Caring for a newborn - basic rules

When a baby appears in your home, or you are just waiting for this happy moment, you need to provide everything for his comfort. A stroller, a crib, diapers, undershirts - all this is certainly very important, but you will also need a specially equipped place for changing the baby’s clothes and carrying out hygiene procedures.

The times when women swaddled babies on a bed or on a regular table are left behind. The modern furniture industry offers young parents a more convenient and safe option - changing chests.

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Baby changing chest - features and advantages

A changing chest for newborns is a multifunctional children's furniture with a changing area and storage systems in the form of drawers and shelves.

This piece of furniture is special, it was created specifically for children's interiors and optimal care for babies. They are compact, but convenient enough for:

• Swaddling a baby.
• Diaper changes.
• Changing clothes.
• Massage, gymnastics.
• Carrying out hygiene procedures.

Compared to conventional changing tables they have a number of advantages:

• The main thing is stability and reliability.
• Wide, large surface of the folding table.
• Environmentally friendly, safe for health.

In essence, the design looks like a regular chest of drawers, but is smaller in size. A changing board is attached to the top, limited by protective edges.

Later they can serve as regular furniture when the child grows up.

Characteristics

A changing mattress is a simple but very convenient thing for parents. It makes a hard surface softer, retains heat, and absorbs moisture without getting wet. It is easy to care for.

Various types of changing table mattresses are sold.

The first, most standard one is tapitserka. This is a soft pad design with properties similar to a sports mat. Happens:

• flexible;
• semi-flexible (bending edges).

Features of the tapitzer changing mattress:

1. Can be placed on any hard surface (table, changing chest, cabinet).
2. Options with special bolsters and headboards are safer.
3. There are dirt-repellent models with a waterproof coating.
4. Machine washable.
5. You can take the tapitserka on a trip.
6. They can be inflatable as a whole or with inflatable sides and a headboard.

The next option is a changing board. An alternative to special tables and chests of drawers, especially if the children's room is small and does not accommodate additional furniture.

This is a mattress with a hard base (wooden).

Features of the changing board:

1. Can be installed anywhere.
2. The fastenings are fixed on the sides of the crib.
3. Some models have recesses for installing the board on the bathtub.
4. Folding mattress boards for sale. They cost more, but are compact, take up little space, and are equipped with carrying handles and organizers.

Changing mattress-table on metal legs. Foldable (about the same as an ironing board). There are tables on wheels. When it is not necessary for them to move, clamps are used. The model is not very stable, but it is light and mobile.

A mattress-mat in the shape of a bag is a good option for going with your baby to the clinic or visiting. When unfolded, it turns into a changing tapitzer without sides, and when folded, it turns into a convenient bag with a handle that can be carried in a way that is comfortable for the owner.

Pros of a changing mattress bag:

• deep pockets;
• this is a beautiful accessory;
• The product folds/unfolds very easily.

The only downside is the need to remove everything from the bag every time you need to fold it.

How does a changing table on a chest of drawers work - their types

The main difference between a chest of drawers for changing a baby and a regular chest of drawers is the top part. It is equipped in such a way that it can accommodate a baby. The table can be folding or overhead.

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• The design of the folding changing table is a tabletop with sides and a small shelf that acts as a folding element. It unfolds very simply, you just need to pull this shelf towards you. The result is a fairly wide and large table for procedures with a child. The table folds up just as easily, just lift it up.
• Designs with an overhead table are quite versatile and consist of a separate chest of drawers and a separate table, which is applied as needed. In the future, it can be used as a children's wardrobe, as the table is easy to clean.

Regardless of the type of structure, the tabletop must have sides; if there are none, or they are too low, then it is worth purchasing a soft mattress with this element. The height of the curbs is very important, as they are a safety measure for the child. They are needed to prevent the baby from rolling onto the floor, especially when he begins to roll over from his back to his tummy and spin around. The height of the side should be 5 centimeters on all sides.

