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Babies are different, some have very delicate skin while others can wait a little bit longer to be changed once they have soiled their nappies. All the same, babies need changing immediately to prevent nappy rash.
Young babies may require changing as often as 10 to 12 times a day, but as they grow older, this frequency drops to about 6 to 8 times. While changing, among the things you need are:
- A changing towel, mat or changing table
- Warm water
- Cotton wool
- A bucket or plastic bag for disposal of dirty nappy
- Barrier cream for the baby skin
- Clean clothes
The changing table is designed for this specific purpose of changing baby nappies. It comes at a comfortable height so that you can change the nappies conveniently. Research indicates that falling accounts for 65% of injuries among children is 5 years and below.
Some of these accidents especially around the changing table are avoidable. The following tips can help you to minimize instances of changing table falls.
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Use a Child Restraint
Most modern changing tables come with a safety trap. This gives your child an extra level of protection. The strap is designed to restrain your child’s movement and keep them in place. However, the restraint shouldn’t be an excuse to let them out of sight.
In your changing routine, ensure you inspect the strap regularly to confirm whether it is still in safe working order.
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Inspect the Changing Table
Changing tables just like any other piece of furniture may weaken or become loose. This phenomenon is most prevalent with collapsible changing tables. If you haven’t inspected the changing table before use, do not place your child on it.
Report any loose or broken parts to a technician for repairs. Do not try to modify broken latches or folding mechanisms on your own.
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Ensure All the Supplies are Within Reach
Leaving children unattended at the changing table is dangerous. They can easily roll off and sustain serious injuries, fractures, or concussions. When preparing for the nappy change, ensure everything you need is within an arm’s stretch.
If you invest in the best changing table, you will have the advantage of drawers that can help you with extra storage for baby changing items.
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Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach
Things such as bottles, open pins, creams, and other small items should be carefully stored in lockable places such as drawers. If left on the changing table, babies may stretch their hands, get hold of them, and push them into their mouths. This presents a choking hazard.
They may prick their bodies with the pins or even cut their skin with razor blades. Remember, the babies are only interacting with whatever objects around them.
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Maintain their Attention during the Process
Babies are bundles of energy and most times they love wrestling while changing their diapers! Some may crawl away, fuss, or even cry. To put to an end this tug of war and minimize chances of injuries, maintain their attention.
You can do this by talking to your child, playing some background music, or giving them a toy to keep them engaged.
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Have a Routine for the Changing Procedure
Uncertainty and change can be stressful for all people leave alone babies. As your child navigates the continuous challenge of learning and interacting with new things, support them by making some processes familiar. Nappy changing is one of them.
The more you make this a routine, the more your child will have a sense of control, security, and will learn what to expect. This minimizes negative behavior and subsequently any falls or injuries that may result.
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Constant Supervision
Children, unlike adults, do not fully understand what danger means. They are curious and simply want to explore the world around them. This can pose a serious threat to the changing table because the more mobile they become, the more adventurous they get.
In the blink of an eye, they can roll off. Depending on the height of the table, injure themselves badly. Ensure you constantly pay attention and reach out to them if they are tempting to do something injurious.
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Choose Changing Tables with Roll-Off Protection
When shopping for changing tables, go for models that have raised sides and ends measuring 10 cm and higher. Such a design is important to protect your child from rolling off. Alternatively, you can also incorporate a concave shape change mat to contain your child when changing nappies.
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Observe Manufacturer’s Instructions and Limitations
Changing table manufacturers have clear guidelines on how their products should be used. From assembly to the actual usage, every step is normally contained in a set of instructions. For instance, your changing table has an age or weight limit.
Children whose age or weight exceeds these limits should not be changed on these surfaces. Typically, from the age of two or when children attain 30 pounds in weight, parents should look for alternative changing surfaces.
The safety of your child should be a priority at every point in their growth and development. Ensuring their safety on the changing table contributes towards their general safety.