Do you offer baby changing facilities in your male toilets? As men are often primary caregivers, adding baby changing facilities in your male washrooms will address a practical need. Enabling fathers and male caregivers to care for their children in appropriate, hygienic spaces, not on toilet seats or countertops.
Reflect modern family dynamics
There is currently no UK legal requirement for baby changing facilities in male washrooms, however groups like the British Toilet Association recommend their provision for inclusivity. Installing changing tables in male facilities is a move toward greater equality for parents and a better customer experience, reflecting modern family dynamics.
The Bum Deal campaign, launched by the UK feminist organisation Love & Power and backed by Oxfam, the British Toilet Association (BTA) and parents, was launched to inspire a grassroots movement that will make baby changing facilities available to all parents and caregivers.
The campaign is also pushing for legislative change that would make it a requirement for all restaurants and public toilets to have baby changing facilities available to men and women.
Why Provide Baby Changing Facilities in Male Washrooms?
Still need convincing this is a good idea. Here are some more thoughts from TWC Facilities:
- Fathers as primary caregivers:
Many modern families have fathers who are the main caregivers, requiring facilities that support them.
- Eliminating a “sexist annoyance”:
Restricting changing tables to women’s toilets creates a “sexist annoyance” for men who are left with limited or no proper place to change their baby.
- Level playing field:
Equal access to facilities creates a more equitable environment for both parents to care for their children.
- Improved customer experience:
Businesses that provide these facilities will attract and retain more families, as they offer a better experience for parents and children. - Reduced stress for parents:
It removes the stress and inconvenience for fathers who previously had to rely on female facilities or inappropriate spaces like family rooms or disabled toilets. - Avoidance of obstruction:
Prevents fathers from having to use disabled toilets, which can prevent disabled individuals from accessing necessary facilities. - Unhygienic alternatives:
Without proper changing facilities in men’s rooms, dads are forced to use unhygienic, unsafe surfaces like toilet seats or sinks. - Reducing hazards:
Dedicated, clean baby changing tables reduce the risks of mess and contamination. - Preventing accidents:
A stable, dedicated surface is safer for the child than improvising with a countertop or other unstable surfaces.
Recommendations and Best Practices
- Install in Both Genders’ Restrooms:
For ultimate inclusivity, provide changing units in both male and female washrooms rather than relying on a single unisex facility.
- Consider Design and Placement:
When installing a changing table, ensure it’s a sturdy, purpose-built unit and is placed sensibly to maintain the flow of the washroom.
- Include Essential Features:
Facilities should have clear signage, improved waste disposal, and adhere to general hygiene and safety standards.
- Consider Integrated Storage:
You can often integrate storage cupboards for cleaning supplies and waste bins into the design of the changing unit.
Free, no obligation quotation
Want to discuss your baby changing facilities in your male washrooms in more detail? Then contact the TWC Facilities team today by calling us on 0330 441 0985 or fill out our online enquiry form for a free no obligation quotation.
