Baby changing stations - or lack thereof!!!

What is far worse than to changing station is when there IS one, but it is in the disabled access stall. That is SO wrong. People who need that stall don't have the option of going to another one and often times do not have the time to wait for a mother (or father) to finish changing their baby in order to be able to use the toilet. They shouldn't be expected to. It makes me angry and literally sick to my stomach. Another awful thing is when peole use that stall who don't acutally need it. It isn't for people who can walk and fit in a regular stall. It is meant of poeple in wheelchairs and walkers who CANNOT get into the smaller stalls.

Go ahead and vent. This is one place you can do so. I too have seen this happen and it is more then irritating. It makes it very difficult to change a child. What gets me though is the lack of them in mens restrooms. My father used to take my neice out and he'd complain all the time that when he would take her in there that very few had them. He loved the ones he did find but most just don't think of men having to do it as well. Now I agree at one time babies for the majority went out with the mothers but now a days they go out with just the father and the businesses need to realize that.

I know how you feel, it must be very annoying. don't let these things spoil your outings 'tho

My daughter never has cared for those changing stations, I believe she felt like she was suspended in thin air, and was always clutching at me and trying to climb back into my arms. Which makes it almost impossible to change her there. Still, that does not mean restaurants should not have them available, that does not make sense. Especially, as you said, a family-type restaurant.

yeah ive noticed that too...maybe we could suggest it to the store since they have a suggestion backs in there..

This would definitly be annoying. I would suggest everyone with children in diapers take a moment to write a request out to the restaurant. Note in the request that as a family oriented restaurant you would ask that they supply a baby changing table in the restroom. Make it a generic type letter. This way you can print it or copy it and keep it with you in the diaper bag. When you visit the restaurant again take a moment to address it to the store manager and give it to an employee before you leave. These little requests do help, especially if a store receives several similar requests from different people. Include your personal info, name and phone number at the bottom of the letter. You just might score a free coupon for your trouble. (McDonads and such places often reward customers with free value meals for bringing such things to the attention of management in a nice way.)

I know exactly what you mean. There is such a lack of diaper changing areas. I went to Chucky Cheeses a few weeks back and being a child oriented place it was there were zero changing areas. I had the stroller with me so I had to change her in that.

I had this same problem with a McDonald's in missouri. We were traveling with our oldest when he was 8 months or so, and stopped to eat. I went to go change him, and not only were there no changing tables, but the bathroom was disgusting, My car was very packed full of stuff, I didn't have anywhere to change him in there either, I ended up laying down a pad outdoors, and had the hubby put up a blanket to shield, and changed him out in the grass in front of the restaurant. It's ridiculous.

before i got to the end of the post i said to myself i would of changed your baby's diaper at the table to make a point. so it was funny when you had the same thought. i can't beleive this. i never came across that problem when my daughter was in diapers. i would have asked to speak to the manager and would of told him i won't be comming back if i don't have anywhere to change my baby's diaper.

I've been in a few restrooms without changing tables. It's so annoying, especially if there's a leaky diaper involved! The worst was when I was on an airplane. I know it's cramped, but it was not fun changing a kid standing on a toilet inside what is smaller than a closet!

I use to get so annoied I would go up to the manager to complain . I once had a manager tell me that they weren't putting them in the restrooms anymore because of how many accidents people were having. Apparently not everyone was strapping down the child, if the child fell the parents were trying to sue the company. After that discussion I started carrying my own mat to use.

I think you have a legitimate complaint. I went to a family oriented restaurant when my son was a toddler and they told me they had no high-chairs or booster seats. I complained to the manager and he really didn't have a good excuse for not having them there. I belonged to a local mother's group at the time and I told them and they wrote a letter of complaint to them and boycotted the restaurant until they got some appropriate seating for young children. If you ask me, it is definitely a form of discrimination like not providing handi-cap access to someone in a wheelchair.

Really A McDonalds didn't have a changing table? Where do you live? You should find out if that is a franchise or corporate store. Most likely it's a franchise. I've worked and been in management in the fast food industry, and have found that there is a slight difference in how the stores are ran depending if it is franchise or corporate. If it is corporate take some advice CALL THE 800 NUMBER that should be posted on the door, and voice your concerns. Trust me on this. And you should do the same if a franchise, but when you speak to them ask them about the OSHA standards for their store. Let me know what happens. Like you said, this is an establishment that for years has been a place for families, and you would think that a changing table would be there.

Wow, that's so strange. I very rarely go somewhere that doesnt have baby changing stations - and I usually have to use them! Especially McD's. I take road trips frequently and only stop at McD's because they seem to be the only ones I can rely on for a decent meal and clean restrooms. I would be very irritated if I went somewhere, especially a family restaurant, that didnt have family restrooms.

My daughter is 10 so I haven't noticed lately- But now that I'm thinking about it- I don't remember seeing the ones that they used to have at the malls bathroom either- I think this is crazy! Possibly they pulled them due to parents not paying attention or walking away and accidents? I'm not sure- Especially places like McD's-- they do cater to kids-- with the playlands and such- I can't believe they don't have changing stations- Even the ones that pull out of the wall?? Odd- I'd complain or put a note in the comment drop box.

I know exactly what you mean! I am so tired of it. I went to a Subway the other day and they didn't have one. I went to a BK and they didn't either, I have been to sooo many restaurants that don't have them, what the heck do they expect people to do? My daughter is one so I still have a yr. or so left of dealing with this. I have a 2 door car so it is very hard to change her in there. I have been outraged about this and have been wanting to try and get a law passed that EVERY restaurant has to have a changing table in their bathrooms. Any idea on how we could get a petition together and try and do that?