On Changing Tables

Changing tables are another problem area for the wheelchair parent. Most are designed to have storage beneath them, which is very handy for walkies, but means that a wheelchair user must park sideways to the table to get close enough to manipulate the baby. This is a very awkward position and really not practical for regular use. Our life saver in this regard came from Ikea and is called the Gullivar Changing Table. It hangs on the wall and folds up when not in use. Since you hang it yourself, it is possible to position it at the ideal height for a wheelchair to roll under it while still giving a comfortable working height for a walkie. Indeed, having used changing tables in many places, my wife claims that the Ikea one has been much easier on her back than the usual ones you can buy. I have found it excellent, and can heave the infant from my lap onto the table. There are pockets on the back that can be used to store nappies/diapers, wipes, creams etc. I can't reach the top pockets, but with the essentials in the lower pockets I get by just fine. The table can hold up to 25kg(50lbs) and we used it for Number 1 right up until she was potty trained at 33 months. I have never seen anything else that could even come close to being usable for me.