Every public restroom should be equipped with a changing table. We’ve all experienced it: you’re out shopping or dining when your baby, without warning, needs a diaper change. You rush to the restroom only to face the unfortunate reality—no changing table in sight. Faced with the dilemma of finding an appropriate place to change your little one or making a mad dash back to your car (which can be nearly impossible with multiple car seats), it’s a frustrating situation for parents. Thankfully, this issue is gaining attention.
Enter the innovative minds of parents Jenna Lee and Mark Wilson, who are working to develop an app that assists parents in locating nearby facilities with changing tables, family restrooms, and nursing areas. Their app will draw on data from their website, Changing Table Locator, which features an interactive map of over 7,000 locations with changing facilities. Plus, the app will indicate whether the men’s and women’s restrooms have changing tables—because, believe it or not, some businesses still think diaper duty is just a mom’s job.
The topic of changing tables has recently sparked conversations among parents. Just last month, a father successfully urged his local department store to install a changing table in the men’s restroom after he encountered the same problem. Prior to that, celebrity dad Jason Harper advocated for adding changing tables to big-box stores. The struggle of finding a suitable place to change diapers is a common challenge, adding unnecessary stress to family outings that can often be chaotic.
While parents may not specifically choose restaurants based on changing table availability, an app like this could motivate more businesses to step up and enhance their family-friendly amenities. Sure, some venues, like bars, might not see a high demand for changing tables. However, casual dining spots and grocery stores cater to families, so why wouldn’t they provide a space for baby care?
A quick look online shows that commercial changing tables typically range from $150 to $200—definitely within reach for most businesses. Yes, there may be some installation costs, but adding a changing table is a small investment compared to the potential loss of family customers. After all, babies are part of the public landscape, and businesses should accommodate them just as they would any other customer.
If your establishment aims to be family-friendly and includes a public restroom, there’s no excuse for not having a changing area. After all, babies can’t control their needs, and it’s crucial for parents to have a convenient solution while they’re out and about. For more information on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, as well as details on creating your own home insemination kit.
In summary, changing tables are not a luxury but a necessity in modern public restrooms. By advocating for these simple yet vital installations, we can create a more inclusive environment for families everywhere.