Unisex changing facilities in public restrooms
Fathers traveling alone with their baby or toddler often face an unacceptable problem when they need to change their child's diaper. Changing tables are rare in men's restrooms in Switzerland, forcing fathers to use the women's restroom, something they often don't feel comfortable doing. It's time for unisex changing rooms.
Why fathers want a changing table
It's uncomfortable for men to use a women's restroom, but it can't be completely avoided when a child needs changing. Many managers of public facilities are aware of the lack of changing tables in men's restrooms. Currently, changes are only implemented in the rarest of cases. Yet, it would be desirable for both women and men if each gender could use their designated restroom without feeling uncomfortable.
A suitable changing room for fathers is not always available.
Fathers are far from achieving equality. The image that men once helped create still prevails: women look after the children. They alone decide on diapers, diaper rash cream, and wipes. It's an outdated role model, but fathers must assert their rights just as much as women, who must be paid equally for their work and who must occupy strategic positions when qualified.
When it comes to changing a child's diaper, qualifications aren't the primary concern, but rather the right to do so. This right applies to fathers just as much as to mothers. Regarding diaper changes in public restrooms, there has long been a demand for a changing table in every men's restroom. A glance at Scandinavia is enough to realize a European idea that would immediately solve the problem of the lack of changing tables in men's restrooms.
Gender-neutral toilets in public buildings
As in New York, the Fenno-Scandinavians in Europe have also given thought to the lack of changing tables in men's restrooms and have found interesting solutions that could serve as a model for the Swiss.
While not yet universally implemented, men are now more widely permitted than in Switzerland to use a restroom to change their child's diaper without hesitation. The changing tables are located in a gender-neutral room with separate restrooms for men and women. Fathers don't have to fear skeptical glances from women using the restroom.
Neutral toilets are not a new concept in Fenno-Scandinavia. These toilets contain only cubicles that protect against prying eyes. At least one of these cubicles is a changing room where fathers, mothers, and non-binary people can change their babies and toddlers without shame.
So-called unisex toilets are already widespread in England.
Transgender people face the same problem as men born with all masculine characteristics. If a father enters the women's restroom with his child, he should announce his presence before entering. Whether he is a transgender father or born with a gender identity is irrelevant; his physical characteristics determine a woman's reaction upon seeing him, which might simply be surprise or a brief moment of shock. If she is verbally prepared, few women are likely to object. On the contrary, most women will be happy to help if something doesn't go smoothly during diaper changes.
In Switzerland, it's time for a change towards equality for both parents, so that fathers can change their children's diapers in public toilets without having to justify themselves.
