Room for parents: a quick review

[This would be of most interest to those who have bubs and toddlers, but those who don't might also enjoy a peek into Parents Rooms - for future reference?].

While many commercial areas now have a toilet/nappy change/feeding room designed for the comfort of young families, good ones can still be difficult to find. Your best bet are large, new-ish shopping centres. They tend to have a more compassionate view of what parents of very young children require. And yes, it's more than just a flip-down plastic ledge on which to change a nappy.

This obviously isn't comprehensive but it might be helpful to somebody (I myself had found it hard to find somewhere suitable to breastfeed Jack when he was a lot littler).

1. Melbourne Central - There are booths in there with a change surface and a narrow banquette for feeding, but the space is super tiny. Still, having a curtain helps give a semblance of privacy.

2. IKEA Richmond - Really lovely, well-lit, with nice decor and surfaces (obviously an extension of their display centre). Again, there is a curtained nook for feeding, but it is more spacious and comfy than the one at Melbourne Central. It also has a small table with toys for an older sibling. I think they provide nappies or wet wipes or nappy sacks in a dispenser (sorry can't recall which exactly, but I thought it was a nice goodwill gesture).


3. Point Cook Town Centre - The best Parents Room I've seen so far. They weren't too precious about conserving retail space; that area is huuuge. Not only does it have the requisite private feeding rooms and nappy change area, the toilet cubicle has a mini toilet for the little one, a glass enclosed play yard, a mounted television (perfectly positioned to distract toddlers who think they have better things to do than get cleaned up), and a microwave for warming up bottles and food. I think there was a dispenser for nappies (not free), which is great for emergencies. It's a great model for other Parents Rooms.