What are the baby changing table dimensions for a commercial washroom?

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Typically, baby changing facilities are found in buildings where babies are normally expected to be present, for example, shopping centres, airports, and train stations. Some British Standards provide recommendations regarding baby changing tables in public and commercial buildings relating to dimensions, activity space, mounting height, and size of the changing unit itself.

Knowing the various baby changing table dimensions is crucial, including the many other factors to consider before installing this unit anywhere in the washroom – for example, is a baby changing table even necessary to have in your commercial development?

As Dolphin supplies commercial baby changing units, we often get asked, “What is the correct height for a baby changing table?”. We know there are more elements to consider than merely the mounting height, and we would like to make you aware of such.

This article focuses on whether a baby changing table is necessary for your washroom, the different types of commercial baby changing tables, baby changing table dimensions as per:

• BS 6465-2:2017, Sanitary Installations, Part 2:Space recommendations – Code of practice,
• BS 8300-2:2018, Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment, Part 2: Buildings – Code of practice, and
• EN 12221-1:2008+A1:2013, Child use and care articles – Changing units for domestic use – Part 1: Safety requirements

Is a baby changing table necessary for a commercial washroom?

In the UK, there is no law enforcing the provision of baby changing facilities in public or commercial buildings. But, if developments accommodate such amenities, there are British Standards and recommended baby changing table dimensions to observe.

Although it may not be a legal requirement, including baby changing facilities makes for a good user experience and leaves customers happy because their childcare needs have been met and the well-being of both the carer and infant is protected.

Commercial baby changing tables come in three different styles:

Dimensions of infant changing tables

If, for example, you have not purchased a changing table yet but still need to plan the design layout, these measurements are in place as a guide for such circumstances.

Baby changing activity space

The activity space around the unit allows carers to perform the activity normally associated with baby changing tables.

The activity space for baby changing units should measure 700mm depth in front of the unit facing the baby by 1000mm wide.

BS 6465-2 includes illustrative examples of the activity space relating to baby changing table dimensions for short and long projection, fold-down and countertop baby changing units:

What more should you know about nappy changing units in washroom layouts?

The recommended baby changing table dimensions are not limited to the size, activity space, and mounting height, as there are other measurements to consider, such as the circulation space, column of clearance, and overlapping with other appliances’ activity space in the washroom.

While there are approximate recommended dimensions to observe in height, length, and width, the next question you need to answer is what type of washroom layout is in your plan. Baby changing tables are found in self-contained family toilets (superloo layout), enlarged cubicles with or without WC, and enlarged wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets (Doc M washrooms).

Each of these layouts will include different fittings with different standards and regulations regarding the placement and dimensions. Baby changing table dimensions will need careful planning around the various fittings to ensure they do not compromise accessibility or infringe on circulation spaces, the column of clearance, and other appliance activity spaces.

Explore the Dolphin baby change units and accessories for public and commercial washrooms to see what is trending in the market today.