Parents with children of the opposite gender often face a dilemma when it comes to choosing a restroom. This situation can be particularly challenging for fathers with young daughters, as accompanying them to the women’s restroom might be misunderstood, while men’s rooms often lack necessary facilities for diaper changes.
Muhammed Nitoto, a parenting blogger and advocate for fathers, has openly shared his approach to this issue. He’s experienced firsthand the shortcomings of men’s restrooms when he had to take his young daughters, Zendaya and Zuri, to them.
In a candid Instagram post, Nitoto described his dissatisfaction with men’s restrooms: “I’ve used men’s bathrooms countless times, but taking my daughter in there changed my perspective completely. They are unpleasant, often unhygienic, and poorly equipped for anyone with a child. I found the changing table uncomfortably close to the urinal, exposing my child to an unpleasant environment. I realized this was not suitable for my daughters.”
As a result, Nitoto now exclusively uses women’s restrooms or family restrooms, if available, for his daughters. He emphasizes respect and communication while using these facilities.
“I always knock before entering and announce myself as a dad with his daughter,” he explained. “I want to ensure that anyone inside is aware of my presence and feels comfortable.”
Nitoto also makes a point to alert new arrivals in the restroom about his and his daughter’s presence to avoid any discomfort or misunderstanding.
The issue, Nitoto notes, is not just about the cleanliness and suitability of facilities but also about gender expectations. The lack of adequate amenities in men’s restrooms implies an assumption that fathers aren’t involved in childcare responsibilities, placing the burden on women to handle most public diaper-changing duties.
He advocates for better-designed men’s restrooms that cater to fathers and provide a clean, safe environment for changing diapers. “Women’s bathrooms are often cleaner and better equipped with changing stations inside stalls,” he said. “As a father to daughters, I’m committed to ensuring they are protected from environments that don’t meet their needs, and that includes avoiding men’s restrooms.”
Nitoto’s experience highlights a broader issue in public facility design and calls for more inclusive solutions that accommodate all parents.