KUSA - About a week ago, a father's complaint about the lack of changing tables in men's restroom's went viral.
His Facebook post, which was shared more than 144,000 times, included photos of his young child on a blanket on the floor of a public restroom. As a mom of two young boys, I felt his pain.
I have been in women's restrooms that don't have changing tables. I have also had to change my infant on the floor or more often the back of our SUV. Until I had children, I thought changing tables were standard everywhere.
Before having children, I rarely used public restrooms. Now, I know the exact location of bathrooms in no less than 5 metro area King Soopers stores. ( not to mention the restaurants, Target stores and everywhere else I go) Some of them are better than others, but most lack a few things that could make a parent's life a little easier.
Here's my wishlist for public restrooms:
Bigger stalls
Have you ever tried shimmying into a stall with a toddler while holding an infant? It is not easy, especially those stalls that have the doors that open inward. (those ones are also super tricky for pregnant women)
Paper Towels
I care about the environment, I really do, but I need paper towels, those hand dryers won't cut it. I have a 3-year-old who gets scared by the loud noises. He covers his ears when others use them, he certainly won't go over and use it on his own.
Lower sinks or step stools
A step stool would make a huge difference. Many children, mine included, are way too short to reach the sink. That means they have to be held up to reach the sink in order to wash their hands. It's not too difficult if you only have one child, but add a second child into the mix and things get complicated. I'm sure it's comical to watch me attempt to lift one child up to the sink while trying not to drop the other.
Faucets with handles
Many bathrooms have sinks that work on sensors that automatically turn the water on or off. They're great for avoiding germs but aren't so great for children.
My son doesn't quite understand them and can never get his hands in the right place to get the water turned on or off. That means I have to hold him up to the sink, while also trying to get at least one hand in front of the sensor to get the water going.
Adjustable water temperature
Many of those automatic faucets don't allow you to adjust the water temperature. It's a comfortable setting for adults, but it's always too hot for my toddler. Of course, he's three so pretty much anything slightly above cold is too hot him.
I should note, many places have awesome bathrooms for kids or even family restrooms. Red Robin ( at least some of them) have special, lower and more colorful sinks and mirrors for kids. Denver International Airport has some of the best changing tables around and step stools that fold up underneath the counter.
I don't expect any business to make any changes based on my opinion. In the end, I'm just happy to have the public restrooms available when my kid has to go in the store. Twice.
I'm aware this isn't news, it's meant to be fun and hopefully, someone gets a laugh at my expense.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me at janet.oravetz@9news.com
