Baby changing unit - is it necessary?

[babywhen]

Most of my friends and family seem to change their babies on mats in whatever rooms they're in so I'm not sure if they're worth buying?

I've found changing her on the floor like I've had to a few times at other people's houses to be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient.

I love our cot top changer.

Waste of money.

We bought one. But mostly we just used a changing mat on the floor/table/bed/wherever.

Really depends on your back and knees and space. For us it was by far the best investment we made and we used it for every nappy change for 3 years until DC1 was toilet trained and now will use it for DC2. But we are in a flat with a large bathroom so our changing table is easily accessible (no stairs) and I have everything to hand. I would also say that the size of the table is important. If you are considering getting one of the little ones that you can only fit a changing mat on, then I would not bother. It will last you only a few months and then become too small/dangerous. Mine is a chest of drawers with a big changing top. Not beautiful but really stable and if DC was to role off the mat they'd role onto the table. If you or someone you know is a handy craftsperson, you could make a top to fit onto a chest of drawers that you like. When you don't need it anymore just remove.

We had one on top of the drawers that could then be taken off. Essential for us as I had a section and couldn't bend easily for the first few weeks. We used it for all changes done upstairs until around 6 months (when she was too wriggly). We also had just a mat downstairs to use on the floor/sofa. Will do the same this time.

Not at all necessary but as other PPs suggest, definitely get a cot top changer, it will save your back! Much cheaper than a whole unit and can be taken on or off easily. And (not that this ever happened!) if baby ever does roll off, it's a lot shorter and softer fall into a cot!

Bought one and never used it!