The convenience of the design is largely determined by the size of the changing surface.

Its standard and optimal length and width are from 70 to 90 cm. There are also non-standard, narrow models with a width of 60 cm; they are suitable when the space of the room is as limited as possible, but changing the baby on them will be quite inconvenient.

Which to choose?

If you have agreed to purchase, it is useful to know what types of changing pads you can find. There is simply a changing board that is placed on the crib, there is a regular table, and also a chest of drawers equipped with a changing surface. I would advise you to go with the last option if you have room for such furniture in your room.

How is it convenient? Firstly, all the necessary things for caring for your baby will always be at hand in your dresser drawers, you will not need to go anywhere to get them (and, as you know, you should never leave one small child on a hard surface, especially a newborn ). Secondly, it is advisable that children's clothing be stored separately from adult clothing. And not just on different shelves of the closet, but in different furniture. In this case, a chest of drawers is ideal. And thirdly, after your child grows up, you can remove the changing board and use it for its intended purpose - to store things.

There are the option of transfer bags along with baby baths and shelves for bathing accessories. There are even cribs that come with a changing board and a chest of drawers, however, they are very bulky, although many people like them because they allow them to save more space in the room. When the child grows up, such a crib can be enlarged by removing the shelves. By the way, I already wrote about choosing a baby crib, you can read about it at the link.

Well, as you noticed, whether to buy a changing table or not is up to each parent. And I settled on the chest of drawers: there would be somewhere to put the children’s things, and a place to change the baby’s clothes. And what else is worth buying for a newborn, you can find out from my article about the most necessary things for a month-old baby.

Construction and equipment of a chest of drawers with a changing table

When choosing a chest of drawers for changing, it is important to understand how it is designed, determine the size, material of the product, as well as the quality of the fittings and the design itself.

Frame

This design consists of four main elements:

• The upper horizontal surface, which is the changing table, or the base for its fastening.
• Lower horizon.
• Back wall.
• Two side walls.

The dimensions of the module can be quite different and you should choose a model taking into account the following parameters:

• The height should be such that it is convenient for the mother to perform the procedures.
• The width and length should be such that the baby not only fits on the table, but feels free on it, and do not forget that the width is also the capacity of the drawers.

If we talk about standard sizes, they are as follows:

• Height – from 90 to 110 centimeters.
• Width – from 50 centimeters.
• Length - from 60 to 90 centimeters.

The larger the chest of drawers and tabletop, the longer a child will be able to fit on it, and it will be possible to use it for its intended purpose.

Filling

The main storage system is drawers. Their number can be on average from 3 to 8. Large, roomy sections can be used to store clothes, diapers and nappies. Hygienic supplies are placed in smaller boxes: cotton pads, swabs, pipettes and medical solutions: peroxide, brilliant green, oils.

You can choose a model with shelves and open niches. It’s convenient to place baby cosmetics on the shelves, and put pacifiers, rattles, sanitary napkins and other little things in the niche that should be at hand and within easy reach.

There are even more functional designs with add-ons to accommodate more children's wardrobe and hygiene items.

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Accessories - types of mechanisms

The fittings must be of high quality. The drawers should slide out easily and the handles should not be sharp.

The guides of the retractable system are either roller or ball.

Roller systems are the more commonly used, standard systems. The principle of operation of such a system is to attach one roller to the side wall of the frame, and the second to the box itself. The system is not designed for heavy loads, and if the drawer is pulled out too much, it may fall out of the body. The option is not the most practical, but quite affordable.

Ball guides are more expensive and more practical. Their advantage is that the drawers move silently, they can withstand heavy loads and have a long service life. The box on ball guides will not fall out even when opened at maximum, and this is very important, especially when the baby grows up and begins to inspect.

The furniture shelves are closed with doors that open and close using a hinged system. This system is classic for swing facades. The door is attached on one side to the furniture body by hinge mechanisms, and its second side, when opened by the handle, describes an arc to the front of the body.

