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The No. 1 Rule for installing a baby
changing station that will be safe for baby changing is to follow the
manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer has designed the baby changing
station to be a safe and functional bathroom accessory when installed
correctly- this means according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep the
safety of the baby in mind throughout the installation process. Here are
some basic guidelines to keep in mind when installing a baby changing
station; however, these guidelines should not be used as a substitute for
the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. If you are not a professional
carpenter you might consider hiring one for this job.
- Open the box; check the baby
changing station for damage.
- Locate the instructions and
installation hardware kit, which should be included.
- Gather the required tools –
usually a screwdriver and an electric drill with a drill bit to match
the size recommended by the manufacturer for drilling holes in the
mounting surface to accept the anchor screws.
- Check the mounting hardware
included in the box – kits may not always include everything you will
need, but they usually do.
- Select the location for mounting
– this will require a sturdy wall or sturdy surface depending on the
type of baby changing station you purchased. The wall or surface must be
capable of supporting the baby changing station unit plus a baby –
manufacturers recommend 400lbs. – probably because eventually some adult
baby will sit or stand on it for some unknown reason.
- The baby changing station should
be mounted at a maximum and minimum height to comply with the
requirements of the American With Disabilities Act, and in some States
other height requirements may need to be complied with. The ADA requires
59 inches and 27 inches, your manufacturer’s instruction sheet should be
consulted for recommended mounting heights.
- For a wall mount, starting with
the left side screw holes, locate the center of a wall stud and mark it
with a pencil at the correct height to comply with the ADA and to line
up with the pre-drilled holes in your baby changing station. After
marking the studs drill your mounting pilot holes. Be sure you use the
correct size and type drill bit – e.g.; wood vs. masonry for your pilot
holes.
- Mount the baby changing station
securely to the surface with the screws and washers provided in your
installation kit.
- Lie down on the baby changing
station to see if it will hold your weight – unless you weigh over 400
pounds. If your baby changing station collapsed, you need to re-mount it
doing something differently - like hiring a competent carpenter.
If you followed the manufacturer’s
instructions, the wall or surface you mounted the baby changing station is
capable of supporting you and it didn’t collapse under your weight, then you
should have a safely mounted baby changing station.
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