Lack of Changing Stations

[Hugo Boss]

How do you find service establishments are at providing diaper changing stations in the men's washrooms? I find it infuriating that still so many places do not have these. This week I took my son to Burger King for lunch after a morning of errands. My son had a poopy diaper and I wanted to clean him up before ordering lunch. No changing station in the men's room! The bathroom was so vile, there was not a clean area to change him anywhere. I had to go back out to the car and change him there Definitely some places are better than others. McDonald's and IKEA seem to be the most "Dad and baby friendly". Anyone have a similar rant/experience?

[tt3]

Oh yeah, you bet man, lots of places don't.
There are two things that I do in situations like that. 1) find a manager and inform them that it would be benificial for business to have a changing station in the mens room, since most people don't want to see me change a poopy diaper on the table in the dining room. And yes, I have done it before. Makes a good point.
2) knock on the ladies room door to make sure no one is in there, and go in and use that changing table. Its a bit daunting if you've never done it before though. I was a custodian through college, and ya get over it quick. If my wife is there, she'll run interference for me, but if not, no biggie. Its actually kinda funny to see reactions from both stunts!
Yeah, just shrug your shoulders and say you'll be done in a minute. Nothing you can do, and its not like you're a perv staking out the ladies room with a screaming kicking kid on the table right?
cheers

[Remington]

I find the same issues. I have gone into a women's bathroom of a Wendy's right here. I could have driven my daughter home but I felt like just proving a point. The point never reached anybody because there were no women in the bathroom and nobody tried to come in. I might not be so lucky next time. OR should I say "they" might not be so lucky next time. :wink:

[SAHF]

Yes...

I have found that to be a MAJOR issue with most restraunts, including those nice sit down types. If it is my turn for the changing (when my little one was in diapers), I would check to see if it was there when I FIRST got into the resteraunt.

If it was not there, I would speak to the manager and inform him that when my daughter needed to be changed, he would have to clear the ladies bathroom and stand guard...or like TT3 said, change her at the table and he can hold the blanket.

1-8 times..there is a chaning table next time I go back. I was thinking about carrying some business cards that say that I am a SAHD and that I require the following....then list what they will need to provide (just like they do for ladies).

:wink:

[Canuck]

Definitely things have improved. I wish there were more dedicated closed spots to change diapers while in public. While transiting an aiport a few months ago, the changing station folded down right beside the row of urinals. The men's room was busy and it was weird having a line of guys using the urinals watching you change your kid's soiled bottom less than a foot away!

:? I really appreciate when they install these in the stall. If I encounter a place that doesn't have one, I make a point of telling one of the store clerks. I agree, Ikea and McD's seem to be leaders. I remember when IKEA used to provide free diapers in the men's rooms...

[tt3]

I've been known to pick a restaraunt because of their facilities as well... one of our favorites, Old Chicago, has all the best a SAHD who likes beer can ask for. A changing station in the can (though not in its own stall, which is nice) and a HUGE selection of tap beers!

[Remington]

A beer and a diaper change - One Stop! 8) (not too shabby)

[tt3]

gotta do what ya gotta do!
a 22oz'er of a fine beer at happy hour prices just makes it all the more enjoyable!
:lol:

[Anonymous]

I was impressed to see the men's washroom at our local Home Depot had one (Koala Bear version), despite looking like it needed a good cleaning!

[hockeydad]

I get skeeved out by changing stations. worked in too many restaurants and know how rarely those get cleaned. so far I just go outside or in a quiet corner and change her. but it's getting towards winter and outside won't be an option. might have to get over my neurosis.

[floridamcmarion1]

I will admit that I have used the lack of a changing station to my benefit before. I went into the bathroom, put my baby on the changing table that this facility did have in the men's room, and proceeded to find the most disgusting diaper I have ever seen. It nearly made me sick. I had known from the smell that it was soiled, but I couldn't have guessed just how bad it was. I quickly refastened the diaper and got her dressed again, then took her to my wife and informed her that she would have to change her because the men's room did not have a changing table and that there was no clean place to do it.

OK, so now I've admitted it. Nobody tell my wife. :roll:

[hockeydad]

florida...
that is the most maniacal, nasty, underhanded thing I've heard in a while. I loved it. :lol:

[homewithtwins]

I have found Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million usually have good facilities. Wal-mart tends to be too nasty, Target is usually pretty good.
I avoid fast food places completely.

When the twins were smaller, I just changed them on the tailgate of my Jeep. Now, I drive a minivan :( and use the third seat as a changing table.

[SAHF]

This is outstanding that we have new guest and members that are reading the old topics! See long time members, we are very helpful to one and all!!!