~~THE DAVINCI JENNY LIND CHANGING TABLE~~A LUXURY OR A NECESSITY?
Written: Aug 23 '02
Product Rating:
Pros: Durable construction; attractive, traditional designs available in several different finishes.
Cons: Expensive in price; a tight squeeze to manage when you are short on extra space.
The Bottom Line: If you have both the extra cash and the space, purchasing a DaVince Jenny Lind Changing Table is a convenient although not required baby nursery choice.
melissasrn's Full Review: Davinci Jenny Lind Changer
Over twelve years ago now before my first child was born, we purchased a DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table in the maple finish to match the Jenny Lind Crib we had received as a very much appreciated baby shower gift from my parents. At the time, I felt like I just had to get one even though generations of parents did just fine without this convenient piece of baby furniture over the years. Once assembled and put to the test, this changing table with ample storage space below proved to be a great back-saving alternative to diapering my baby on the floor or some other surface. Soon after my daughter was potty trained, baby number two was born and this nursery item was put into use all over again. So for a good 5 years, this durable changing table was used almost on a daily basis. And when we decided our diaper changing days were over and sold this attractive model that stood the test of time at a garage sale, we got a great price for it as this dressing table was still in great shape. Only several years later, we found ourselves expecting baby number three and discovered that our diaper changing days were beginning all over again! But this time around, we managed quite nicely without this once treasured piece of nursery furniture I now feel was a convenient luxury but certainly not a necessity if parents are tight on either money or space.
~~~The Changing Table~~~
Durably constructed of hardwood materials to withstand years of use and abuse, the DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table is designed in several different finishes (oak, maple, natural white, cherry, & unfinished) to perfectly match any nursery decor. Stylishly elegant with its classic fully turned spindles that can be found on all 4 sides, this dressing table features high guard rails with the back one higher than the front and a safety belt to keep wriggling babies more securely in place. Measuring approximately 36 1/4 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 38 inches high and weighing approximately 26 pounds, this attractive model designed to match coordinating Jenny Lind cribs will fit comfortably into most nurseries although it does take up excess room if space is tight. The baby changing area on top features a reversible 1 inch thick waterproof plastic pad for comfort and is constructed of metal support to enhance safety and durability. The two storage shelves below are a bit more flimsy in design yet conveniently hold plenty of diapers, clothing, and other layette items that are frequently used on a daily basis. While it is very traditional in appearance and is functional in use, this DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table would make a great gift for expecting parents that seem to have everything already, although it certainly is not required by any means and those without the extra space to place it can easily manage quite nicely without one.
~~~Price & Availability~~~
I'm estimating that the price we paid for our DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table all those years ago was somewhere around $75. Of course with prices always on the rise, most models can now be purchased for approximately $80-$100 in new condition at most department stores that carry nursery furniture as well as many online merchants, such as www.babyage.com (Click on link provided by Epinions below). If this is more than you are willing to pay for this convenient although not truly necessary baby item, consider checking out garage sales or even some second hand stores (such as consignment shops) for a used model in good condition as these changing tables will last for many years through several children with ease and proper care. Price was certainly not an issue when we chose not to purchase a DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table when we were expecting our third child. A small three bedroom home with little extra space left to house such large baby care items made that decision for us.
~~~Safety Issues~~~
Even with the safety belt in use, never leave your baby unattended on the DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table for a second as unanticipated falls potentially resulting in serious injury can easily occur. Some babies begin to roll over soon before the age when all the baby care books say they are "supposed" to, so always keep one hand firmly on your child while reaching for needed supplies located below on one of the storage shelves. Keep the changing area well stocked with everything you need beforehand so that accidents are less likely to occur and you won't be tempted to step away to grab extra supplies. Cover the waterproof pad with a small bassinet type sheet or a simple receiving blanket and then wash as needed. As babies grow older and heavier, especially those that are very active, you may wish to begin moving diaper changing sessions from the DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table to the floor or some other safe surface to prevent falls.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
While I certainly enjoyed the convenient luxury of having this DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table when my older children were babies, I found that it has been surprisingly easy to "make do" without one as well when my youngest child was born over 2 years ago now. If our previous home were larger and we had the extra space before moving, however, I have no doubts that we would have purchased another model though as changing a wriggly baby on the floor can sometimes be back and knee breaking work! Once we DID have room for a changing table, Tristan was already nine months old so by that time we decided such a purchase was no longer practical. So if you have the extra money and more importantly, the required space, by all means this traditionally stylish dressing table would make a great addition to your child's nursery, especially if you plan on purchasing a matching Jenny Lind Crib too. While the spindles are sometimes difficult to clean, it provides a supportive area for diaper changing sessions and contains lots of extra storage space as an added bonus. Add this piece of baby furniture in your favorite finish to your gift registry today and the DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table just might show up as a special baby shower present. Enjoy and stay safe:-)
If you are interested in buying a crib to match this DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table, please check out the following review:
Jenny Lind changer compliments our Jenny Lind crib for that perfect nursery, Lead and Phthalate Free, Non-Toxic Finish 1" Changer pad and safety strap...More at Amazon
DaVinci Jenny Lind Changing Table - CherryThe traditional DaVinci Jenny Lind Changer is everything parents need in a changing table. With shelves for ...More at Diapers.com
Classic Jenny Lind changing table comes with two shelves, a safety belt, changer pad, and metal support bracket underneath top shelf for added safety....More at Cymax Stores
Jenny Lind changer compliments our Jenny Lind crib for that perfect nursery, Lead and Phthalate Free, Non-Toxic Finish 1" Changer pad and safety strap...More at Amazon
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.