Babies should never be left unattended on a change table. Use some form of roll-off protection and make sure all locking devices on a folding change table are strong.
About change tables
Change tables are furniture designed for changing a baby's nappy at a raised level.
Risks and injuries
Care should be taken when using a change table. If babies fall from a distance of up to 1.5 metres to the floor or onto other furniture they can suffer serious injuries or fractures to the body.
Buying tips
- Buy a change table that has some form of roll-off protection such as a child safety harness or raised edges and barriers (100mm is a rough guide).
- Make sure there are no gaps or spaces near or on the changing surface that could trap a child’s fingers, limbs or head.
- Make sure all locking devices on a folding change table are strong so that the table cannot accidentally collapse.
Safe use
- Never leave a baby unattended on a change table. Ignore interruptions or take your baby with you if you have to leave.
- Have everything ready before you place the baby on the change table so that you don’t have to leave the baby.
- Place anything that could harm your baby out of its reach, including open pins, bottles, lotions or creams.
- Always keep one hand on the baby when using the change table to prevent the baby from falling.
- Use a child safety harness, if one is available.
- Do not use a thick mattress that reduces the height of the barriers.
- Repair any loose or broken parts straight away as they could harm the baby or become a choking hazard.
- Don't modify broken folding mechanisms or latches yourself, take the table back to the supplier for repairs and parts or dispose of it.
