inches. They come in various sizes to accommodate standard changing tables or allow use of a changing table.
The Appeal of a Changing Table Topper
Protection
On the surface, a changing table topper seems like a sensible purchase. It offers the following perceived benefits vs only using a changing table vs. dresser. A topper acts as a barrier between the baby’s bottom half and the changing table surface. This prevents any urine, faeces, lotions, or powders from seeping into cracks and being difficult to clean later.
Comfort
Most toppers are cushioned vinyl with a padded feel that is gentler on the baby’s back during changes versus a hard plastic or wood-changing table. This can encourage wiggling babies to hold still.
Portability
Some parents use toppers on non-stationary surfaces like dressers, counters, or the floor when out and about. The protective cover makes impromptu changes less daunting in public restrooms for example.
Resale Value & Peace of Mind
Toppers are a relatively low-cost investment that could increase the appeal of a used nursery set to future owners worried about cleanliness. For germ-phobic parents or those with immune-compromised households, the topper presents a barrier against potential germs and residue from diaper changes involving stool.
The Case Against a Changing Table Topper
Cost
Despite their appealing perks, some argue that a changing table topper is ultimately unnecessary depending on one’s parenting approach and setup vs opting for a dedicated changing table vs. dresser. Consider the following counterpoints. While affordable on their own at $15-50 each, toppers add unnecessary expense to the pile of new baby gear. The money may be better spent elsewhere.
Bulk
Toppers take up valuable space on changing tables and make the surface higher, requiring more bending over for the baby. The extra few inches of height can cause back strain during many daily changes.
Cleaning Hassle
While toppers contain messes on their surface, they still need regular laundering or wiping down. The material traps debris that needs timely cleaning to prevent odor building. This offsets any protection benefit.
Modern Materials
Changing tables made of sleek, sealed plastics or composite woods designed for use in nurseries are generally very easy to wipe clean with any spills. Gaps are minimal to catch anything.
Natural Immunity & Safety
Unless the baby has severe allergies or a compromised immune system, developmentally it’s better for them to encounter some normal germs during routine interactions like changes. A topper creates an extra item for a sleepy parent to mind, especially in the middle of the night. Babies have been known to trap/punch themselves between the topper and changing surfaces in an unsafe situation.
Infection Risk
Moist, dark topper surfaces are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned properly and frequently. This potentially increases infection risk over a bare changing surface if not handled well.
Individualized factors To Invest In A Changing Table
Parenting Style
Try changing your baby on a bare table. Would a padded topper make your positioning and back feel better during changes? Start without and add one later if needed. If you plan to change diapers on many surfaces besides just the changing table, a topper’s portability has value. Parents who strictly use just the changing table may feel its extra bulk is unnecessary.
Home Layout & Environment
Does your nursery have the space for the added thickness of a topper? Can you easily reach the surface while changing or does your back already strain without the extra height? Do you have dogs, cats, or small children also using the nursery? A sealed topper may limit fur/germs transferred. Single-child families can manage cleaning well without.
Allergies & Cleaning Habits
If you or your baby have known sensitivities like eczema or food allergies, a sealed topper may provide comfort. Otherwise, normal development is aided by moderate natural exposure. Can you commit to thoroughly disinfecting any topper after each change to prevent bacterial growth? Many parents find regular laundry too cumbersome
Practical Trial without a Topper
Given the mixed reviews and individual considerations, the wisest approach may be to forgo a topper initially. Once the baby arrives, spend the first weeks changing on your bare table surface to truly evaluate if one is necessary for your specific parenting circumstances.
That said, there are certain situations where a topper’s portability and containment of spills could prove useful – such as changing a wiggly new-born frequently, using multiple changing surfaces, or wanting to protect a nice heirloom changing table.
When it came down to it, if the topper was a gift I’d use it, but there was no way I was spending my own money on something so optional. We tried a few bare changes first and had zero issues with leaks or clean-up. Now, if you have an ornate heirloom changing table, maybe a topper would protect the fine wood.
During the Trial Period
- Pay attention to how your back feels after many changes without the added height.
- Observe if cleaning the bare table surface becomes a nuisance with daily messes over time.
- Consider how the baby’s skin may interact directly with any chemicals/detergents on the surface.
- Note if you ever feel you need the portable protection of a topper for away-from-home changes.
- Check that there are no hidden messes accumulating into crevices that you struggle to sanitize thoroughly each clean.
Reconsider Uses Beyond Infancy
- While a topper’s value during the new-born poopy diaper phase is debatable, its utility may increase as children grow vs the flexibility offered by a changing table vs. dresser.
- Consider repurposing an extra topper purchased during the trial period for: Toddler art/sensory play surface protection.
- Pre-schooler makeup/nail polish practice mat.
- School-age sleepover guest changing pad.
- Travel changing station for potty training kids.
Bonus Thinking For a Changing Table Topper
Is It Necessary?
So, no perfect universal answer exists as to whether a changing table topper is worth purchasing for every family. Budget, space, cleanliness, and comfort priorities will differ greatly. The most practical approach is to try changing without a topper first before assuming you require the little extra layer of protection and jadedness it provides.
Baby’s Arrival
When you’re getting ready for a baby’s arrival, there are just so many products out there claiming to make things easier. One item a lot of parents debate is the changing table topper. On one hand, it seems handy to protect your table from messy diaper blowouts.
Waterproof Padded Layer
At first, the idea of a waterproof padded layer over your changing surface seems like a no-brainer. Who wants to deal with cleaning a gross table every time, right? But the more I looked into it, the more I realized toppers might not be worth the money or hassle.
Smells & Extra Scrubs
Where toppers really lose points for me is cleaning. Sure, they contain spills to one surface, but then you’ve got this gross, smeared material to scrub down before it starts smelling. And they trap everything underneath too, so cleaning is a two-step process. After a few loads in the washing machine, the vinyl starts to get crunchy and worn out quickly too.
A Gift When Using Public Bathrooms
Some friends swear by their toppers for portability when changing on the go. I’ll admit, in public bathrooms, it could come in handy. But for home use, we just changed on the floor or bed when not near the nursery. Personally, I didn’t want the extra layer taking up space on our smaller dresser.
Summary
Changing table toppers aim to offer comfort and mess protection, but careful consideration of your own parenting needs, budget, and changing environment will determine if you truly require the extra item. An open-minded trial approach allows decisions based on practical experience rather than assumptions alone.
Plus, most changing tables nowadays are made of smooth plastic or wood that wipes clean super easily. As for germs, your baby’s immune system can handle a bit of exposure to build up defences. Unless there’s a medical issue, a topper just isn’t necessary protection-wise in my opinion. In the end, investing in a changing table topper depends to weighing the pros and cons based on individual family needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not necessarily. Many modern changing table surfaces are easy to clean and don’t require added protection. It depends on the material and your own preferences.
Toppers may be most useful for new-borns with frequent dirty diapers if changing on multiple surfaces, or if you have an antique/special changing table you want to protect.
Most toppers can be wiped down or tossed in the washer. Check care tags for instructions. Be sure to clean after each use to prevent bacteria build-up.
Common topper materials are vinyl-coated polyurethane, nylon, or cotton blends. Vinyl is easiest to wipe clean but others may be softer.
Toppers provide a barrier but won’t block all allergens like dander or dust in the air. Their main benefit is containing diaper messes.
Make sure to measure your changing table surface before buying. Standard sizes fit most but confirm fit for your specific furniture.
Most will last 1-2 years with regular use and cleaning before showing signs of wear like cracking or discoloration.
Yes, many parents find toppers handy for impromptu changes on the floor, bed, couches, or when traveling.
