What Is Considered A "Proper Changing Station"?

[iheartkids]

Currently I am just changing kids on the floor like I do my own kids. I don't really want a changing table because I have no place to put it. Any creative providers out there that do something other than a changing table?

[Blackcat31]

I use a foldable kindergarten type nap mat.

Wipes off super easy and it is inexpensive, can easily accommodate bigger kids and best of all it is portable!

[Heidi]

My sister made one similar to what you see at restaurants or stores, but out of wood. It folds up.

I use an old dresser that is the right height with a curved changing pad on top. Kids extra stuff is stored in the drawers, cleaning supplies on a high shelf within (my) arms reach.

[small_steps]

I have a folding one like in the stores and restaurants. It's plastic and commercial quality. I think they runa bout $200 plus for a new one. Mine will come down but when I'm done I can push it back in and it only takes up about 8 inches (maybe) from the wall so I can store things under it and above it. I love it. I found mine on craigslist for $40.

[Cat Herder]

Here it has to be a non-porous surface that can be disinfected and fully dried after each use.

The inspector wants to see a table and full "center set-up", though.

[JenNJ]

I use a curved changing pad. I usually just throw it on the floor to change them and wipe it when i am finished.

[DCMom]

I have KoalaKare wall mounted unit in my bathroom with a shelf above for supplies. It is space saving and besides that, getting up and down from the floor 30 times a day was getting old! ::

[Meyou]

I use a dresser with a change pad that I made on top. I covered a piece of foam with a piece of vinyl. I can remove it after hours and the "change table" becomes just another piece of furniture with all the diaper supplies hidden.

[emmajo]

I have all the diaper supplies in a plastic box under a bed (except for the disinfectant) and change the kids on top of the bed. For each child, I use a separate diaper pad like the kind that comes with diaper bags. My registrar was impressed that there was a separate mat for each child and had no problems with my set-up. Cheap, easy and sanitary.

[itlw8]

we have to have 3 spray bottles .. wash ( soapy water) rinse( plain water)sanitize bleach solution

[TBird]

I use a curved changing pad. I usually just throw it on the floor to change them and wipe it when i am finished.

Same here....I got it out of the Kaplan catalog. Those changing stations 'look' nice but take up a lot of space that you could be using for something else. I'm getting another curved pad (for my assistant) when/if my Grant Application comes through!

[daycare]

Originally Posted by JenNJ
I use a curved changing pad. I usually just throw it on the floor to change them and wipe it when i am finished.



I also due this, but I place changing sheets in between each diaper change. I then wipe it down when done too. Just a double precautionary method I use.

I don't want a table, because it's going to be that one time that I look away for 1 second that a child will fall.

Can't get hurt if you are already on the floor................

[iheartkids]

Ok, so I have plenty of those kindergarten mats...I originally pushed two short file cabinets together and placed the mat on top of that but wasn't sure if that was considered safe since there are no sides on it. I like the idea of each kid having their own changing mat...do you still disinfect them after done? And what do you use to disinfect? Bleach spray and paper towels? I could easily go thru a whole roll of papertowels a day if I did this but I'm sure using a rag with the spray is probably not kosher....

[MrsB]

I use the fold up pads from the diaper bags too. I have a stand up changing table, but I would much rather do it on the floor. Less liability if the child makes a sudden move off of it. I have a small little squirt bottle that I have a bleach/water solution in. I use a paper towel under baby/on top of pad and use one to wipe off mat afterwards. The gloves I use are more expensive than the paper towels.

[Childminder]

I have a wall mounted changing table that is made out of wood and folds up into itself(similar to the commercial ones). It has a storage shelf at the top with dividers for diapers and supplies. Found it on craigslist for $30 and LoVe it.

Upstairs I have a wall mounted one from Ikea that I like but not as well. It was about $60 bucks. It is fine but not as nice looking, the other one looks like a piece of furniture.