Where Can Dads Change Diapers in Canada?

No one wants an on-the-go diaper change. Trying to dress an energetic toddler or a crying newborn is hard enough at home, let alone at a restaurant, in a car or park. And for Canadian dads, diaper duty tends to be particularly stressful.

The Vanier Institute of the Family says the percentage of Canadian fathers (excluding those in Quebec) who took EI parental leave doubled between 2018 and 2021. Also in 2021, research by sociologist Kevin Shafer showed that Canadian dads spent much more time caring for their children than their American counterparts. But as new fathers in Canada become more involved in day-to-day parenting, the barriers standing in their way also become more frustrating.

Where are the diaper changing facilities in Canada?

Nora Spinks, CEO of Work-Life Harmony Enterprises, says Canada doesn’t have national rules requiring diaper changing stations, but some builders follow accessibility standards that affect where families can find them.

“There are two ways for developers to make washrooms accessible,” said Spinks. One is to put an accessible stall in both men’s and women’s bathrooms; the other is to create a separate universal accessible washroom. In larger, newer buildings across Canada, such as airports and shopping malls, Spinks says those inclusive facilities will likely feature change tables. 

Still, many new parents, especially dads, have trouble finding diaper-changing spots in older or less accommodating spaces across the country.

Why equitable access to changing stations matters

Drew Soleyn, a director at Dad Central Ontario, says he has changed many diapers on park benches. When changing stations are not available in men’s washrooms, it is more than an inconvenience for dads like him. Experts say the issue reinforces problematic stereotypes while creating logistical challenges for the whole family. 

“It’s awkward, stressful and sends a clear message: dads aren’t really expected to be hands-on caregivers in public spaces," said Soleyn. 

Limiting change tables to women’s washrooms also forces diaper-duty onto moms during family outings, while creating an especially tricky situation for single dads and two-dad families.  “If I’m the only one that has the capacity to change a diaper, I’m going to be stuck with changing diapers all the time,” said Spinks. “If I’m a dad and I want to participate equally, this is a barrier that’s preventing me from doing that.”

Others say that not knowing where you are able to change a diaper makes leaving the house as a new parent more isolating and difficult than it needs to be. Michelle Cyca, an investigative journalist and mom of two, says she once found herself at a restaurant with family-friendly advertising, kids' menus, toys for little ones—and zero change tables.

“That’s what I found so frustrating, you might go somewhere that seems like it would be a safe bet and still find yourself scrambling if you need to change a diaper,” she said.

Finding dad-friendly changing stations

The best diaper tables prioritize hygiene, safety and convenience. If you find a change table close to a sink, or with disposable paper liners, you've really lucked out. 

“I was blown away in Tokyo by how baby-friendly the bathrooms and public infrastructure were,” said Cyca, discussing a family vacation to Japan. “They always had not only a change table, but also these ingenious little wall-mounted seats so that you could put your baby in a safe place while you wash your hands.”

While you may not find this level of accommodation in Canada, keep an eye out for spots that advertise a universal family washroom, or check out the following resources.

Download Change Table Maps or Apps

During her maternity leave in January 2024, Cyca created the Vancouver Change Tables Map to help caregivers avoid diaper changes on grimy, damp bathroom floors. Parents can use this resource to find change tables in the Vancouver area and submit spots for others to discover. 

“When I first posted it, I got really good feedback from a lot of dads,” said Cyca, who adds that many users asked her to specify which change tables were accessible to men. “There are still quite a few private businesses and, even in Vancouver, some older community centres where you mostly find change tables in women's bathrooms.”

Now, the map's green pins mark change tables accessible to all parents, while yellow pins mark those in women’s washrooms.

For parents outside of Vancouver, consider exploring apps like Diaper Changing Table Finder. Although Canadian listings are sparse, you can note good change table locations for future reference and help other local users in the process!

Join a Parenting Group on Social Media

On Reddit’s r/BabyBumpsCanada, parents are sharing their go-to baby changing stations. 

“If you’re ever in a mall that has a Carter's, they often have change tables in their fitting rooms,” said one user. “They’re kept clean and aren’t in a smelly, gross washroom.”

