How Much Weight Can A Baby Changing Station Hold?

Baby changing stations are a pre-requisite item anywhere young parents and families are likely to visit. This includes restaurants, shopping and leisure centres, events venues and motorway services, but also hotel lobbies, supermarkets, petrol stations and community centres. However, while the baby changing unit is a familiar feature of commercial washrooms across all sectors, advice needs to be given on the weight limits. 

How Much Weight Can A Baby Changing Station Hold?

All baby changing units need to comply with British Standard BS12221. As part of this Standard, units must be able to be used for children with a bodyweight of no more than 15kg. As such, you’ll find most baby changing units advise on this maximum weight load. 

Are horizontal baby changers stronger than vertical ones?

The short answer to this question is a unanimous, no. While you might think that the additional distance and leverage of a vertical baby changing unit might be weaker than a horizontal fold-down, these units are meticulously designed and engineered to deliver the same maximum weight load of 15kg.

Are counter mounted baby changing units stronger than fold down ones?

Counter mounted, or solid surface baby changing stations can sometimes be stronger and carry a heavier load than traditional fold-down options. However, this is dependent on the way in which the counter has been constructed. For instance, wall hung countertops will have a lower maximum load than a countertop that is mounted on an underframe. That's because an underframe spreads the weight evenly through the vanity unit to the floor. In this instance, solid surface baby changing units can sometimes hold significantly heavier babies and toddlers – though further advice is required. 

What’s the best baby changing unit?

The right baby changing unit for your commercial washroom will rely on a number of factors including available space. Some people install baby changers directly above disabled toilets, others on the wall behind a door. For maximum efficiency, counter-mounted units are by far the most popular as they allow users the most space and convenience when changing babies and toddlers, with ample access to washbasins, waste bins and space to put their changing supplies. 

For exact detail on specific models, please refer to data sheets on Commercial Washrooms product lines or get in touch with one of the team.

If you would like further advice on baby changing units, how to install them and their exact weight limits, please get in touch with one of the team on 01202 650100