Not every baby’s room is big enough to fit a changing table. Changing pads are the solution here. And, you need to know how to secure a changing pad to a dresser, giving you peace of mind that your baby is safe. Whether you’re using a Keekaroo, Skip Hop, Bumbo, or any other popular changing pad brand, my tips will work for all models.
Do You Need to Secure a Changing Pad to the Dresser?
It’s essential to secure changing pads to the dresser to prevent your baby from slipping off, resulting in serious injuries. Converting the dresser to a changing table is a space-saving solution for smaller nurseries. Changing pads placed on top of the dresser makes it easier to change your baby’s diapers.
How to Attach a Changing Pad to a Dresser
The changing table or dresser option is a debate that ends pretty quickly when you realize your baby’s room can only accommodate one or the other! The dresser is often the best bet, giving you both storage and changing space.
When picking a changing pad, take note of some key factors to ensure it can be attached securely to the dresser.
1. Select a Dresser With Right Dimensions
When picking a dresser you want to make sure it’s the right height. Bending over a low dresser during diaper changes can be back-breaking. And, a dresser that’s too high will make it impossible to reach your baby comfortably.
Most changing tables come in heights of between 36 to 43 inches. The dresser should be of a similar height. However, if you’re a taller or shorter parent, factor this in when picking the right height for you.
Another consideration is the size of the dresser surface. Ensure it’s big enough to accommodate a changing pad, without any parts of it flopping over the edges of the dresser top. Ideally, the changing pad should fit most of the dresser’s top, giving it little room to shift. It’s also essential to check the dimensions of the changing pad before purchasing it to ensure it will fit your dresser properly.
2. Look for a Suitable Changing Pad (incl. non-slip ones)
Once you’ve picked the dresser, and have the measurements of its surface, you can look for a suitable changing pad. Hopefully, you’ve already done some research when checking out the sizes of the changing pads before buying your dresser. You may have already decided which one you like.
But, if you’re still searching, read my article comparing the Keekaroo Peanut Changer vs. Skip Hop vs. Hatch vs. Bumbo changing pads. I give an in-depth review of these popular changing pad brands.
Skip Hop Changing Pad
I highly recommend the Skip Hop changing pad with its contoured cushion. This design not only keeps your baby comfortable during diaper changes but it stops your little one from rolling off. Other great features of this changing pad are the belt restraint and adhesive backing for attaching to the table or dresser top.
The surface of the changing pad is easy to clean and a tuck-away toy bar keeps your baby entertained whenever you need some hands-free time.
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is also a good option with its solid surface for easy cleaning. It has raised, contoured edges and a belt restraint which helps to keep your baby safely contained. The pad is constructed with a material that also prevents the baby from sliding during diaper changes. The non-skid base is another safety feature, keeping the changing pad safe on all surfaces.
The waterproof surface means no leaks get into the changing pad, preventing the buildup of mold and bacteria. The changing pad is comfortable enough for your baby to take naps in it!
Summer Infant Changing Pad
Another popular brand is the Summer Infant Changing Pad. It’s made with durable material that’s easy to clean. And, it has raised sides plus a safety strap to keep your baby safely contained. It includes a security strap on the bottom which can be used to attach the changing pad to the dresser.
Non-Slip Changing Pads
The Skip Hop adhesive backing makes it a good choice for a non-slip changing pad. Both the Keekaroo Peanut Changer and Summer Infant Changing Pad have non-skid bases for extra security on all surfaces.
The LA Baby Contoured Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad also has a non-skid bottom and is designed to fit most changing tables and standard dressers. This changing pad includes a safety belt for your baby and is easy to clean with warm water and mild detergent. An additional security strap is included to secure the changing pad to the dresser.
3. Find an Attachment Method
Not all changing pads include additional attachment features in their design. Non-skid bases give a certain amount of traction, keeping the changing pad secure on any surface. However, you’re not always guaranteed they’ll keep the pad attached to the dresser while you’re changing a squirming baby!
I suggest using the following attachment methods to give you peace of mind the changing pad is firmly anchored to the dresser.
Straps
Most changing tables come with straps included for keeping your baby safe while you change their diapers. These straps are screwed in at the front and the back of the table and have buckles to clip the strap closed over the baby. Most baby and hardware stores sell these straps. The Kolpack Changing Table Straps for the Koala changing tables should fit most dressers.
These straps are made with durable nylon. Once you’ve screwed each end to the dresser, pull the straps up onto the dresser top. The changing pad is placed on top, with the straps crossing over and buckled in the center of the pad. Now, your changing pad is firmly attached to the surface of the dresser.
Some changing pads come with security straps such as the Summer Infant changing pad that can be used to attach to the dresser or any other piece of furniture.
