In short
- A nursing room must be lockable, hygienic, and private, with washing facilities nearby.
- In addition to the legal minimum requirements, extra amenities make a difference in comfort.
- Use the checklist to verify whether your nursing room meets all requirements.
As an employer, you are required to provide a nursing room. But what exactly are the requirements that space must meet? Which amenities are legally required, and what are the recommendations for a comfortable and practical setup? In this article, we outline all the standards and requirements for a nursing room in 2025 — both the legal minimum requirements and the best practices that working mothers truly benefit from
Not sure if you, as an employer, are actually required to provide a nursing room? Then first read: Is a nursing room mandatory? Everything employers need to know
The legal minimum requirements for a nursing room
Based on the Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit (art. 4.108c) in the Netherlands and the Welzijnswet in Belgium, a nursing room must meet the following requirements:
1. Privacy and enclosure
The space must be fully private and able to be locked from the inside. A space that also serves as a meeting room or passageway does not meet this requirement in practice.
2. Hygiene
The space must be clean and hygienic. A toilet or bathroom is explicitly excluded as a lactation room — this is legally established and considered an inadequate condition.
3. Seating
A comfortable chair must be present. Ideally, a chair with armrests that provides back support.
4. Work surface or table
A table or desk is mandatory so that the breast pump equipment can be placed safely and stably.
5. Power outlet
An electrical outlet is required to connect the breast pump.
6. Fridge for expressed breast milk
The employer must provide the possibility to store breast milk in a cooled manner. This can be a small refrigerator in the nursing room itself, or a clearly designated, hygienic compartment in a shared refrigerator.
Recommended essentials for a complete nursing room
In addition to the legal minimum requirements, there are essentials and amenities that make a nursing room more pleasant and practical.
Essentials:
- Mirror (for checking)
- Sink or handwashing facility nearby
- Tissues or kitchen paper
- Wipes or disinfectant gel
- Lockable fridge (preferably exclusively for breast milk)
- Labeling system or markings for storing milk
Comfort-enhancing elements:
- Good lighting (dimmable is ideal)
- Calming atmosphere (neutral colors, no distractions)
- Wall coat hook or hook for bag and jacket
- Wi-Fi connection (nursing sessions last 15-30 minutes)
- Magazines or a small bookshelf
What dimensions should a good nursing room have?
There is no legally defined minimum area, but in practice, the following applies:
- Minimum 4 m² for a functional basic setup
- 6-8 m² for comfortable use with all amenities
- For multiple simultaneous users: multiple putting spots or a larger space
The dimensions of Offyce lactation pods vary by model. The compact Cosy S-pod starts at around 1.2 m² and is also suitable for small offices. The Havn and Earth models offer more space and comfort for extended use.
Unsure whether to renovate or opt for a ready-made unit? It mainly depends on your budget. The price ranges per solution are listed in what does a nursing room cost
Nursing room requirements: what is NOT allowed?
Many employers unknowingly make mistakes. These are the most common design errors that do not meet the requirements:
| Situation | Does it meet the requirements? |
|---|---|
| Indicate a toilet as a pumping spot | ❌ No — legally prohibited |
| Space without a lock | ❌ No — privacy required |
| Putting Space without Power Outlet | ❌ No — legally required |
| Refrigerator is completely missing | ❌ No — cooling is mandatory |
| Meeting room without exclusive availability | ❌ No — not private enough |
| Mobile nursing cabin with its own lock and refrigerator | ✅ Yes — fully compliant |
| Dedicated putting room with all necessities | ✅ Yes — fully compliant |
How long must the lactation room be available?
The employee has the right to a nursing room and paid nursing time during the first nine months after childbirth. In practice, many employers also offer the space afterward — this is not a requirement but significantly contributes to employee happiness and employer branding
In Belgium, this is regulated through a different system: there, Collective Agreement No. 80 governs breastfeeding rights up to nine months after birth, requiring a monthly renewed certificate. See breastfeeding breaks in Belgium.
Designing a nursing room: tips from Offyce
A nursing room doesn’t have to look dull or functionally grey. At Offyce, we believe a well-equipped nursing room makes a statement about how you, as an employer, care for employee well-being. Our nursing cabins are designed with attention to:
- Privacy — fully enclosed, soundproofing material
- Comfort — ergonomic seating solutions, quiet finish
- Functionality — built-in fridge, power outlet, tabletop, lighting
- Aesthetics — seamlessly fits into a modern office interior
The cabins are available in multiple models and sizes, both for internal use (fixed installation) and as external, mobile nursing cabins that can be placed without renovation
📄 Download the Offyce nursing room brochure
Explore all models, dimensions, and options for nursing rooms — including prices and configuration possibilities.
View the nursing room brochure →
Do you want to tackle this step by step? In setting up a nursing room, we go through the layout, dimensions, and placement of the chair, sink, and cooler point by point — including the four mistakes you’ll otherwise notice in the first week.
Checklist: Does your putting space meet all requirements?
Use this checklist to quickly verify whether your current situation meets the requirements:
- The space is private and lockable from the inside
- There is no toilet in the same room
- A comfortable chair is provided
- There is a table or work surface available
- There is an electrical outlet
- There is a fridge (or cooler) for expressed breast milk
- The space is clean and hygienic
- The space is free from through traffic
- The employee can reserve the space or keep it always available
Are multiple spots open? Then it’s time for an upgrade. Offyce helps you quickly and professionally find a solution that fully meets all requirements.
Does the space meet the requirements? Then the final step is to formalize the agreements around it. With the template from creating a nursing policy, you’ll have it done on one A4 page.
Frequently asked questions about the requirements for a nursing room
Does a nursing room need to be a separate space?
Yes, in practice it does. The space must be fully enclosed and private. A screened-off corner in an open area does not meet this requirement
Can I place a mobile pumping pod instead of a fixed space?
Yes, provided the pod meets all legal requirements (privacy, hygiene, electrical outlet, fridge). Offyce mobile pumping pods are fully equipped for this.
How quickly must I, as an employer, set up a nursing room after an employee reports she wants to nurse?
As soon as possible — preferably before returning from maternity leave. The obligation applies as soon as the employee indicates she wishes to nurse.
Can an employee nurse elsewhere if the nursing room is unavailable?
No. As an employer, you are responsible for providing an available, suitable space. You cannot redirect employees to unsuitable locations.
Want to read more? Check out:
- Is a lactation room mandatory? Everything employers need to know
- Rent or buy a lactation room? Benefits of a mobile breastfeeding cabin
- The complete guide to office nursing rooms (2025)
Pumping and prayer rooms, acoustics, and full furnishing. We respond within 1 business day.
Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans
