Westfield vs. Oxford Street: Baby Facilities Compared
Shopping in London with a baby? Here’s the quick answer: Westfield London is more convenient for families, offering centralized baby care rooms, stroller-friendly paths, and family lounges. Oxford Street, while offering more scattered options across department stores, requires extra planning. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Westfield London: Centralized baby care rooms, wide hallways, elevators, family lounges, play areas, and nearby parking ($20 daily max).
- Oxford Street: Baby facilities spread across stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, busy crosswalks, limited parking ($8/hour at Q-Park), and scattered dining options.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Westfield London | Oxford Street |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Care Rooms | Centralized, consistent facilities | Spread across stores, varies by location |
| Stroller Access | Wide hallways, elevators, easy to navigate | Crowded, pedestrian zones help |
| Parking | $20/day, 1,500 spaces available | Limited, $8/hour at Q-Park |
| Family Lounges | Centralized with play areas | Found in some department stores |
| Dining Options | Centralized family-friendly area | Scattered, varies by store |
If you’re looking for ease and consistency, Westfield is the better option. Oxford Street offers variety but requires more effort to navigate. Use tools like BubbaMaps to locate baby-friendly spots and plan ahead for a smoother trip.
😍BEST BABY CHANGING ROOM LONDON/WESTFIELD …
Getting There and Moving Around
Let’s break down how convenient it is to reach each destination and navigate them with a stroller.
Transport and Parking Options
Westfield London is well-connected by public transport. You can take the Central Line to Shepherd’s Bush or the Hammersmith & City Line to Wood Lane. Bus routes like 31, 49, and 148 also stop nearby. If you’re driving, the center offers a 1,500-space parking garage, charging $5 per hour with a $20 daily maximum. For electric cars, charging stations are located on levels P1 and P2.
Oxford Street is accessible via several Underground lines, including the Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines at Oxford Circus station. Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations serve either end of the street. While street parking is scarce, the nearby Q-Park at Cavendish Square charges $8 per hour. Multiple bus routes, such as 73, 98, and 390, also run along Oxford Street. If you’re traveling with a baby, apps like BubbaMaps can help you locate nearby baby-changing facilities along your route.
Now that transportation and parking are covered, let’s dive into stroller accessibility.
Moving with Strollers
Westfield London is designed with families in mind. It has three ground-level entrances and elevators in Zones A, C, and E. The wide hallways and automatic doors make it easy to get around with a stroller. Plus, there are rest areas with benches every 100 feet, offering plenty of spots to take a break.
Oxford Street is a bit trickier. The busy crosswalks can be challenging, but the pedestrian-only zones provide some relief. Major intersections have kerb cuts to help with stroller access, and department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis have dedicated elevators. If you’re visiting on weekends or during holidays, side streets might be a better option for smoother navigation.
With transportation and stroller access sorted, let’s take a closer look at the baby care facilities each location offers.
Baby Care Facilities
Westfield London offers several baby care rooms equipped with changing tables, nursing areas, and seating. These facilities are available during regular mall hours. On Oxford Street, many department stores and some public restrooms provide similar amenities, though the hours and features vary depending on the location.
At Westfield, baby care rooms are conveniently located in a centralized area. In contrast, Oxford Street’s facilities are spread out across individual stores. For the latest information on locations, operating hours, and reviews, parents can check BubbaMaps.
Next, we’ll take a look at additional family-friendly services, including lounges, play areas, and dining options at both destinations.
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Extra Family Services
Facility Standards
Westfield London offers a central family lounge equipped with seating for 20, sanitizing stations, and stroller parking, conveniently located next to a soft-play area. In contrast, Oxford Street’s family facilities are spread across department stores. For instance, Selfridges has a 12-seat family room, while John Lewis provides a smaller play area. Westfield stands out with its well-organized and consistently maintained family-friendly spaces.
Food and Fun
At Westfield, families can enjoy a dedicated dining area featuring six restaurants. These eateries provide high chairs, kids’ menus, and bottle-warming services, all located near the play area for easy access. On Oxford Street, family-friendly dining options are scattered within department store cafes, but navigating them with a stroller, especially during busy hours, can be tricky. Westfield’s centralized setup simplifies the experience, making it easier for parents to combine meals with playtime while shopping.
Parent Tips and Tools
Shopping with Babies
Make outings with your baby easier using tools like BubbaMaps (available on iOS and Android). This app features over 100 verified baby-changing facilities in London, complete with community reviews on cleanliness and accessibility. It also provides in-app directions to help you find the best spots. Planning your route ahead of time can ensure smoother trips, whether you’re visiting Westfield London or exploring Oxford Street.
Conclusion
Westfield London and Oxford Street offer distinct experiences for families with babies. Westfield provides centralized baby rooms, making it easy to find changing, nursing, and play areas in one location. On the other hand, Oxford Street spreads its facilities across various spots, giving you more options but requiring a bit of planning. To make your trip smoother, use BubbaMaps to locate trusted baby-changing facilities along the way. With these tips and BubbaMaps, shopping in London with a baby can be hassle-free.
