Is A Baby Changing Table Necessary?

Washrooms need to do a lot of jobs these days. As well as providing somewhere to go to the toilet and freshen up, technology and governmental guidance have transformed the commercial washroom into a space where hygiene, easy-clean functionality and vandal resistance is all factored in, delivered without compromising a cool modern aesthetic. But among all the sensor taps, hand dryers and backlit mirrors, the humble baby changing station still reigns supreme as one of the most sought after additions in any busy setting. 

Is A Baby Changing Table Necessary?

Whether it’s cafes, pubs and bars, or restaurants, train stations and shopping malls, washrooms that have the potential to cater to families are most certainly going to need baby changing facilities. This also includes airports, bus stations, hospitals, community centres and holiday parks. In fact, we advise any business with customer-facing washroom facilities to consider the installation of a baby changing unit. 

Don’t forget the men’s room

Baby changing facilities need to be accessed by all genders. This means that you should either offer a unisex changing area, which is what can often be found in shopping malls and exhibition centres, while in most SMEs you will find a baby changer installed in both the male and female washrooms. In this environment, fold-down baby changing units are the most common option, situated on a wall close to the sinks. 

Things to bear in mind

Most baby changers only provide the user with efficient space to lay the baby and change a nappy. However, you will also want to consider provisions for waste disposal and ideally somewhere for the user to place a changing bag and fresh supplies. In some instances, this could be a hook or a shelf located nearby. Other times it might be a worktop or counter. Our solid surface baby changing stations with a waste chute work to address these issues and blend seamlessly into the rest of the washroom. Counter Mounted Baby Change Stations are very popular pieces of furniture in the commercial washroom.

Alternatively, fold-down baby changers can work to meet the demands of parents and caregivers but need to be installed to the correct height with horizontal and vertical options available.

Is there a legal requirement to have a baby changer?

Currently, there is no legal requirement to offer a baby changing unit. Though the British Toilet Association says there should be no less than one unisex baby changing facility provided per 10,000 people using the area. However, we would also add that for ultimate inclusivity, baby changing units are essential.

Changing tables are one of the most overlooked items in a commercial washroom. This means it’s often an afterthought, and it shows. Sometimes they’re installed in the most peculiar places, or in ways that when folded down and open, they obstruct the function of the room. 

With foresight, you can make sure your baby changing units are installed sensibly, and in a way that maintains the flow of your carefully designed washroom. This makes the changing table easier to use, but also makes the room easier to use for the other people who are using the space too. 

Changing tables are unisex

Sometimes it needs reminding that baby changing tables aren’t just for the female washrooms. It’s important to make sure the baby changing facilities are accessible by all users. For this reason, baby changing rooms are often made totally separate, particularly in large developments like shopping centres, hospitals, universities and large supermarkets. The baby changing room is often a spacious room that delivers enough space for parents to bring along other children who need to be kept an eye on, as well as a comfortable seated space for breastfeeding.

In some instances, baby changing tables are placed in the disabled washroom, which is a predominantly unisex wash space already. 

When space is generous

If you have ample room to play with, then our counter mounted baby changing units are a strong way forward. These units can blend seamlessly into the vanity unit and come with elevated sides so infants can’t fall off the edge. Waste chutes can easily be put into the counter so that dirty nappies can be disposed of quickly, and the counter space provides generous room for parents and carers to put their changing bag and sort out their supplies. Sometimes, you might want to consider locating the stand-alone baby changing table slightly away from the hand wash area to give more privacy and space to those using it. 

When space is limited

We’ve all seen the fold down baby changing units which are a great space saving solution and ideal in environments where the need for baby changing is infrequent. Be careful installing these units though, and be sure to consider the available space in the room when it is not only folded down, but when a grown adult is tending to their child on it, it may consume more space than you think, and could cause blockages in the room.

Often these will be located within a toilet cubicle, but be careful if you’re installing it above a toilet. When dropped down there is a risk of belongings falling into the toilet underneath. Wherever you are locating your drop down baby changing unit, whether horizontal or vertical, make provisions for baby changing bags to be placed as well as changing supplies. This can be done via a small shelf or ledge, or through a well placed hook. 

If you would like further advice regarding baby changing tables, or to talk with one of the team, call 01202 650900.