Do Commercial Buildings Need Baby Changing Stations?

Commercial spaces across the UK face growing pressure to improve inclusivity, accessibility, and hygiene standards. One area often overlooked is baby changing facilities. But are baby changing stations required by law? What do the regulations say, and how can businesses ensure compliance? In this guide, we’ll explore baby changing facilities regulations, baby changing table requirements, and whether your building should provide them.

‍

At Woosh Washrooms, we specialise in creating safe, accessible, and sustainable washroom solutions for businesses across the UK. If you’re unsure whether your commercial property requires a baby changing station, this blog will provide clarity and practical insights.

‍

Are Baby Changing Stations Required by Law in the UK?
Baby Changing Facilities Regulations Explained
Baby Changing Table Requirements for Commercial Buildings
Why Baby Changing Stations Are Essential in Public & Commercial Spaces
Benefits of Providing Baby Changing Facilities for Businesses
Industry Best Practices for Installing Baby Changing Stations
Common Mistakes to Avoid

‍

Are Baby Changing Stations Required by Law in the UK?

The question of whether baby changing stations are required by law is one many facilities managers ask. In the UK, there isn’t a single law mandating baby changing facilities in all commercial buildings. However, several regulations and guidelines apply depending on the type of premises and its intended use.

Equality Act 2010 - requires businesses to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination. Parents and carers with babies could be disadvantaged if facilities are not provided.

Building Regulations Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings) - requires reasonable provision for people with young children in buildings where the public has access.

British Standards (BS 6465-2:2017) - recommends that baby changing facilities be included in public toilets and commercial settings.

‍

So, while baby changing stations may not always be strictly required by law, many UK regulations strongly encourage their inclusion.

‍

Baby Changing Facilities Regulations Explained

Understanding baby changing facilities regulations can feel overwhelming, but here’s a breakdown of the key points:

‍

Public buildings - such as shopping centres, leisure venues, airports, and transport hubs are strongly expected to provide baby changing stations.

Hospitality venues - like restaurants, hotels, and cafés should also consider baby changing facilities, especially if families form a key part of their customer base.

Workplaces - that welcome visitors or clients may need baby changing stations in line with accessibility guidance.

‍

Failing to provide adequate facilities could result in complaints, negative reviews, and reputational damage for your business.

‍

For more detail, explore our washroom design services to ensure your facilities meet best practice.

‍

Baby Changing Table Requirements for Commercial Buildings

When installing baby changing tables in a commercial space, there are specific requirements to keep in mind:

Location

Facilities should be clearly signposted.
They should be accessible to all parents, not just women. Providing unisex baby changing areas ensures inclusivity.

Safety

Changing tables must comply with safety standards (e.g., BS EN 12221).

Surfaces should be easy to clean, durable, and hygienic.

Space & Accessibility

Adequate space for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Doors and layouts must comply with Part M Building Regulations.

Hygiene

Regular cleaning and maintenance schedules.
Provision of bins for nappies and sanitary waste.

‍

By following these requirements, businesses not only improve compliance but also enhance customer satisfaction.

‍

Why Baby Changing Stations Are Essential in Public & Commercial Spaces

While regulations outline minimum standards, the real driver for baby changing facilities is customer experience. Parents and carers expect modern commercial environments to cater to families.

‍

Key reasons include:

Convenience for parents and carers
Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty
Compliance with accessibility and equality expectations
Positive brand image and reputation

‍

For businesses like shopping centres or restaurants, a lack of baby changing stations could deter families from visiting altogether.

‍

Benefits of Providing Baby Changing Facilities for Businesses

Businesses investing in baby changing stations can see both direct and indirect benefits:

‍

Increased footfall from family groups
Longer customer dwell times
Enhanced inclusivity
Reduced complaints and negative reviews
Alignment with corporate social responsibility goals

‍

For example, a café providing safe, hygienic baby changing facilities is more likely to attract repeat visits from parents compared to one that doesn’t.

‍

Industry Best Practices for Installing Baby Changing Stations

To meet customer expectations and comply with best practice, businesses should:

‍

Provide unisex facilities - ensuring all parents can access them.

Use wall-mounted foldable units - to maximise space.

Ensure robust hygiene measures - including antibacterial surfaces.

Install clear signage - so visitors can find facilities easily.

Conduct regular safety checks - to maintain compliance.

‍

Partnering with washroom specialists like Woosh Washrooms ensures your facilities are safe and compliant.

‍

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When businesses rush to install baby changing stations, mistakes can occur:

Providing facilities only in women’s toilets - excluding fathers.
Failing to maintain cleanliness.
Choosing low-quality or non-compliant equipment.
Ignoring accessibility for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

‍

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures facilities are functional, inclusive, and long-lasting.

‍

Key Takeaways for Baby Changing Facilities Regulations

Baby changing stations are not legally required in every commercial building, but regulations strongly recommend them.
Equality, accessibility, and inclusivity are central to UK guidance.
Facilities must be safe, hygienic, and accessible to all parents
Businesses benefit from increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Best practice involves unisex provision, clear signage, and robust cleaning.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby changing stations required by law in the UK?

Baby changing stations are not universally required by law in the UK, but building regulations and accessibility guidance strongly recommend them in public and commercial spaces.

What are the baby changing table requirements?

Baby changing tables must comply with safety standards, be hygienic, easy to clean, and installed in accessible locations with enough space for parents and pushchairs.

Do workplaces need baby changing facilities?

Workplaces open to the public should provide baby changing facilities where reasonably practicable, especially if clients, customers, or visitors may require them.

‍

Improve Washroom Accessibility

Baby changing facilities are more than a legal consideration, they are essential for inclusivity, accessibility, and customer satisfaction. While regulations do not always make them mandatory, forward-thinking businesses see them as a necessity rather than an option.

At Woosh Washrooms, we help businesses across the UK design, install, and maintain compliant washrooms tailored to customer needs. Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or building new, our expertise ensures your space is family-friendly and future-ready.

‍

Your Guide to Eliminating Viruses with Air Purifiers

Clean Facilities: How to Avoid HSE Fines

Identifying the Top Germ Hot Spots

‍