Base

The base of a chest of drawers for newborns can be: base, legs, wheels.

• The base is the most stable base, since it is a continuation of the frame. When choosing such a model, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a sawn bevel for the baseboard, otherwise the structure will not be able to be placed close to the wall.
• Models on wheels are characterized by mobility and, accordingly, additional convenience. The structure can always be easily moved to the right place; in addition, the cleaning process becomes easier. Models with wheels at the back and legs at the front are more stable and decoratively attractive. In any case, when choosing such a base, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a lock on wheels. Otherwise, the furniture may move at the most inopportune moment.
• The legs can be high or low, and also made of wood or metal. The stability of such models is quite good and cleaning will be easy. It is only important to check the quality of fastening of the legs to the frame; the rigidity and stability of the structure depends on this.

Mattress for changing chest

A chest of drawers with a changing table for newborns is complemented by a soft pad on the tabletop - a mattress. It has high sides that will protect the child from falling. The mattress not only serves as a soft bedding for the baby, but also protects the countertop from dirt and moisture. At the same time, the lining itself is easy to clean and does not lose its shape or color.

Mattresses can be flexible or inflexible, with a hard or soft base.

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The material should not be slippery so that the mattress can be easily fixed on the tabletop.

Mattresses are made from standard natural materials. These must be high-quality, hypoallergenic fabrics. Quite often you can find waterproof models covered with a special diaper or medical oilcloth.

The simplest stuffing material is padding polyester, folded in several layers and stitched. More expensive models have orthopedic polyester fiber or elastic Skylon as a filler.

Cover the mattress on the changing chest with a cotton cover, which protects the mattress itself from contamination.

What to look for when choosing a changing table

• It should be as stable as possible.
• The working surface should be wide; the wider it is, the more comfortable it will be for you.
• It is better to choose a changing table made from natural materials.
• The higher the sides of your table, the better and more reliable.
• The changing table should be smooth, without sharp edges or burrs.
• Each element of the table must be freely accessible. It will be better if you approach it from the front.
• The top coating should not be slippery, but should be easy to clean and wash.

Knowing all the types of changing tables for newborns, choosing now will not be difficult. It’s even easier to do this if you look at all these models in person. But still, mothers should remember that even on the most reliable and sturdy table, they should not leave their baby unattended.

Additional equipment

Multifunctional models are equipped with a bathtub. This design allows you not only to change clothes or swaddle the baby, but also to bathe it.

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It can be located in the place of the middle drawer. But most often, the bathtub with a drain is located under a folding changing pad, so the surface can be easily folded back during bathing.

Most of these models are equipped with special shelves for baby’s bath accessories.

Manufacturing materials

When choosing a changing chest, it is better to choose models made from environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean material.

Typically used for their manufacture:

• Natural wood. This option will be optimal. Wood is absolutely not dangerous to health; such structures are strong, durable and hygienic. The material is resistant to mechanical damage and, with good coverage, is quite resistant to moisture. The only disadvantage of the wooden module is its impressive weight and low cost.
• Plastic. Plastic chests of drawers are affordable, in addition, they are interesting in a wide range of colors. The material is not afraid of moisture, but it is better not to place such furniture near heating devices, since when heated, the plastic deteriorates and releases harmful substances.
• Chipboard. The most popular and affordable is a chest of drawers made of chipboard. It cannot be called strong and durable, but with proper use and care it will last long enough. When producing children's furniture, the material undergoes strict testing for environmental friendliness and strength. However, you should check the formaldehyde-free certificate before purchasing.
• MDF. A material that is not inferior in environmental friendliness and practicality to natural wood. Structures made from MDF are quite durable and are not afraid of moisture, but you will have to pay an order of magnitude less for it than for a similar one made from solid wood.

Photos of changing chests in the interior

A modern chest of drawers with a changing table is a convenient, specially equipped place for caring for a newborn, as well as spacious furniture for storing clothes, cosmetics, diapers and other baby items that should always be at hand.