Similarly, this thread features a discussion on where parents in Halifax and Dartmouth can access change tables while dining out. Suggestions include Freeman’s Dutch Village, Bliss Caffeine Bar and The Old Triangle.

Read the Reviews

Cyca says that while apps like Yelp and Google regularly note whether a restaurant takes credit cards, has parking, offers WiFi or closes early, they rarely mention change table availability. Luckily, customer ratings often pick up the slack by flagging spots with unclean or missing changing stations. 

So if you’re a dad wondering whether the local coffee shop or brewery is baby-friendly, online reviews might have your answer!

Practical tips for dads on diaper duty

Invest in a portable changing pad

By turning to a reusable mat during diaper changes, you can avoid the hassle of frantically wiping down a bathroom floor — or worse, using your own jacket as a makeshift change table.

This foldable changing pad by KeaBabies is machine washable, lightweight and comes with a built-in cushion for your little one.

Be prepared to change in the car

Running to the car for a diaper change is never fun, especially during Canadian Winters. But when change tables are inaccessible, parents are often left without other options.

If your car doubles as a last-resort changing spot, remember to stock the backseat with extra wipes, diapers and rash cream. This collapsible trunk organizer comes with a changing pad and seat belt attachment, along with space for all the essentials.

Use a stroller or carrier

If your stroller has a recline function, it can also serve as an emergency change table. Remember that a well-stocked diaper bag makes all the difference in these less-than-ideal scenarios.

For dads who feel uncomfortable carrying a tote-style diaper bag, Lululemon’s New Parent Backpack features a functional, gender-neutral design complete with pockets for snacks, wipes and diapers. There’s also a changing mat inside the removable pouch!

How dads can help improve access

To make diaper changing easier for Canadian families, it’s important to know how you can make a difference—whether you’re a parent, guardian, or just looking to lend a helping hand. 

“Every single day, that diaper is going to need to be changed several times,” said Spinks. “What can we do as a community? What can we do as service providers, building managers, developers and municipalities? What can we do to make that easier?”

Talk to business owners

Remember that many local restaurants, cafes and parks want to create a welcoming experience for you and your children! Soleyn says that he recommends speaking up when changing stations are missing or inadequate. 

“A lot of businesses just haven’t considered the dad’s perspective,” he said. “A quick, polite conversation with staff or a manager can go a long way.”

Soleyn also says that if missing change tables are common in your community, connecting with other parents to raise the issue may be worthwhile. “The more they hear from us, the more likely change will happen.”

Leave reviews

If you don’t have time for an in-person chat, leaving respectful feedback on a company’s website or social media can encourage the business to make their space more dad-friendly. 

Similarly, if you notice an accessible changing station, mention the good news in a review to make washroom searches easier for parents in the area.

Contact municipal representatives

Cyca says that she wishes there were more attention on family-friendly change tables at the municipal or provincial level, and hopes that people will bring the conversation to elected officials, framing it as an issue of inclusion and accessibility. 

“To me, it seems like a pretty basic accommodation issue,” said Cyca. “I always think, babies are people. And there should be the same kinds of basic amenities for them in public spaces as anyone else.”

Luckily, we have seen the push for dad-friendly parenting tools succeed before, and experts say that by raising respectful conversations about men’s active involvement in childcare, it can happen again. In the last 20 to 30 years, for example, Spinks says that strollers and stroller handles have increased in height to accommodate male caregivers. 

“Dads want to be involved,” said Soleyn. “Simple changes like adding changing stations to all restrooms make that easier, and send the message that dads belong in these spaces.”

Experts

• Michelle Cyca is an investigative journalist and mom of two based in Vancouver. She created the Vancouver Change Tables Map to help parents locate facilities with diaper changing stations.
• Drew Soleyn is the director at Dad Central Ontario, an organization dedicated to supporting Canadian fathers through inclusive resources, programs and trainings.
• Nora Spinks is the CEO of Work-Life Harmony Enterprises, a consulting firm dedicated to helping clients achieve organizational, individual and family wellbeing.