Baby changing stations may seem like a straightforward restroom addition, but specifying the right one requires careful consideration. ADA requirements, installation conditions, material performance and more all play a role in how well a station functions once it’s installed.
Whether you’re designing a new build or a retrofit, these five key details can help ensure the baby changing table you specify fits your plans and performs well.
1. ADA Compliance and Required Clearances
ADA compliance is a critical part of specifying any public restroom fixture, and baby changing stations are no exception. Key considerations include mounting height, clear floor space, reach ranges, and unobstructed approach paths.
Manufacturers should clearly document how their products meet ADA requirements, ideally with diagrams that show compliant installation scenarios. Verifying these details during specification helps ensure the space is usable for all caregivers while reducing risk and liability for the facility owner.
Read more: ADA Requirements for Baby Changing Stations
2. Downloadable CAD / BIM / DWG Files
Readily available CAD, BIM, and DWG files can make a meaningful difference in both speed and accuracy. Easily accessible digital assets allow designers to quickly confirm clearances, coordinate with surrounding fixtures, and ensure the product fits seamlessly into the overall restroom layout.
Look for manufacturers that offer up-to-date specification files directly on their website in multiple formats, with clear naming conventions and compatibility across common design platforms. When these resources are easy to find and use, they keep projects moving forward.
Find clear, ready to download specifications files here: Spec Sova
3. Clear Installation Requirements
Reviewing installation requirements early ensures the specified baby changing station will work within the planned wall conditions. Because mounting methods vary, a clear installation guide should outline required backing, mounting heights, and wall-type considerations.
Baby changing stations that accommodate standard restroom construction and allow for straightforward retrofitting are often the most practical choice, simplifying coordination across project teams while supporting long-term safety and performance. Sova designs its stations to install easily within existing conditions, reducing friction during both new builds and renovations.
4. Flexible Orientation: Horizontal & Vertical Baby Changing Stations
Not every restroom can accommodate the same footprint. Horizontal baby changing stations require more clearance, while vertical baby changing table options allow for greater flexibility in compact or retrofit spaces.
When specifying across multiple projects, selecting a brand that offers multiple orientations makes it easier to adapt to different layouts without changing specs or sacrificing ADA compliance.
5. Materials
Material quality is especially important in high-use, high-traffic restroom environments—particularly for baby changing stations, where surfaces come into direct contact with infants and require frequent cleaning.
Investing in commercial baby changing tables pays off in durability and hygiene. These tables are constructed with strong, commercial-grade materials, like stylish stainless steel and antimicrobial polyethylene, offering changing surfaces that are easy to clean and built to last.
Read more: Why Materials Matter in Baby Changing Stations
Thoughtful specification helps ensure diaper changing stations integrate smoothly into restroom designs rather than creating last-minute adjustments. Prioritizing compliance, clear documentation, adaptable layouts, and commercial-grade materials allow architects to specify with confidence—across individual projects or entire portfolios.
Take the next step in thoughtful restroom design. Explore Sova’s baby changing stations and access the specifications, installation resources, and design flexibility you need to plan with confidence.