The 3 Non-Negotiable Amenities Every Parent Should Check

You've finally found time for a coffee date, baby's freshly changed, and you arrive at the café only to discover there's nowhere to change the inevitable nappy explosion that happens 10 minutes later. We've all been there.

Here's the thing: not all "family-friendly" venues are actually family-friendly. That cheerful sign in the window doesn't guarantee what you actually need for a stress-free visit. After countless outings (and a few disasters), most parents agree there are three amenities you absolutely cannot compromise on.

First: Proper changing facilities. And no, the toilet lid doesn't count. Look for venues with an actual changing table—bonus points if it's in a separate family bathroom. You want clean, spacious, and ideally not next to the hand dryer that'll terrify your baby. The best spots have changing stations at waist height with room for your bag, fresh nappy supplies visible, and a lock that actually works. If a venue cares enough to install proper facilities, they probably care about families in general.

Second: Decent high chairs. Wobbly relics from 1987 just won't cut it. Before you sit down, check that the high chair is stable, has a working harness, and doesn't have yesterday's Weetabix cemented to the tray. Clean high chairs signal that staff regularly think about family needs. If there are no high chairs visible, or you have to ask three times before someone finds one in the storage cupboard, that's your cue that this place isn't truly set up for little ones.

Third: Buggy space that isn't a fire hazard. You need somewhere to park your pram that doesn't block exits, trip up waiters, or make you feel like you're in everyone's way. The gold standard? A designated buggy parking area near the entrance or family seating zones with extra space built in. If you're having to fold your buggy and juggle a baby, a nappy bag, and your coat while ordering coffee, the venue hasn't thought this through.

Next time you're trying somewhere new, do a quick 30-second check: changing facilities visible, high chairs clean and ready, buggy space available. If you're missing two out of three, it's worth trying elsewhere.

TotSpot shows you all these details before you leave home, so you can skip the guesswork and head straight to places that actually work for your family.