Top Tips
- It is best practice to change your baby using a changing mat on the floor so there is nowhere for them to fall.
- Using a changing mat on a bed, changing table or any other raised surface is not recommended. Injuries often occur when a baby falls from a height to the floor when the adult has moved away for a few seconds. Adult supervision at all times is vital.
Buying Guide
- When thinking of buying one of these items, consider what your priorities are. Is it that the product must be easy to clean or is it more important that it provides storage? Remember to check the height of the changer as you need to be comfortable using it.
- If you do decide to use a baby changer, make sure it is marked with the safety standard number BS EN 12221-1:2008 +A1:2013, together with the name or trademark of the manufacturer, distributor or retailer.
- If you are buying online, check the seller’s rating or reviews and their location. Goods sold online may well be cheaper but beware of inferior or even fake products. The picture and description may say it’s a brand you recognise, but what is delivered could be something else. Make sure the goods you receive match what was advertised online – if they don’t, contact the website. Sites like eBay have teams dedicated to resolving cases where the sent item doesn’t match what was advertised. The most important thing is to make sure your purchase doesn’t put your child at risk!
How To Set Up
- Make sure you have everything you need before you start as you do not want to leave your baby unattended.
- Make sure there are no items in the baby’s reach that could pose a risk – like nappy sacks, plastic bags or polythene strips from the nappy.
Safety Tips
- A brand new item should come with instructions to help you set up and use the product safely. If this is missing, or you are having difficulty assembling the item, contact the retailer or manufacturer.
- If you have purchased a used/second-hand item, there will be a strong chance that the guide has been lost. Try searching online for the manufacturer as many set-up guides are available for download for free. If there is nothing online, call the manufacturer directly.
- Baby changers are now readily available in places such as shopping centres and motorway services and should comply with the latest safety standard. Nevertheless, the same precautions should be taken if using one – do not leave the baby unattended at any time.
- It is important that you never leave the baby unattended, even for a few seconds to reach for the nappy or cream, as they may roll and fall off the changer. The best practice is to always change your baby on the floor – away from any other hazards.