|
| Compare Baby Changing Stations |
 |
Factors in Purchasing a Baby Changing Station
Review several of these factors before purchasing a baby changing station. Use a pen or pencil and jot down notes and research.
1: Size and Space of the Baby Changing Area
Look at the baby changing area. Will you have a dedicated nursing room/changing room or will this baby changing station be mounted in the restroom? Pull out your measurements of the space or use a tape measurer and take notes of the wall space, the counter top space and the overall ambient or walk around space. There are several different options of baby changing stations available based on the space that you will install the baby changing station. The most common design is the horizontal wall mount baby changing station. This station mounts directly to the wall and is used most often in areas where you have plenty of horizontal wall space. If your wall space is limited but you still have ample walk around space then you may look at a vertical mounted baby changing station. These take up a lot less wall space and are basically almost exactly the same as the horizontal baby changing station except these tables open up into the room. If you have extra countertop space and maybe not so much wall space a countertop mounted baby changing station might be the perfect solution. These come in two different models, one being the simplest is a surface mounted countertop baby changing station. This style of countertop baby changing station is simply mounted on top of the counter and is made with curved edges and a safety strap to prevent the infant from rolling out. These countertop models are an economical way to offer a safe place for a caregiver to change an infant. These models are great for church feeding rooms. Koala Kare offers a countertop model KB-01CT. There is also a recessed model countertop baby changing station Koala Kare KB112-01RE that requires a space to be cut out of the countertop and the baby changing station is permanently mounted to the countertop.
2: Who will be using the Baby Changing Station
Think about the amount of traffic you have in your facility. Is this a childcare center or a public restroom? Are your customers predominantly caregivers of infants? Will you need more than one baby changing station? Do you need a special needs changing station for larger children or adults? Most standard baby changing stations are made for the use of infants under 50 pounds. They may have a higher weight rating some even up to 250 pounds, but that is not so much about the infants weight as it takes into account the weight of a caregiver's bag, the extra weight that is put onto the table just from the caregiver pushing on the table and even the siblings that may be pushing on the baby changing station. If you have a facility with larger children over 50 pounds or adults with special needs you will need to purchase a larger changing station. Many large adult and special needs changing stations are available. Brocar by Foundations offers a Recessed Adult Changing Station 100-SSE-R that is 62" and holds a static load of 400 pounds.
3: Ease of Installation
Who will be installing this baby changing station? Will it be installed as part of the architecture plan and built into the wall? Or will it be installed post construction and be mounted on the wall? You can mount a baby changing station directly to the wall or you can recess a baby changing station post construction you just need to consider a few factors. If directly mounting a baby changing station to the wall measure the distance between your studs. Most wall construction is designed with 16" centers. Koala Kare KB200 designs their baby changing station with 16" centers. GAMCO and Brocar by Foundations are designed to be mounted on 32" centers. For safety the baby changing station must be mounted on at least one centered stud. Koala Kare offers a standard backing plate for installation on their models. This backing plate allows for an easier install and the baby changing station can be installed by one person. Click on this link to watch the installation Koala KB200 video. Brocar by Foundations and Safety Craft also offer a backing plate but Safety Craft charges extra for this plate.
4: Warranty
When purchasing any product it is important to check out and read the manufacturers warranty. Most baby changing stations come with a 5 year warranty. Koala Kare is the only baby changing station that also offers a vandalism warranty. This vandalism warranty is one extra step in protecting your investment. Always read the warranties carefully and have a safe place to keep the paperwork including the receipt, place and date of purchase. Make sure to fill out any registration information in case of the need to use the warranty.
5: Are Replacement Parts Available?
Replacement parts greatly extend the life of a product. This is the same case with Baby Changing Stations. The ability to replace a simple part or even add a sticker to the baby changing station saves money and prevents waste. Many manufacturers offer replacement parts. Koala Kare offers the most extensive line of replacement parts even offering parts for discontinued products. Brocar by Foundations, Diaper Depot and Safety Craft also offer replacement parts.
6: Colors
Your commercial restroom may have a definite style and color scheme. Baby Changing Stations come in many different colors and styles to fit the style of your facility. You can choose from stainless steel, or stainless steel vaneer for the more upscale restrooms or choose from a wide array of colors. Koala Kare and Diaper Depot offer the largest variety of colors on the market today.
7: Are Bed Liners Available?
Disposable Sanitary Bed Liners give your customers an extra level of protection. Koala Kare KB200 offers a built in locking liner dispenser that protects the baby changing station by keeping the liners clean keeping trash out of the dispenser. These are also very easy to load. Click on this link to watch a video of the KB200. Koala, Diaper Depot and Brocar by Foundations are the most widely used sanitary bed liners no matter what the brand of baby changing station.
8: Is the Changing Station Compliant?
Depending on your local municipality you may be required to use ADA Compliant ASTM or ANSI Compliant baby changing Stations. ADA guidelines for restrooms are 4.41 Maximum Protruding Objects, 4.2.5 Forward Reach, 4.2.6 Side Reach and 4.27.4 Operation.
Most Baby Changing Stations are ASTM and ANSI Compliant. This means they have to follow the ASTM and ANSI tests and standards. For the safety of your customers do not purchase a baby changing station that does not meet the ASTM and ANSI standards of Compliance. ASTM Compliance. Check to also make sure that you follow any baby changing station laws for your area.