What can be done to encourage more baby changing areas in mens' restrooms?

Question

A friend of mine is a divorced father of a baby. He has joint custody. He complains that most men's rooms are not equipped with baby changing stations. I thought there were state or federal laws requiring this--but since I do not frequent these establishments I don't know.

He asked me to blog on the subject. So I am trying to gather some informmation and ideas.

I am curious how many men's rooms do have diaper changing areas.

Also--what should be done to encourage more? I am a libertarian and hate the idea of government regualtion in general. So I really don't like the idea of a government fiat in this area. But if it is a problem--maybe that is the only answer--no matter that it is another nauseating sounding politically correct idea.

Please share your experiences, knowledge, facts and ideas with me.

Answer 1

I work part-time, and my husband cares for our girl the days I'm at work, so this is real relevant to us.

I try to make a point of going up and either complimenting the management (if there is a changing station in the men's) or complaining (if there isn't). If enough voices are heard, things will change. Businesses like happy customers.

As far as I know, there are no laws requiring any changing stations anywhere.

Answer 2

Wow, a libertarian that folds on her beliefs when they don't work in her favor. Sad to see. Stand up for your convictions, and tell the father to discuss this directly with the offending business.

I've raised two children, and shared in all of the duties for both, including diaper duty. I've never had a problem finding a location, whether a diaper station or otherwise. Sometimes you need to ask the proprieter. Most businesses that have an expectation to deal with that portion of the public that has babies will make accomodations. You need to ask. And if they don't, take your business elsewhere (or don't take the baby). In the meantime, there might be a half-dozen times in your life where you need to make do. This is at worst an inconvenience, not a violation of human rights.

Don't violate your political ethics by encouraging a government response to a problem that is not life threatening, not inherently unfair, and that arises maybe a handful of times in your lifetime.

Answer 3

I'm the proud dad of a 20-month-old girl. Here in our medium-sized Southern city, I have so far changed my dear one on changing tables in men's rooms at Barnes & Noble, at Golden Corral (a local buffet restaurant chain), at the local airport, and at three nearby shopping malls. I have changed her on the men's restroom floor at a small hip bistro in a old section of town (unisex, no less) and at a gymnasium that caters to older kids. Fearing the worst, I never leave home without a diaper bag that contains a portable changing pad that helps when we run into less-well-equipped restrooms, and I suspect that most men and women eventually resort to such a device. But I have been pleasantly surprised at how many places voluntarily put changing tables in both restrooms, or have special "family" bathrooms for that purpose. (Maybe I haven't been trying hard enough to find places that don't).

I think it would take more people, specifically more men, complimenting and complaining to management as appropriate. But let's be honest: there are some places that just won't ever add a changing table in the men's room without government intervention, and they usually seem to be places that are trying actively or passively to discourage men (sometimes, *only* men) from bringing along their infants and toddlers. Conversely, the more "family friendly" a place claims to be or needs to be to fit its service model, the more likely that a changing table will be in both of its restrooms. And some places are just so old that retrofitting is not an easy option -- when a changing table blocks the towel dispenser or air dryer, something just has to give.

Do we need legislation on this (like Florida recently considered -- see the source below)? It's a tough call in my mind, even as much as I would like to see a law on something like this (I don't share the questioner's libertarian leanings and generally prefer blue to red). Unlike public-breastfeeding-enabling statutes, which I support wholeheartedly, there are at least some direct out-of-pocket costs to business owners and local government entities that would be forced to comply with an "equal changing-table access" mandate, especially if retrofitting is involved. Perhaps there could be a line drawn between new construction and existing buildings, rather like how newer stadiums are often required to have more women's restrooms than men's; it can be assumed that plans for an unbuilt structure can be changed more easily than a current old building can be brought "up to code" if the code is changed so as to require changing surfaces in the men's john. In the meantime, it's not that often that our little girl needs a change in public these days, but when she does need one, she REALLY needs one, and I'll always be thankful for the kind and foresighted souls that put changing tables where I can use them.

Answer 4

I've noticed this too - well, I've asked my husband to notice it for me. Have your friend make a list of establisments that has them and only frequent those (get a bunch of people to do the same). Then go to the ones that should have them with a petition. If they don't listen then push the discrimination issue. Get some moms involved too since it is also in their interest to not always have to be the ones to have changing duty in a public restroom.

Answer 5

many more recent restrooms I see have toddler replacing tables contained in the adult men's restrooms. i come across it is also extra effortless to easily construct a relations restroom which both fathers or moms can use to regulate their toddlers diapers. ~

Answer 6

At many newer stores and shopping places, they have so called "family" restrooms. So either parent or both parents can go in with their babies or children together.

Answer 7

Men millest babies-fact. Dont encourage men to be around babies especially not in a public restroom that is dangerous and disgusting.

Answer 8

poop on the floor