Dedicated Spaces for Dads and Gender-Neutral Rooms Emerge

Recent online discussions have been sparked by the establishment of baby care facilities in China. Several locations are either creating dedicated spaces for fathers or transforming existing "mother-and-baby rooms" into gender-neutral "baby care rooms," accessible to both parents.

One example is Beijing's Chaoyang Joy City shopping mall, which completed renovations this summer. The updated room includes features like automatic doors and curtains to separate the breastfeeding and diaper-changing areas. Fathers are welcome to change diapers in the shared space, while breastfeeding areas remain exclusively for mothers. Mall staff have noted a range of reactions to the changes and plan to adjust based on user feedback.

Other shopping centers in Beijing are also exploring inclusive options. One has established a dedicated "Super dads' spot" in addition to multiple mother-and-baby rooms. Staff members explained that some fathers felt uncomfortable entering traditional mother-and-baby rooms, and they welcome suggestions for improvement.

These initiatives mirror similar developments elsewhere. In March, a "father-and-baby room" at a supermarket in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, also gained attention. This room, identified by a blue bottle logo and a "Super dads' spot" sign, is equipped with amenities like hot and cold water, a milk preparation area, and a changing table. One father noted that such spaces significantly ease the challenges of childcare outings, particularly given that some mother-and-baby rooms explicitly restrict male access.