The parenting landscape has been evolving for many years. Are our venues and events keeping up with the change?
Campaigns around increasing public baby change facilities are nothing new. Despite calls reaching back to the 80s asking for more thought to be given to baby change options in public spaces, many parents still find themselves having to change in their buggy, on the side of a sink or even on a floor!
Recent calls have evolved, and rightly so, from simply wanting more facilities to calling for equal access for all so that all parents can access a safe and clean place to change babies.
As a result, we have campaigns such as Bum Deal campaigning for equal rights to a baby change table with provision in male toilets so dads, uncles and male carers can change a child.
And I applaud this, absolutely… I’m also mindful of the safeguarding and accessibility issues single-sex facilities raise and the exclusion this presents to those who do not associate as male or female.
So, what should the event industry consider?
Currently, most toilet facilities in UK venues are split by gender with baby-change facilities often only available in women's areas.
For event organisers and venues, ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests is paramount and the solution may be as simple as adding a changing table to the men’s toilets.
But is this the best option?
Wouldn’t we be better placed to address safety concerns, gender interests and inclusivity at the same time?
Creating gender-neutral family spaces promotes safeguarding and mitigates the risk of inappropriate behaviour. Such areas also promote inclusivity, enabling any parent-child pair to use facilities without discomfort or social stigma.
Unisex areas optimise space and reduce wait times which can be crucial during high-traffic events. Centralising baby change facilities can also streamline maintenance and improve the overall guest experience with more options available in each venue.
In my opinion unisex parent changing cubicles, preferably private, lockable areas, represent the most balanced and inclusive solution for modern event venues. By providing practical spaces for all parents to change their children, venues can enhance the guest experience, promote gender equality, and ensure the safety of all users.
So, what should you consider if you plan to action unisex changing facilities at your event or venue?
Design: where possible ensure cubicles are fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors.
Location: Place cubicles in accessible, well-lit areas with clear signage.
Maintenance: Regularly clean and maintain facilities.
Training: Train staff to understand the importance of these facilities and how to assist parents.
I’d love to know if you’ve seen or experienced unisex facilities recently at events and what your key takeaways are.
