Dad Speaks Out on the Lack of Diaper Changing Stations in Men’s Restrooms
Parenting is a shared responsibility, and our public spaces need to catch up.
Published on Jan 5, 2026
Public bathrooms should work for all parents. Yet for years, baby changing tables have remained almost exclusively in female restrooms in the Philippines. This leaves fathers and male caregivers struggling to care for their diaper-wearing children in public spaces. As more dads take on hands-on caregiving, the lack of baby changing stations in men’s restrooms feels increasingly outdated.
Diaper Duty Isn’t Just Moms’ Job
More fathers now take part in hands-on childcare, including diaper changes, feeding, and soothing their babies. Even so, baby changing stations remain uncommon in men’s public restrooms across malls, restaurants, and other commercial spaces.
This puts dads in uncomfortable and sometimes unhygienic situations. Some end up changing diapers on bathroom floors or on surfaces not meant for babies. When a family room isn’t available, dads deal with the hassle of changing their child's diapers elsewhere. In many cases, fathers rely on their partners to handle diaper changes simply because the facilities do not accommodate them. This setup quietly reinforces the idea that childcare is primarily a woman’s responsibility.
Are Changing Tables Required in Men’s Restrooms?
In the Philippines, there is still no nationwide law that clearly requires baby changing stations in men’s public restrooms. However, lawmakers and local governments have begun to address the gap.
Several bills filed in Congress aim to require diaper-changing stations in public and private establishments, including malls, cinemas, and government offices. These proposals call for at least one accessible baby changing facility that fathers can also use. Some local governments, such as Cebu City, already require infant-friendly facilities in restrooms used by men, women, and persons with disability.
Public demand for baby changing stations in men’s restrooms continues to grow, especially online. Kevin Manalo, a father of two, shares his experience on Threads:
“As a father actively involved in taking care of my 6-month-old infant, I am greatly disappointed to find out that baby changing stations are only available in women’s bathrooms at SM Megamall. My son pooped, I needed to change his diaper, and my wife was not available. As a dad, I could do it, only to find out it isn’t available for me. May mga Daddy din ngayon na marunong at hindi takot mag-alaga ng anak.”
Many parents echoed his frustration. Others pointed out that family rooms help, but not all malls in the Philippines have them yet. One parent commented that while other countries have proper family rooms where both parents can attend to their children, local facilities still feel restrictive and poorly designed.
Supporting fathers in public spaces should no longer be optional; accessible baby changing stations in men’s restrooms are a basic necessity for parent-friendly environments.
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.