Baby Changing Rooms Only in Women’s Washrooms? A Wake-Up Call for Inclusivity!

I have recently come to India for a short visit and am shocked to see that baby changing rooms are almost always located inside women’s washrooms. My first experience was at Bangalore International Airport, and I’ve since seen this setup in malls in Bangalore and today at Amanora Mall in Pune.

What kind of message are we passing to the next generation? Are we suggesting that raising and caring for a child is solely a mother’s responsibility?

At the Bangalore airport, I needed to change my daughter, and the staff asked me, “Where is your daughter’s mother? She should be the one changing her.” I had to explain that her mother was at baggage claim, and I, as her father, would be doing it. After some disapproving looks, they grudgingly let me use the facility, but only after ensuring no women were inside. One staff member even stood guard outside to prevent other women from entering.

This incident left me deeply frustrated. Fathers, caregivers, and same-sex couples are equally involved in parenting. Facilities need to reflect this reality. It’s time for inclusive parenting spaces that allow anyone—regardless of gender—to care for their child without stigma or unnecessary hurdles.

Has anyone else faced similar experiences? How do we start a conversation to bring about change in public spaces in India?