Recommendations for location of changing mat

[sugarcandyskull]

I wonder if anyone has any helpful brainwaves which may help me work out what to do regarding changing mat/tables! All rooms are relatively large rooms but our only spare room is in the loft with a steep staircase to it so we plan to leave that as is and keep baby in with us for the first 6 months-ish until we move. Although the rooms are large, there's no obvious spaces for extra furniture such a changing table, but if that seems like the best option then I will figure something out!

Now to get to the actual question, apologies for the rambling, should we get a designated changing table? And if so, for our bedroom or the bathroom? Or should I just have a changing 'kit' in each of the rooms (lounge, bathroom, our bedroom)? The layout out of our house involves a lot of stairs, if that makes any difference. Lounge downstairs - flight of stairs - bathroom - flight of stairs - bedroom.

Apologies if this was long winded, just occupying my brain while on maternity leave!

We had a changing mat on the floor but put a towel on it too, warmer than plastic and easy to chuck in a bit wash (or bin after poonami)

The floor

I had a changing table for my first DC but used mats on the bed/floor when she started to roll, and for my subsequent DC. Mine all got to the point where they were very unwilling to lie still for nappy changes, so good to have the changing mat close to something interesting for them to look at once they have lost interest in your nursery rhyme repertoire - in front of a mirror is good, as most babies are fascinated by their reflections.
The explosive poo can be a problem. I used old terry towelling nappies as liners on the plastic changing mat, so they could be easily washed, but most of the poo explosions seemed to end up on me!

You'll have a changing bag. So you could just use that wherever you are.

I loved the John Lewis changing mat thing that was curved so they couldn't roll out of of it. Easy to clean too. We had that on top of a chest of drawers. Saved our backs compared to changing on the bed or floor.

What was really grossing me out by the time we had number 2 was the thought about all the places the changing bag and travel mat had been. Some places you end up changing nappies are quite disgusting!

Never bothered with a dedicated table - I think they’re dangerous!
I bought two cheap changing mats and lined each one with a hand towel that could be easily washed. Had a basket next to each one with essentials - one set lived in our living room, the other in our bedroom

We bought a changing table and it was used a handful of times. I felt safer with the mat on the floor and as soon as my little boy could roll it wasn’t feasible. We always changed him on the floor downstairs x

We use a curved changing mat on a table top in the kitchen. Saves back and knees, and means you can wash hands ASAP. Poonamis don't stain any soft furnishings. It does mean you can't walk away from the child, though.

I put mine in the bathroom (which is also a baby bath). If I’m anywhere else I’ll just put a bit of Muslim cloth down and do it wherever I am - sofas/beds

Muslin * unsure why it changed it to Muslim!

I had a c section due to ongoing back issues / changing table all the way!! We managed for a few weeks with a mat on the floor in the sitting room and playroom / our bedroom but for £25 you can buy a cheap one from Ikea and we also found out you can buy a changer for the top of drawers. Additional storage room is a god send and as the baby gets bigger, older and heavier it's far easier to pick them up and put them down on a changing table and it will save your back!!

I could not have managed without a changing table at all due to serious back injury incurred during birth, though I did keep a changing bag downstairs and used a towel underneath a mat when I used it. Do what you think its you best and best of luck OP.