We invite you to be a part of something truly special!
We're on a mission to celebrate and showcase community spaces that go above and beyond in providing outstanding facilities for breastfeeding mothers and caregivers.
Join the FREE Baby Care Room recognition with the Australian Breastfeeding Association
Baby Care Room Recognition recognises community venues that provide suitable facilities for feeding and caring for babies and young children.
These spaces provide a safe and clean area for mothers, families and carers to attend to the needs of infants and young children. This includes nappy changes, and feeding, including breastfeeding, expressing breastmilk and other food preparation.
What is the Baby Care Room (BCR) recognition?
ABA recognises community spaces that provide suitable breastfeeding and changing facilities for mum, parents and caregivers across Australia.
Who can apply for recognition?
Recognition is available for a wide community venues, including:
- Shopping centres
- Libraries
- Aquatic and recreation centres
- Community centres
- Tourist attractions
- Airports and transport hubs
- Other public venues
Please note: Health facilities, including hospitals, maternity services, community health centres and medical clinics, are not eligible for Baby Care Room Recognition
Why become recognised?
Achieving recognition shows that your organisation values and supports families in your community.
Benefits include:
- Recognition from the Australian Breastfeeding Association
- Public listing on the ABA interactive map
- Increased confidence for families visiting your venue
- Demonstrated commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces
The requirements for your venue to be recognised as a Baby Care Room
Rooms are easily accessible for public use. Many parents caring for children will have prams, it is important to consider the size of the doorway and ease of door opening .
Provide comfortable armchairs next to a side table with easy access to a power point so mothers can place their expressing equipment and any other necessary items easily.
Change facilities must be accessible to all carers and separate from general toilets. Change tables should comply with Australian standards and have all safety features in working order.
The sink should be suitable for both washing feeding/expressing equipment and washing hands with both hot and cold running water.
The environment of a Baby Care Room should create a space that is welcoming and inviting for both adults and children. The room can provide caregivers with a moment of solace from the outside environment.
Baby care rooms are used by families with multiple children. Providing interactive activities in both the parenting room and private spaces to amuse a toddler is helpful. This may include; a wall mounted activity, interactive screen, or television playing appropriate shows to entertain toddlers.
Flyer outlining the criteria for Baby Care Room recognition
Download the A4 flyer to access additional details outlining the criteria required for recognition as a Baby Care Room.
Resources included with recognition
Certificate of recognition
Receive a Certificate of Recognition from ABA to proudly display in your Baby Care Room
Sticker for display
A ‘Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere’ sticker to showcase at the room entrance.
Digital posters
Access ready-to-use digital posters to print and display, helping show that your venue is welcoming and supportive of families.
Icon on ABA Map
Feature on our interactive online map: incorporating your venue name and address, further enhancing visibility and recognition within the community.
How to apply
Applying for recognition is simple:
- Submit an Expression of Interest Form
- Receive an email from ABA within 5-7 business days with information about the baby care room self-assessment process
- Complete the self-assessment survey and provide details about your baby care room
- ABA reviews your submission against the recognition criteria
- If successful, you will recieve an email confirming recognition with digital resources and certificate will be mailed out.
What is assessed?
To achieve recognition, baby care rooms are assessed against criteria designed to ensure they are practical, safe and comfortable for families.
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- A comfortable breastfeeding area
- Baby change facilities
- Access to handwashing facilities
- Safe and accessible room
- Clear signage
Submit an Expression of Interest
Complete the form to express your interest in becoming a recognised baby care room.
Currently recognised Baby Care Rooms with ABA:
The Dreamworld Parents Centre is located in the Dreamland precinct (Dreamworld in Queensland)
Currently recognised Baby Care Rooms with ABA:
Entrance to the Parenting Room at Woollahra Library in Double Bay, NSW.
Currently recognised Baby Care Rooms with ABA:
Woolworths Group Kellyville NSW, room available within the centres amenities corridor, has comfortable seating.
Currently recognised Baby Care Rooms with ABA:
Woolworths Group Leppington NSW, room available on the ground floor.
Currently recognised Baby Care Rooms with ABA:
Ed Square Town Centre Parenting Room, located on the ground floor
Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace
Breastfeeding Friendly Early Childhood Education & Care Service
Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere
Breastfeeding and the law