When choosing, it is important to consider the quality and appearance of the furniture. This design with interesting decor can become a real highlight in a child’s bedroom.

Changing chest 2 months later/changes/shopping for baby

Caring for a newborn - the basics

So, the baby is already at home... A young mother should know how to properly care for a newborn - there are some features that are simply obligatory.

Bathing a newborn

Most likely, upon discharge from the maternity hospital, the mother will be allowed to fully bathe the baby.
But there are cases when such a simple procedure is contraindicated - for example, if the healing of the umbilical wound takes a longer time. If there are contraindications, you will have to make do with wiping the child with a damp sponge (it should be made of the softest possible material, you can use a cloth napkin for this). You need to bathe a newborn every day, but if the baby becomes too excited during the procedure, constantly cries and shows his dissatisfaction in every possible way, then you can get by with 2-3 water procedures per week.

The water for bathing and drying a newborn should be warm - it would be wise to use the “old-fashioned” method of measuring it: dip your elbow in the water and make sure that you feel pleasant to feel its warmth on your skin.

After performing water procedures, the newborn should be dried with a soft towel, thoroughly dry all folds, and lubricate them with baby oil.

Face, eyes, nose and nails

Even though the child is very small, he needs to wash his face every morning. This is done with warm water and a cotton pad. Be sure to touch your ears when washing your face - you cannot “go” inside the ear canal, but wiping the ears with a cotton pad soaked in warm water will be very smart.

You also need to take care of your eyes - they are wiped with a damp cotton pad in the direction from the outer corner of the eye to the inner. For each eye you need to take a separate cotton pad.

The newborn's nose needs to be cleaned regularly - dry crusts accumulate in it, which can lead to difficulty breathing for the child. To cleanse the nasal passages, you need to use cotton wool, which is well soaked in petroleum jelly (or baby oil). The flagellum is carefully inserted into the nasal passage, only shallowly! Then they begin to rotate it with a minimum amplitude, and the movements should be from the nose outward.

Please note: these procedures are often accompanied by the baby crying. And here only the attentiveness of the mother can help figure out why the newborn is crying - he is in pain or simply unpleasant. If crying is a normal whim, then simply do not pay attention to it, but talk softly and affectionately to the child, try to distract his attention with a toy or song.

A newborn's nails need to be trimmed as carefully as possible - it is easy to injure the baby's delicate skin. This is done with small scissors with rounded tips, the procedure should be carried out every 2-3 days. Please note that you cannot skip the procedure (even if the baby does not like it and constantly cries during the process) - a newborn’s nails grow quickly, the child can scratch himself with chaotic movements of his hands.

Please note: some experienced mothers cut their newborn's nails while he sleeps. Perhaps this is a way out of the situation, but doctors do not recommend carrying out the procedure in this way - the baby may jerk his arm or leg in his sleep, which will lead to injury.

Umbilical wound

If it is dry, then no special procedures need to be done - just soften the crusts (this is done with 2-3 drops of hydrogen peroxide) and remove them carefully with a cotton swab.

If the umbilical wound becomes wet and festers, then you cannot take any action on your own - you need to invite a pediatrician for consultation. It is usually recommended to wipe the umbilical wound with an alcohol wipe and lubricate it with brilliant green, but, we repeat, these appointments should be made by a specialist!

Washing a newborn

If the newborn is a girl, then you can wash her only in the direction from the belly to the back. This rule is dictated by the need to prevent various bacteria and microbes from entering the rectum to the external genitalia.

As for boys, there are no rules at all - the washing procedure is carried out in any order. The only clarification is that it is impossible to retract the foreskin of newborns.

Caring for a newborn is a process that will require attention and patience from the young mother. At first it will be quite difficult - the child is tiny, many mothers perceive him as a porcelain doll - it seems to them that with one careless movement they could break an arm/leg. In fact, there is nothing to worry about - during the first few days of being at home with the newborn, all care procedures will be “worked out” to the point of automaticity.

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category

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