apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Before motherhood I was a toddler teacher (among many things). We used a similar changing table in our classrooms. The steps/ladder were phenomenal way to invite cooperation and create autonomy around an activity (diaper changing) that young children have no control over and usually struggle with.

It is a unique idea, but my first thought was how safe is it? Then besides that the little stairs take up a lot of space. I know I need as much storage as I can get in the nursery. I currently use a six drawer dresser as a changing table and there is no way I could give up even one of those drawers.

Not a mom, but I was intrigued by the design of this. It looks like the stairs can roll into the cabinet when/if you don't need them.

Mostly, it seems like it would be a good idea for anyone with back problems or for slightly older/bigger toddlers. It would be a lot easier to invite them to climb the stairs than to lift them up to the table.

I think that "changing tables" designed specifically for that task are a waste. I would much rather see a dresser outfitted with a foam changing pad -- that way the dresser can continue to be used after the child is potty trained. This thing takes limited use to a new level with the stairs taking up valuable storage space and only used for a year or two (and by very cooperative children, it would seem).

Also, in a preschool/daycare environment, once the children were toddlers, we changed diapers on the floor. If there was only a wet diaper, we would change the diapers standing up. For toddlers who resist the diaper change, this can be very helpful.

Limited use? Nah. You can change changing tables into all kinds of other furniture. This table can be used for toy or book storage or whatever when your tot is potty-trained. Painted, decorated, totally repurposed.

I have to agree with mayaluna. Toddlers in the 18-36 month range who are not potty-trained can be coaxed into cooperating with diaper changes, so this table can be part of that process.

The only thing that put me off of these units was the price. I already have an Oeuf dresser and a changing table just dying to become a drink cart. Actually, I may still get one of these units then convert it into part of a fort/castle play unit in the future.

It likely has it's place, but the comments that it could be repurposed is sort of like putting the cart before the horse.
So what if you can paint it? Paint won't turn it into something new.
I have a dresser my grandparents were given as a wedding gift (nearly 61 years ago!) that I've been using for the last nearly 4 years.

first thing I thought:

great, the toddler will run up the stairs and jump off the table when mom and dad aren't looking.... Kids are crafty... surely they'll be able to open up the stairs....

to me, not safe!

"It likely has it's place, but the comments that it could be repurposed is sort of like putting the cart before the horse."

Uh huh. I was not going to bother with your comment, but I take issue with your characterization because I have seen plenty of other uses that infant furniture or toddler furniture has. If you already have it and want to convert it, how is that putting the cart before the horse? I think you didn't read the part where I said I already HAD item XYZ and could re-use it for something else.

My 2 1/2yr old's mom & tot classroom has this and it is handy for changes. The stairs do fit inside to prevent it from becoming a climbing toy attraction for kids. It is very large though-I can't imagine someone having it in a bedroom at home.

Side note - Someone mentioned changing diapers on the floor and that is a HUGE no-no in sanitary habits in a place like a daycare or school setting where children crawl and put things in their mouth that have been on the floor. Would you want your kids playing on a floor where tons of other kids have had diaper changes that day when they could be changed on a table that is wiped down after every change? YUCK!

Interesting in a public setting... not so much for at home... unless you live somewhere gigantic.
For me, the floor is the best option... with a changing pad, of course!