Where’s the Men’s Room Changing Table?!
I’ve only been a dad for two months. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of eating out in general, but lately there’s been something that’s turned me off even more to many fine dining establishments: No Changing Table in the Men’s Room. What is this the 1950’s?
Being the proactive person that I tend to be I figured I should make sure the manager of the store knows my opinion on this lack, and how it would affect my future visits. What I’ve discovered in the last two months is that only once have I had the pleasure of using one of those stylish changing tables when taking my baby out in public.
I decided to draft up a brief little letter that I could sign and hand to manager’s when ever I discovered a men’s room without a changing table. It goes like this:
Dear Manager of this Fine Establishment,
First of all, thank you for providing a place of business my wife and I enjoy frequenting. I wanted to point out one way that you could make your business a far more family friendly establishment. I noticed that there was no changing table in the men’s room. As a proud and involved father, I take great pride in the fact that I play an active role in my child’s life. It’s frustrating when that opportunity is hindered. Outdated stereotypes and gender roles would assume you only need a baby changing table in the women’s restroom, but that is not, nor should it be, the case anymore. Please do me and other father’s a favor and install a changing table in the men’s room of your business.
Thank You,
Ariah Fine
I’ve made a couple copies of this and put it in our diaper bag so that I have them at the ready whenever the need arises. I’ve also made a pdf file of the letter (minus my name) so that you can print off your own copies (4 per sheet) and put them in your diaper bag. Let’s been together dad’s and let businesses know we won’t allow them to force gender roles upon us!
(It’s also available at Google docs)
September 9th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Good for you! My husband was frustrated with the same thing when our kids were in diapers. What are men supposed to do when they’re out alone with their babies? I’m glad you’re doing something about it!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Congrats on your new baby and I think it’s great that you are taking such an active role with your baby.
I agree with you about the tables! But we’re pretty lucky out here…I didn’t have the trouble finding the changing tables that you have had.
I live in the DC area, and just about anywhere that has a table for the women also has one in the men’s room. Well…at least Borders, Target, those kinds of places. I didn’t get to many restaurants the first year.
I like how positive your letter is.
Doug
September 12th, 2007 at 12:40 am
Very well said. I hope the managers take it seriously….and you start to see change.
September 13th, 2007 at 12:35 am
Thanks for all the feedback folks! I am hoping it will change things. I’ve got a few other ideas, we’ll see what becomes of them.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Thanks. I think this will benefit me pretty soon. We’re having a baby in December. Good Post.
September 16th, 2007 at 6:16 pm
My husband was a full-time Dad for a few years with each of our kids, and this problem drove him nuts in 1992 (when our daughter arrived) and in 1999 (when our son arrived.)
Discouraging to see that places still don’t get it!