As a breastfeeding mum of both a 4-month-old and a 3-year-old, I have faced numerous challenges while trying to find suitable facilities for feeding and caring for my children during outings. Like many parents, I rely on shopping centres for daily errands, and having access to clean, safe, comfortable and well-equipped parents’ rooms is essential for my family's well-being. 

In New South Wales, there is a noticeable inconsistency in the quality and availability of parents’ rooms across various shopping centres. Some provide excellent facilities with comfortable seating, changing tables, and feeding stations, while others are poorly maintained and lack basic amenities. This disparity can make outings stressful and inconvenient for parents and caregivers who simply want a secure and hygienic environment for tending to their young children's needs.

Parents and caregivers deserve reliable access to functional, comfortable and clean facilities as they navigate the early years of child-rearing. Implementing and enforcing a set of minimum standards for parents’ rooms in all shopping centres across NSW would ensure a consistent quality and remove uncertainty for families. By establishing these standards, we can guarantee that all parents are afforded dignity and convenience when conducting their daily activities.

But why stop at a minimum of clean, safe and functional? Why don’t we take a leaf out of our Korean or Japanese friends books, for example, on how they do parents rooms?

Instead of a single chair behind a curtain, could we consider a breastfeeding pillow to help a first time mum who is overwhelmed on one of her first visits out of home? 

Think about a crying baby in a capsule who has reached their limit and wants somewhere to stretch their legs. Could we consider a cot or play mat for them to lay on?

What about a mum who’s finally got their baby to sleep after doing 10k steps in the centre but wants to put her feet up while the baby sleeps. Could we consider a recliner or lounge in a quiet space?

What about the mum who’s forgotten her baby wipes? Or change mat? Could we consider fully stocked parents rooms?

What about the mum who needs to feed her baby but also keep her toddler entertained, within view, in a safe and clean space?

We could go on!

Research shows that poor facilities can negatively impact both the physical and mental health of parents and their children. When parents encounter obstacles such as inadequate or unsanitary facilities, it hinders their ability to care effectively for their children, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety.

We urge the NSW regulators to develop clear guidelines and standards that include adequate seating, baby changing stations, hygiene supplies, and privacy options in all parents’ rooms. In addition to these standards, adding a level of comfort to these parents rooms to place value on the parents who need to use these facilities. Beyond the creation of these guidelines, it is crucial that shopping centres are subjected to regular inspections to ensure compliance and to identify areas needing improvement.

This petition calls upon the government, shopping centre management, and community stakeholders to prioritize the improvement of parents’ rooms. This is not just a convenience; it is a necessity that supports the health and well-being of our children and reflects the values of a family-friendly society.

Please sign this petition and help us bring about the necessary change for better parent facilities throughout NSW shopping centres. Together, we can create a supportive environment for all parents and caregivers.

Make parents rooms great again!