Velcro
Velcro is every handyman’s ultimate tool for securely attaching just about anything to another object. This hook and loop fastener can be found in most local hardware as well as shops selling sewing supplies. Look for the VELCRO Brand Industrial Strength Fasteners. This heavy-duty strength product holds up to 10 pounds and comes in 15 feet strips, two inches wide.
Mark out the size of the changing pad on the dresser if it doesn’t fit exactly to each corner of the furniture. Cut strips of 4-inches long and attach one side to each corner of the changing pad. Attach the other side of the Velcro taping to the dresser, making sure it matches each corner of the changing pad. Attach the pad to the table, pressing firmly to ensure the Velcro taping adheres together.
Non-Skid Mat
If your changing pad doesn’t come with a non-slip base, then consider using the non-skid rubber mats used to prevent carpets and rugs from slipping around on the floors. The AMZOK Rug Grippers will work just as well for keeping your changing pad firmly in place on top of the dresser. This product comes in a range of sizes and you can cut it to fit neatly under the changing pad.
Before sticking the non-skid mat on the dresser, ensure the surface is clean and free of dust to ensure maximum grip. You can also make sure the bottom of the changing pad is dry and clean for a good grip. If the base of the changing pad is plastic or vinyl, you may want to slip a cover on to ensure it grips well to the non-skid mat.
This method of attachment may also determine how many changing pad covers you need if they get wet during a diaper change! A wet changing pad over may not work as well with non-slip mats.
Sticky Surface Under the Changing Pad
Some changing pads come with a sticky base. All you have to do is peel back the backing and attach the changing pad directly to the dresser top. This option works well if you don’t want to use the changing pad anywhere outside of the baby’s room.
However, the sticky residue does eventually loosen from wear and tear so watch out for any signs of movement after using it for a while. The sticky surface under the changing pad may also cause damage to the dresser surface due to the adhesive glue being used.
DIY Solution
Besides using any of the abovementioned DIY solutions, there are some other great ways of securing the changing pad to the dresser safely. The YYXLIFE Double-Sided Carpet Tape can be used for a range of multiple purposes including sticking the changing pad safely to the dresser.
Watch this video showing you how to use a screw and snap fastener hardware to attach the changing pad to the dresser. The Arokimi Snap Fastener Kit has all the pieces you need to perform this DIY solution for attaching a diaper changing pad to your dresser.
Another DIY solution is using heavy-duty double-sided mounting tape such as EZlifego Double Sided Heavy Duty Tape. It’s strong enough to hold up to 18 pounds and doesn’t leave any residue on surfaces when removed. Apply the same way as you would with Velcro by attaching strips at each corner of the changing pad.
Safety Concerns to Consider
With every baby item of furniture you use in the nursery, you need to consider safety. Here are some ways of sorting out any safety concerns you may have when using a changing pad on the dresser:
- Attach the dresser itself to the wall with metal brackets and screws. This way you can rest assured the dresser will not topple over at any time during diaper changes.
- Keep the dresser top free of other items that could be dangerous to your baby if they grab it during diaper changes. This includes lamps, sharp objects, and medicines.
- Store diapers, diaper supplies, and baby rash creams in the top drawer of the dresser. This way you can access them easily without taking your eye (or hand) off your baby.
- Pick a changing pad with raised contoured edging. This feature prevents your baby from rolling off the pad during changes. A safety strap is also a good idea for containing your baby.
- Some changing pads have non-slip surfaces. This prevents your baby from sliding off the changing pad.
- Always check the attachments to ensure they’re fastened at all times.
- NEVER leave your baby unattended on top of the dresser. Over 50% of nonfatal injuries happen to babies under the age of 1 and this could be from falling off the changing table or bed.
By ensuring the changing pad includes safety features and attaching it securely to the dresser, most of your safety concerns should be met.
Attaching a Keekaroo to a Dresser (specific considerations)
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer doesn’t come with any permanent attachment features. However, the baby’s safety belt does include a long strip of adhesive taping. By removing the backing, you can stick this part of the belt to the dresser top. This will help to secure the changing pad to the dresser.
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is sturdier and heavier than most other changing pads so if you want to make double sure the pad is firmly attached to the dresser, use Velcro on each corner. You could also use double-sided mounting tape. But, make sure you use heavy-duty products for extra strength.
Another option is to use a non-slip mat. This will give extra security to the existing non-skid base of the Keekaroo changing pad. However, using the changing pad’s non-skid base should be adequate for keeping the pad safe on the dresser.
Wrap Up
Baby’s safety is essential even during diaper changing times. Changing pads are wonderful inventions, making the job of changing diapers a breeze. However, to ensure your baby is safe you want to make sure the pad is safely attached to the dresser.
If your favorite changing pad brand doesn’t come with any attachment features, then use some of the solutions presented in my article. This way you can rest assured diaper changing time is stress-free!
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
