Getting started

If you decide to use a changing table for your baby, you'll be able to diaper the tyke at a comfortable level (most changing tables are 36 to 44 inches high), and have diapers within easy reach.

Unlike the crib or the floor, changing tables have shelves, baskets, and/or drawers that you can use to store other essentials, such as wipes, rash ointment, and a toy or two to keep your baby busy. A vinyl changing pad is usually included, but covers available in a variety of colors and patterns are sold separately.

Consumers Union believes that a dedicated changing table with barriers on all four sides is the safest way to go. Another option you might see in stores is a removable changing pad that simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. If you decide to go that route, which is the least expensive ($23 to $60), look for a changing-table pad with at least two opposing contoured sides with a baby restraint strap, such as the Contour Changing Pad by Simmons Kids (

www.simmonskids.com). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing-table stage (usually about 2 years old) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.

). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing-table stage (usually about 2 years old) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.

There are wood, retractable changing tables such as the Bellini Slide Top Changer (

www.bellini.com), which sits on top of a Bellini dresser and attaches to the back of it with hidden L-brackets. This mini-changing table has a flat changing surface. But to comply with the most recent industry safety standards, a changing table must have barrier protection on all sides unless it has a contoured pad, in which case barriers are required on only two sides. Because the retractable (or slide top) style has barriers on only two sides (not including the wall), we can't recommend it.

), which sits on top of a Bellini dresser and attaches to the back of it with hidden L-brackets. This mini-changing table has a flat changing surface. But to comply with the most recent industry safety standards, a changing table must have barrier protection on all sides unless it has a contoured pad, in which case barriers are required on only two sides. Because the retractable (or slide top) style has barriers on only two sides (not including the wall), we can't recommend it.

Before you buy, consider all the furniture you plan for the nursery. We recommend that you try to find room for a changing table with barriers on all four sides of the top. But if you're tight on space or budget, and decide to use a dresser as a changing table, buy a contoured changing pad with a safety strap and affix it to the dresser, according to the manufacturer's installation directions.

If you go with a dedicated changing table, try before you buy. Test the table in the store, as if you were changing a baby. If you see a backache in your future because that changing table is too low, try another. Check drawers and cabinets. They should function smoothly and be easily accessible while you hold onto your squirmy baby. The unit should seem sturdy. Make sure that it has safety straps to

help prevent your baby from falling, or that you can affix a pad that has a strap. Use the straps every time you change your baby's diaper.

, or that you can affix a pad that has a strap. Use the straps every time you change your baby's diaper.

If the table comes with a pad, use only the pad that's provided by the manufacturer. Don't use a changing table that's damaged or broken. Whether you assemble the table yourself or it comes assembled, check from time to time that screws and fastenings are firmly tightened so that parts don't become loose or fall off, increasing your baby's risk of choking and other injury.

Stop using your changing table when your baby reaches the manufacturer's age or weight limit, which is typically 2 years or 30 pounds. If you buy a cloth changing pad, make sure that it has a waterproof layer on the underside, which helps the changing table to stay clean and sanitary. Vinyl changing pads can be wiped clean with soap and water. Purchase two or three covers so you can throw one in the wash and have at least one on hand.

Types

Consumers Union believes that a dedicated changing table with barriers on all four sides is the safest way to go. Another option you might see in stores is a removable changing pad that simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. Here are the types of changing tables.

A removable changing pad simply affixes to the top of a regular dresser. If you decide to go this route, which is the least expensive ($23 to $60), look for a changing table pad with at least two opposing contoured sides and a baby restraint strap, such as the Contour Changing Pad by Simmons Kids (

www.simmonskids.com). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing-table stage (usually around 2 years old) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.

). With that style changing "table," you simply remove the pad (sold separately) when your baby grows out of the changing-table stage (usually around 2 years old) and the changing table becomes a full-time dresser.

For $70 to $130, you can buy an adequate changing table with open shelving and possibly one drawer, but quality is a factor. At the low end, drawers that stick, changing pads with plastic that cracks in short order, and lesser-quality wood (typically laminated particleboard), which can become flimsy over time, have been reported by parents. Still, tables in this lower price range may be sufficient, depending on your situation. If your baby spends part of the time in day care, for example, the table might hold up well. You'll probably have to assemble the table yourself, which can be tricky if you're not handy, and if the table you select has a drawer that requires installing. Read the instructions carefully and keep them for future reference.

At the high end of the price range, changing tables may be custom finished in the paint or stain color of your choice. Drawers, solid-wood construction, and convertibility drive up the price, which can range up to $1,200.

Features

Changing tables make staying organized easy so that's something you'll need to think about when selecting one. Here are the changing-table features to consider.

The changing table you're considering should have a safety strap and a pad that securely affixes to the table. Changing pads are also sold separately, but use a pad in a size that the changing table manufacturer recommends. Make sure that the safety strap is strong, not flimsy.

A changing table or dresser shouldn't wobble when you give it a light shake. Test the floor model in the store, if possible.

Some tables sit on wheels and are designed to be moved from room to room. If you buy a table with wheels, make sure that it has brakes that lock so you can keep the table stable when you park it. Keep the wheels locked when you're using the changing table.

On most changing tables, you have to change your baby from the side. But on a few, such as the Stokke Care (

www.stokkeusa.com), you can change your baby from head to toe, which some parents deem a more comfortable position.

), you can change your baby from head to toe, which some parents deem a more comfortable position.

Depending on how much you'll use a changing table, you might want one with a good pedigree. Pricier changing tables tend to be sturdy and constructed from solid birch, beech, and maple rather than particleboard with a wood finish, although there are particleboard changing tables at the high end, too. If this is your first baby, and you plan a larger family, it might make sense to pay more. It's also worth spending a little more if you plan to convert the changing table into a media center, bookcase, or desk (an option with the Stokke Collections,

www.stokke.com and Badger Basket,

and Badger Basket,

www.badgerbasket.com). In any event, look for wood surfaces that are smooth and splinter free.

). In any event, look for wood surfaces that are smooth and splinter free.

As we mentioned, changing tables vary in height. Some are as low as 36 inches; others as high as 44 inches. If you're tall, go with a taller table or dresser and secure it to the wall to reduce the risk of it tipping. If you're shorter, aim lower.