Dangers of Leaving a Child Unattended on a Dressing Table

Never leave a baby unattended on a changing table: This is one of the first rules of parenting. Everyone hears the rule over and over, but it is essential that a new mom or dad stop and think about all the reasons they need to pay close attention to their babies when they're on the changing table--the dangers go well beyond falling.

Falling

The first time a baby rolls over is almost always a surprise to her parents. If she rolls over while unattended on a changing table, she could fall and be seriously injured.

Choking

Nail clippers, cotton swabs, caps from diaper-rash creams and other choking hazards can collect on changing tables. An unattended baby could grab one of these items and choke.

Poison

An unattended baby on a changing table could easily reach for a tube of diaper-rash cream or a baby lotion and try to eat it. This could make her sick.

Hurt by strap

Strapping a baby onto the changing table does not ensure his safety. Even a small baby could wiggle around and be strangled by the strap.

Falling items

Many changing tables are designed with a higher ledge for storing such items as wipes and diapers. Sometimes parents also display knickknacks on this shelf. A wiggly baby could shake the table enough to cause an item to fall and harm him.