Creating a Welcoming Space: Essential Baby Changing Facilities for Your Business

Baby changing facilities are vital spaces for parents. And providing high-quality baby changing facilities is no longer just a nice touch - it’s an expectation.

Baby changing facilities are vital spaces for parents. And providing high-quality baby changing facilities is no longer just a nice touch - it’s an expectation. Whether you're running a café, a shopping centre or a leisure venue, offering clean and accessible changing spaces shows that your business values all visitors, including families.

An essential item for your facilities is a baby changing table, giving users a safe space to help them take care of their child’s needs. But what should you be looking for when choosing a baby changing table, and how can you ensure your facilities remain hygienic and safe? Find out everything you need to know below with phs.

The importance of baby changing facilities for your business

Having baby changing facilities helps make things easier for families when they’re out and about. It gives them a safe space to take care of their children, making everything from everyday errands to days out easier. Some of the other benefits for your business include:

Improve customer satisfaction

Parents are far more likely to return to businesses that cater to their needs. A clean, well-equipped baby changing area shows that your business is family-friendly and considerate of different needs. It reduces stress for parents and helps create a positive impression

Compact Wall Mounted Baby Changing Table

Enhance accessibility and inclusivity

Installing appropriate changing tables helps you make your space more inclusive. All parents and carers should feel welcome and supported. This may also include adding facilities in both male and female toilets or within unisex or accessible toilets.

Protect your business reputation

Maintaining a strong reputation is important for any business, and families love to talk! Whether it's through online reviews or word of mouth, a poor experience with baby changing facilities can harm your business’ reputation. Providing a good experience to visitors instead can help lead to good word of mouth and recommendations, especially online.

Are baby changing facilities a legal requirement in the UK?

While there’s currently no law that specifically mandates baby changing facilities in public venues, businesses are encouraged to provide them under broader health, safety and equality guidance. For example, under the Equality Act 2010, service providers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people - and while it’s not a legal requirement, many businesses see inclusive baby changing as part of that wider obligation.

In certain sectors, such as hospitality or retail, having no facilities at all could put you at a competitive disadvantage or risk failing health and safety inspections. Local authorities may also set their own planning conditions for new developments, so it’s worth checking these before opening a new premises.

What are the different types of baby changing tables?

There are different types of baby changing tables, designed to suit different spaces. Some of the options include:

Wall-mounted baby changing table

Wall-mounted baby changing tables are ideal for smaller spaces. Fixed to the wall, they fold out as needed and fold back up when not in use, helping you make the most of your available floor space. They’re commonly found in public toilets, especially in busy locations like train stations and restaurants.

A wall-mounted table should meet BS 6684L 1989 safety standards, and should include secure straps, rounded edges, and a wipe-clean surface. The phs Compact Wall Mounted Baby Changing Table is an ideal model that will help save space, and made from smooth materials to promote good hygiene.

Foldable baby changing table

A foldable table is a freestanding unit that can be moved or stored away as needed. These are useful in temporary settings or multipurpose rooms. They offer flexibility, but they must still meet safety standards and be stable when set up.

Foldable models may have built-in storage shelves or baskets for added convenience, making them suitable for nurseries, crèches and other spaces which offer childcare facilities.
How to choose the right baby changing table for your business

How to choose the right baby changing table for your business

Choosing the right changing table type for your business depends on several factors. It’s important to consider your space and your customers’ needs:

• Who will be using the facilities - parents, carers or employees?
• How much space do you have?
• Do you need a permanent solution or something more flexible?
• What safety standards should the table meet?

The ideal model should be robust, easy to clean and designed for frequent public use. Stainless steel fittings, easy-to-clean surfaces and secure fixing systems are ideal for commercial spaces.

Additional features to make your baby changing facilities a safe and comfortable space

A changing table is a must for any baby changing facility, but there are other things that can help make your facility a comfortable and welcoming space for parents, including:

Non-slip flooring

This is essential for safety, especially for high-traffic bathrooms that may be subject to wet or muddy feet.

Waste disposal units

Your facility should include dedicated nappy bins that are regularly emptied and cleaned.

Sanitising products

If possible, you could provide surface wipes or sprays so users can clean the table before and after use.

Hooks or shelves

Include somewhere to place bags and coats while changing for enhanced comfort and to keep the area clean.

Proper signage

Including signage that points to your facilities and include any other information that parents may find relevant, such as opening times and cleaning schedules.

Maintaining proper hygiene practices for your baby changing facilities

Keeping your changing facilities clean is vital - not only for health and safety but also for maintaining customer trust. High footfall and regular use mean surfaces can become contaminated quickly, especially in nappy-changing areas.

‘How do I know baby changing tables are cleaned,’ is a common question for parents. To help ease their concerns, you should set up a regular and visible cleaning schedule. This could include:

• Staff checklists for hourly cleaning
• Signing logs that are visible to customers
• Using antibacterial sprays approved for childcare environments
• Providing a QR code for users to report cleanliness issues

Investing in tables with antimicrobial surfaces or coatings can also reduce the spread of bacteria between uses.

Kit out your changing facility with baby changing table essentials from phs

Choosing the right baby changing equipment can make all the difference to parents in need. From changing tables to disposal bins and even vending machines, the right products can ensure your baby changing facilities are welcoming and hygienic for all.

Give your littlest visitors a warm welcome with baby changing products from phs. Contact us today for more information about our range.