Anyone who has ever been out and about with a baby in public will know how stressful it can be to attend to the baby when he or she needs a nappy change and there is no suitable place to do it. Although many larger establishments and retailers already have baby changing facilities, and even a separate dedicated area altogether for feeding and changing a baby, not all of them provide the kind of facility or indeed the little extras that would make life a whole lot easier and less stressful for everyone, as no one likes to hear a baby cry.

First of all you need somewhere clean and hygienic to lie the baby down. The bare floor in a public toilet is not a good idea. One option is to purchase a fold away changing mat or if you are lucky there may be a baby changing facility nearby. Other items you might need include a supply of nappies, nappy sacks to hold the soiled nappies, baby wipes, creams and lotions and an appropriate way of disposing of the nappy sack and nappy. For example, dirty nappies should never be flushed down the toilet.

A good baby changing facility will provide a clean and clutter free space for you to change your baby and possibly even the opportunity to purchase nappies and other items from vending machines.

These days there is a much greater awareness of the need for good baby changing facilities in public places such as large retail stores, shopping precincts, restaurants, hotels, community centres, swimming pools etc. and therefore changing a baby in public is likely to be less of an ordeal than it was in recent times.

Points to look for in a good baby changing facility

- Although it isn't always possible, ideally there should be a separate unisex changing area. Many baby changing facilities are located in the ladies toilet despite the fact that many men look after children too. This is not convenient.

- The baby changing facility should not be situated in a disabled toilet as it often is. A disabled toilet should be kept unoccupied as far as possible in case it is needed at short notice. Changing a baby in a disabled toilet can keep it unavailable for a considerable amount of time.

- The baby changing table should be of a height that is comfortable so that you don't have to bend too much, it should be large enough to hold the baby safely and have raised sides or edges to make it safer, and it ought to be placed against a wall.

- Suitable hand washing facilities are essential.

- There should be an appropriate method of disposing of soiled nappies and used baby wipes such as a bin specifically designed for the purpose.

- A good baby changing facility will feel spacious and look and smell clean. The most obvious way to ensure that you are never stuck is to carry all the items you need around with you. There are on the market very lightweight bags and fold away mats with pockets for holding all the essentials. The most important point when having to change a baby outside the home is to make sure that wherever you do it is clean and safe.