How to Mount a Changing Table to a Wall

One of the most underrate items of nursery furniture is the changing table. Diapering a baby is not always an easy task—unless you are fortunate enough to have a super compliant baby—and more often than not the process is a mix between wrestling an octopus and reaching over to pick up a wipe, diaper, or some ointment. Opting for a wall mounted changing table as opposed to the old fashioned freestanding one has a number of advantages, not the least being the flexibility of having a surface that is securely mounted and that will not give as the baby wiggles and moves about. Additionally, it is usually easier to clean since many times the manufacturers of these changing tables took their clues from the commercial suppliers of this amenity. Learning how to mount a changing table to a wall is quite simple, and if you follow these easy steps you will be changing your little one in about 30 minutes on your newly mounted table.

Things You'll Need

• Wall mounting changing table
• Friend
• Pencil
• Stud finder
• Drill
• Wood screws supplied with changing table
• Screwdriver
• Level

Instructions

1. Unpack the wall mounting changing table and locate the installation instructions. On the instructions is a list of the content of the package. Ensure that each item listed is actually found in the package. This is especially important if the package was opened before purchase.

2. Choose the wall to which you want to mount the changing table. Since the table most likely is one that folds down to open, you need to make sure that you factor in the space needed when it is fully opened. Use a stud finder to help you in your search since it is highly recommended to attach the wall mounting hardware to a stud rather than just drywall.

3. Decide on the proper height. When you are using the wall mounted changing table you want to be able to stand as comfortably as possible and not hunched over. At the same time, it should not be so high that your elbows are uncomfortably high. Have a friend hold the opened unit in place and move it up and down until you have found your perfect height. In the absence of the primary diaper changer, decide on placing it about 45 to 50 inches up from the ground.

4. Mark the spot on the wall with a pencil when you find the right height. Since you already know where the studs are located, you can proceed and just mark with the pencil through the predrilled mounting holes for a reference.

5. Drill one hole into the wall at the stud and screw in the left corner of the wall mounted changing table.

6. Place the level on top of the changing table and slightly adjust the height on the right side until the entire table is completely level. Drill a hole on the right side as well and screw in that side of the table as well. Once again check with the level to verify that the table is positioned exactly as you had planned.

7. Drill the bottom holes next. Usually wall mounted changing tables have at least four holes to mount them. Secure the table at each wall mounting hole with the proper hardware.

8. Test the durability by applying some pressure to the open changing table after installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Test continued durability periodically after the initial install. Once a month you might want to jiggle the wall mounted changing table to ensure that there is no give and it is still securely anchored into the wall.

• Do not use screws that are too short for the installation. Remember that you are not just placing a static weight onto the changing table but one that will move around and also bounce. Screws that are too short will eventually disengage from the wall and cause the changing table to come loose.

• Do not leave your baby unattended on a wall mounted changing table, even if you have the baby strapped in with the safety belt.