Changing station with bath SymbioCare

Product name
SymbioCare – Baby care furniture system. A research-driven system designed to combine ergonomics, safety and integrated workflows for neonatal and maternity care.

The challenge
Neonatal and maternity units require safe, ergonomic and space-efficient solutions to reduce caregiver strain and improve newborn comfort. Routine tasks such as changing, bathing and documentation often occur under time pressure and physical fatigue, which can affect safety and quality of care.

Our response
SymbioCare consolidates key newborn care functions into a single modular system. Each module is oriented to optimize clinical workflow, reduce physical strain on staff and support hygienic procedures.

Key design principles

• Ergonomic layout: raised bath height, contoured edges and an intuitive arrangement to reduce back and shoulder strain.
• Safety and hygiene: rounded transitions and non-porous surfaces to facilitate cleaning and infection control.
• Modularity and functionality: configurable elements covering bathing, changing, nursing and documentation workflows.

Designed with caregivers, for caregivers
Developed from field research and usability studies conducted in neonatal and maternity environments to support natural movement, minimize effort and enhance patient comfort. Ergonomics focuses on working height and support features that help maintain an upright posture and reduce musculoskeletal load.

Benefits

• Reduced risk of strain injuries through optimized working heights and supportive design.
• Improved workflow efficiency: integrated modules streamline daily routines from bathing to documentation.
• Hygienic, easy-to-clean materials: smooth, non-porous surfaces and rounded shapes aid infection prevention.
• Adaptable design: modular configuration fits diverse room layouts and facility requirements.

Care in Every Move
SymbioCare supports newborn care tasks with solutions informed by real hospital workflows and over a decade of Formed's experience in healthcare design.

Technical specifications

• System type: integrated modular baby care furniture system for neonatal and maternity wards.
• Ergonomics: raised bath height, contoured edges and support flanges to reduce caregiver strain.
• Materials & hygiene: non-porous, easy-to-clean surfaces and rounded forms for infection control.
• Functionality: modules supporting bathing, changing, nursing and documentation workflows.
• Design approach: research-driven development in collaboration with healthcare professionals and validated by usability studies.
• Adaptability: modular configurations to suit various room layouts and facility needs.
• Intended users: neonatal and maternity care environments.