Tell me why...zoo bathrooms?

Question

I took my baby to the zoo when he was 3 months old and i ended up changing him on a picnic bench because the bathrooms didn't have changing tables. Why wouldn't a place for children have these things???

Answer 1

I live in Canada and here we have a coffee chain called Tim Hortons, I don't think you have something nationwide like it in the US.  Its just plain ol' coffee and donuts -not like starbucks or anything.  Anyway they are absolutely everywhere.  And while coffee isn't exactly kids food what kid doesn't like donuts.

It is their corporate policy not to have change tables in their bathrooms because of the liability.  Yup here in Canada and we aren't half as lawsuit happy as the US (no offense).  I suspect that may be to root of the problem.

PS I hope you used the bench part.  Mind you birds p**p on picnic tables.

Answer 2

look here http://fertilised.com  

Answer 3

Hmmm not sure which Zoo you go to.  Columbus Zoo has diaper changing areas in the bathrooms and also at the front office.  They also providing rooms for breastfeeding moms to nurse their babies.  

Answer 4

A lot of times, the changing stations are either in a "nursing" or "family" room, or they're inside of the handicap stall. Did you check those places?

Answer 5

That's weird. Most public places like zoos etc. have baby changing tables even target does, lol

[e-mail]

Answer 6

That's crazy!!! Our zoo has changing tables everywhere (in Dallas)...I thought it was strange though...on a trip with our son on the way to Colorado from Texas many gas stations and eating places didn't have changing tables...we stopped at a McDonald's for lunch and there wasn't a changing table!! I ended up changing our son on booths at tables or in the back seat of the car. I mean...McDonald's is a kid friendly place...I understand your frustration!!

Answer 7

umm, not in the budget, maybe they had to choose between food for the animals and something like that.  maybe they had to choose between staffing the zoo and stuff like that.  maybe they are waiting and going to do it with a remodel.  maybe they read the research that baby changing tables have more germs than most anywhere else.  maybe nobody who works at the zoo is pushing for it.  maybe the walls aren't appropriate for installing them.  there could be a million reasons.  

Answer 8

Wow good point. I would definately write a letter to the zoo!  

Answer 9

Because of liability.  There are too many stupid people in the world and floors are concrete.

Because of the cost of those pull down tables. They cost several hundred dollars to buy and install, not to mention maintain. Zoos often run low on funding.

Because you didn't look for the signs.  Virtually all public places have places to change babies.  They just aren't 10 feet from where you've decided to change your child.  So nice when folks use an eating surface to change their infants.

Just bring your changing pad.

Answer 10

In the old days (not too long ago) there were no changing tables in any rest room!  Imagine that!!

Answer 11

its amazing how many places dont have them here. Even if they do have a change tray in the washrooms most of the time they do not have liners. I carry a washable and reusable change pad in my diaper bag just incase.

edit:

Doodlestuff... would you rather she let her child sit in it!?!?

Answer 12

We went to the State fair a few days ago and I had to change my son in the stroller with all the other mom's in the corner. I did find a spot just for mom nursing and changing by the kid's area, but the other placed should have some too. It was ridiculous.  

Answer 13

that's crazy...you should see if the zoo has a customer service phone number or website where you can email them your concerns.  

Answer 14

All the zoos I have been to in Ohio have nice changing areas.

As someone else mentioned Columbus zoo in Ohio has nice bathrooms with nice changing tables.