Unisex baby changing facilities in public toilets
Fathers travelling alone with their baby or toddler often face an unacceptable problem when they have to change their child. There are hardly any nappy-changing tables in men's toilets in Switzerland, which is why fathers have to use the ladies' toilets and often don't dare to do so. It's time for unisex nappy-changing rooms.
Why fathers want a changing table
It is unpleasant for men to go to a ladies' toilet, but this cannot be completely avoided if the child needs a nappy change. Many managers of public facilities are aware of the lack of changing tables in men's toilets. Changes are currently only made in the rarest of cases. It is desirable for both men and women to be able to use their own area without feeling uncomfortable.
Fathers are a long way from equal rights. The image that men once helped to create still prevails: Women look after the children. They alone decide on nappies, wound cream and wet wipes. An outdated role model, but fathers must assert their rights just as much as women, who must be paid equally for their services and occupy strategic positions if they are qualified.
There is no question of qualifications when changing a child's nappy, but there is a question of authorisation. Fathers are just as entitled to this as mothers. When it comes to nappy-changing in public toilets, there has long been a demand for a changing table in every men's toilet. One look at Scandinavia is enough to realise a European idea that immediately solves the problem of the lack of changing tables in men's toilets.
Neuter toilets in public buildings
As in New York, the Fenno Scandinavians in Europe have also thought about the lack of changing tables in men's toilets and found interesting solutions that could also serve as a model for the Swiss.
Although not yet nationwide, men are allowed to enter a toilet to change their child on the changing table without hesitation. The changing tables are located in a neutral room with gender-specific toilet separation. Fathers do not have to fear the sceptical looks of women visiting the toilet.
Neutral toilets are not at all new in Fenno Scandinavia. These only have cubicles that protect them from the view of others. At least one of these cubicles is a nappy-changing room where fathers, mothers and divers can change their babies and toddlers without shame.
Transsexuals face the same problem as men who were born with all masculine characteristics. If a father comes into the ladies' toilet with his child, he should announce himself before entering the room. It doesn't matter whether he was born as a father or a transsexual father, the external characteristics decide the subsequent reaction of a woman who may only be surprised or briefly startled. If she is verbally prepared, hardly any woman will have anything to counter this. On the contrary, most women will be helpful if something doesn't go right at the first attempt.
In Switzerland, it is time for a change, towards equality for both parents, so that fathers can change their children's nappies in public toilets without justification.
