Baby changing on the go: how to find a changing table when you need one
· 3 min read
Every parent knows the feeling: you’re out, and there’s a nappy that can’t wait. We know of 1,981 toilets in the UK with baby changing, and you can find them with the Baby changing filter on any town page or on Toilets near me.
Where changing tables usually are
- Shopping centres and department stores: often a separate parents’ room, sometimes with a feeding area, a sink at a sensible height and space for a pushchair.
- Large supermarkets: usually near the customer toilets, and often inside the accessible toilet.
- Big railway stations and motorway services: these nearly always have baby changing, and they’re open long hours.
- Museums, libraries and leisure centres: usually clean and quiet, which helps with a fussy baby.
- Family-friendly cafés and restaurant chains: many have a changing table, but smaller independent cafés may not have room.
- Accessible toilets: many have a fold-down changing table. Remember that people who need the accessible toilet should come first.
Finding one on ToiletSearch.uk
Turn on the Baby changing filter to show only toilets where changing facilities are recorded. Tap a toilet to see its details, including opening hours (where known), whether it’s free, and whether it’s for customers only. If a place you know has a changing table but we don’t show it, the information probably just hasn’t been added yet. Many toilets on the map don’t say either way.
A note for dads
Changing tables are sometimes only in the women’s toilets, which is frustrating for dads and other carers. If you can’t find one, try an accessible or unisex toilet, or a separate parents’ room. Our toilet details show Unisex toilets, which helps. If a place you visit only has changing in the women’s toilets, it’s worth telling them: businesses do listen to feedback like this.
What to keep in the changing bag
- A fold-up changing mat, because not every table is clean
- More nappies than you think you’ll need, plus wipes and nappy bags
- A spare set of clothes for baby, and a spare top for you
- A muslin or small towel for spills
- Hand gel, in case there’s no sink nearby
- A small toy or something to hold, to keep a wriggly baby busy on the table
Changing safely when you’re out
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times. Public changing tables are often higher than you’d expect.
- Use the safety strap if there is one, but don’t rely on it alone.
- Check that a fold-down table clicks firmly into place before you put your baby on it.
- If there’s no table, a clean floor with your changing mat is safer than a narrow surface like a sink edge or a bench.
When they start potty training
Once your toddler is potty training, the challenge changes: when they need to go, they need to go now. Learn where the nearest toilets are before you head out, carry a travel potty or a fold-up seat that fits on adult toilets, and pack a spare change of clothes. Toilets marked Accessible or Unisex are often easier, because there’s room for you both and the pushchair.
Older children and adults
If you care for an older child or adult who needs changing, a standard baby changing table isn’t safe or big enough. Look for a Changing Places toilet, which has an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist and room for two carers. Our Changing Places guide explains how to find one, including the official Changing Places map, which lists far more than OpenStreetMap does.
Help other parents
Found a changing table that isn’t on our map? Use Fix details on the toilet to add it, or let us know. It only takes a minute, and it could save another parent a stressful search.