Putting a shelf over the changing table? (Ikea Lack)

firefIy

I bought an Ikea Lack floating shelf to put over the changing table/dresser combo this weekend.  It's the perfect size and place to put a shelf.  However, now I'm having second thoughts!  Am I just being overly paranoid that the shelf could fall and hurt the baby?  Or things on the shelf?  It would be a great place to put those random keepsakes you don't know where else to put.  But now I just can't get over being paranoid about it!  Thoughts?

 ETA: Also the Lack shelf is heavy!!  Anyone know of a lighter alternative to this floating shelf?

Kristinmo

Assuming you hang it properly according to the instructions (which may say you have to find a wall stud) the risk of it falling are low.  I would not let baby pull on it but it shouldn't be a huge deal since you can't leave him/her unattended anyway.

shanad

As long as I was sure I secured the shelf in studs, I wouldn't worry.  Otherwise, find a nice decoration and put the shelf somewhere else.

Myblondasianbabies

How high above the changing pad will it be? Keep in mind, once your baby is able to stand, it could be a problem. My little squirmer battles me when it's diaper time so a shelf would be no good!

BabyBear12

I'm planning on putting a Lack shelf over the changing table and using it to store diapers and changing paraphenalia. My nursery is really tiny and I don't have anywhere else to store things. If it doesn't work out, I will take it down. If you do a Google Images search for Lack + nursery, some pics will come up of how other people have made this work.

Abby7

I also am putting a shelf up, but mine has brackets (i.e. is not floating) because we have plaster walls, not drywall. I don't trust a floating shelf on plaster. On drywall studs, you're probably OK, as long as you're not putting too much weight on it. I'm thinking you'd do diapers, wipes, bath supplies, and maybe a knick knack or two?, which would be fine.

BabyBear12

Here's a link to a blog with a Lack shelf over the changing table (sorry, can't get the pic to post)

https://www.sparveys.com/2008/10/02/decorated/

And another one...

https://montrealnest.blogspot.com/2011/11/big-girl-bed-and-ramifications.html

...

https://thestepfordwife.blogspot.com/2010/08/nursery-reveal.html

SassyRedhead

Personally I wouldn't but then again I live in Cali and there's earthquakes.

adreajoy

I would be cautious as well, but if you have them anchored properly and maybe even have a friend who is a contractor (long shot I know) they could probably check it out for you and make sure it's stable.

I would also make sure it's high enough up so that when LO can sit up, kneel, they can't grab it or anything on it.

sleeping5beauty

We had a shelf over Orion's changing table for the last 2 years. We moved the changing table and put the crib in its place. Now the shelf is over the crib. I have never thought about or worried about it falling. But I also trust my dad and he put it up for me.

LPerry48

We have the Lack shelves in our office, and as long as you install them in the drywall studs, they hold a lot of weight.  There is also a screw that you put in to hold the actual shelf onto the bracket. 

starlyte824

My husband and I just installed two of the Lack shelves in his office last month.  I am not sure if you are getting the longer or shorter one.  We installed the longer version.  There are multiple holes in the mounting hardware; you will be able to hit one or possibly two studs depending on where you want it placed.  For the other holes, you will need to use either a molly bolt or toggle bolt.  They are designed to grab onto the drywall without the use of a stud.  It spreads once in the wall distributing the weight.  Both of these can be found at Lowe's and Home Depot.  The instructions (a.k.a. the lovely wordless ones) also show you exactly where to place each screw to secure it properly.  I believe we needed four wood screws and eight molly bolts.  

Although the shelf is heavy, it is very well made, and you should have no problems with it.  They can hold an incredible amount of weight if installed using both studs and molly/toggle bolts.  (We love ours!!)