Read this article to learn whether having a changing table in the bathroom is a good idea and tips for your considers about steam.
Putting a changing table in bathroom is a great way to save space and keep your nursery less cluttered. However, some worry about using a fold-out changing table in proximity to a shower which creates steam. Luckily, showers, even ones used daily, will not produce enough moisture to ruin diapers or changing pads.
If you have a tiny home or don’t have a separate nursery setup, then putting your changing table in the bathroom can be an excellent choice. Most changing tables can take up a lot of floor space, so getting something that folds up to the wall or that you can tuck away can be a relief for those with less space to spare.
You might worry about putting a changing table in a bathroom with a shower that you use daily. Rest assured that even with the steam your shower is making, your changing table shouldn’t suffer any issues. If you are worried about what effect your shower can have, then consider placing the changing table away from the shower or removing it from the bathroom while showering.
Table of Contents
Will Shower Steam Make Diapers Soggy?
One common concern about having a changing table in the bathroom is whether the steam from a shower will affect the diapers. Chances are, you have other products in your bathroom that have similar materials to diapers, such as toilet paper, tissues, and/or mental pads or tampons. If these products don’t get soggy from the steam, you have nothing to worry about.
Most people have some kind of ventilation in their bathroom to deal with the steam from their shower. Whether this is a fan or a window, you probably already have a habit of letting out the moisture, so it doesn’t cause water damage to the ceiling or other fixtures in your bathroom. Your bathroom can already manage the shower’s steam, so you shouldn’t have diaper-related issues.
If you still have concerns about the potential of soggy diapers, you can always store them outside of the bathroom or, if your changing table is portable, move your changing table out of the bathroom while showering. You can also consider putting the diapers in containers to block out water. Generally, though, you shouldn’t have any problems with steam.
Can the Changing Pad Get Mildewy from Being in a Bathroom?
The changing pad is unlikely to get wet enough to get mildewy. You can always place your changing table away from the shower if you are worried about water splashing on it. You can also regularly take the changing pad out of the bathroom and place it somewhere it can dry out if it does get wet.
This is another instance where the steam from your shower is unlikely to have any effect on your changing table. Unless your changing pad is close enough to your shower for the water to splash it, then there’s no reason it would get mildewy. Place your changing table away from your shower if you can, or have a table that folds up to protect the changing pad.
If the steam still worries you, consider taking the changing pad out of the bathroom while showering or, if your changing table is portable, take your changing table out while showering. To prevent mildewy, you can always take the changing pad out of the bathroom to dry it outside or somewhere with airflow, so it isn’t damp.
Will Shower Steam Affect the Changing Table’s Wood?
It is unlikely that your changing table will be the only thing in your bathroom with wood parts, from fixtures to cabinets. However, if you find it concerning to have wooden pieces on your changing table while having it in the bathroom, consider getting one that doesn’t use wooden parts or has a protective covering on the wood.
The steam from your shower shouldn’t have any ill effects on the wood parts of your changing table. If you have wooden cabinets or fixtures that have wood, then you already know that the steam is unlikely to affect them. However, there are protective coats for wood to keep out moisture which you can use for the unfinished wood.
Also, consider buying a changing table that doesn’t use any wood parts to avoid any issues altogether. Some changing tables use plastic instead of wood which should hold up better to moisture. You can also get a portable changing table that goes over the top of your tub so you can move it out of the bathroom while showering.
Ideas for Having a Changing Table in the Bathroom
One of the most popular designs for a bathroom changing table folds down above the toilet. It doesn’t take up any floor space, but it also doesn’t leave room for storage directly on the table. Consider getting a changing table that hooks over a washing machine or even your bathtub for something with storage.
Which changing table you decide on will depend on the space you are working with and your needs for the changing table. Some questions to consider are:
- What space is available in your bathroom for a changing table?
- How big do you need the changing table to be?
- Do you want storage as part of the table, or is there room elsewhere in your bathroom?
- Do you want your changing table to be portable so you can change in other rooms, like when someone is using the bathroom, or can it be built-in?
Ensure that you have some idea of the criteria for your changing table before looking for inspiration.
Some ideas for bathroom changing tables:
- Fold-up table: Many parents use fold-up changing tables in public bathrooms, but you can use one at home too. It’s most common to have one over the toilet, which may not have storage. However, some have shelves built-in to the compartment the table folds into.
- Counter tray: If you have counter space next to your sink, you can place your changing table there with a tray and a changing pad. Place a basket of supplies next to it or in a draw within reach, so you always have what you need.
- Over the bathtub: If you want something more portable and have more storage, then you can try the changing tables that sit on the edges of your bathtub. You will need a tub with sides high enough that you can change your baby without leaning over too much.
- Over the clothes washer: Similar to the changing tables that go over the tub, you can also get them, so they sit on top of a washer. This is only a good solution for those with a washer in their bathroom, but it is also a portable changing table and can save on space.
- Traditional changing table: Depending on how big your bathroom is, it’s possible that you can put a regular changing table in the room without any floor space issues. You might settle for something smaller than you would put in a nursery, but if you can use the space, you can get something more durable than the other solutions above.
Take the time to browse around for the type of changing table that fits best with the space you have. As you search for ideas, you may even find that there is a solution not on this list or that came to mind while you were planning your changing table setup.
Conclusion
There is nothing wrong with putting a changing table in your bathroom if you need to save space. Better yet, you don’t have to worry about issues with soggy diapers or mildewy in the changing pad either. Ensure that your changing table is far enough away from your shower that it won’t get splashed, and you should be fine.
