RANT for "family" friendly restaurants with no changing tables.

[SG]

This happens time and time again. It is so irritating. If my kid poops half way through the meal, what do I do? I don’t want him crying, and I don’t want anyone else to smell it while they are trying to eat. I choose where I take my family based on the fact that they are family friendly. I just wish restaurants would consider this when claiming to be so.

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[JustSarah]

I don’t think restaurants necessarily have a duty to provide changing stations for patrons, though I definitely appreciate those that do.

My bigger problem is actually with restaurants that *do* provide a changing station, but only in the women’s room. It’s sexist to assume that only a woman would need to change a baby’s diaper. I know of at least one West Seattle restaurant that’s like this. I won’t name names, and I do really love going to the restaurant, but I am offended by the fact they think they only need to provide this amenity for their female patrons. There are plenty of single dads out there, guys.

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[Diane]

agree; talk to the restaurant owners/managers; all of them; I’ve been advocating for changing tables in both M&F restrooms for years; please keep at it

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[skeeter]

Would it be really bad or just kinda bad if I asked for the list of restaurants with a changing table only in the ladies room… so that my family could go there and I have an automatic excuse for not changing a poopy halfway through dinner???

Oh my poor wife…

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[Breezy]

I never expect there to be a changing table in a restroom – M or F – but am pleased if there is one. We have both changed plenty of diapers on the car seat…still seems the best option when necessary.

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[SG]

Skeeter… Are you my husband? Haha

Breezy… Maybe you could give me a lesson in how to change a diaper in a car seat. I’m pretty sure I’d get poop all over the place! ;-)

I understand that these places don’t have to have a changing table, but I really don’t consider it a family friendly facility if there is not a restroom catering to everyone in the family.

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[Breezy]

SG..I didn’t mean a CAR seat, but the seat of a car! Even the most coordinated mom/dad would have difficulty changing a messy diaper in a child car seat! ;) Also, if you have a SUV-type car (we didn’t when our kids were small, but do now) the back area would make a good changing area. Good luck!

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[skeeter]

SG – I’m not your husband… but it sounds like he and I would get along marvelously! <wink>

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[luckymom30]

Here is a link to Seattle family friendly restaurants that are equipped with changing tables in bathrooms and high chairs:

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/category/seattle-wa-usa/places-to-go/restaurants free deals:

Kid friendly coffee shops:

http://www.parentmap.com/article/kid-friendly-coffee-shops

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[fc43]

Unfortunately, Coffee To a Tea (now Junction Bakery) doesn’t belong on either of the lists now. Not only they have gotten rid of most of the toys in the play area – only the train table remains – but their bathroom no longer has the changing table or even a footstool. If you want your kid to have clean hands, you have to lift them. Annoying.

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[Diane]

oh no; that’s disappointing to hear about restroom change at Coffee To a Tea (now Junction Bakery); I haven’t been in there yet; wow, what’s that about?

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[EmWestSeattle]

Agree about Sugar Rush (now Junction Bakery). Totally NOT kid friendly anymore. Went there with my one year old and it was totally empty, only a train table to play with and the staff made me feel like my well behaved child (with somewhat annoying squeaky shoes) was totally unwelcome. BOO! Won’t be back there!

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[desertdweller]

Wait, they got rid of their changing table? So many of their patrons were mothers with kids….that’s really sad.

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