https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 14 May 2026 02:30:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2537517 Fri, 29 Apr 2016 22:18:01 +0000 jedeve 2537517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkcupcake: true. I have a bladder disorder. I've been in the position where I couldn't relieve myself and it's been extremely painful. It's awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2537498 Fri, 29 Apr 2016 21:42:34 +0000 pinkcupcake 2537498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catomd00: agreed, and I think that applies to everyone , not just certain groups of ppl. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2537467 Fri, 29 Apr 2016 20:52:22 +0000 catomd00 2537467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pinkcupcake: agreed that all businesses should have a bathroom. I think it's ridiculous and borderline cruel to not allow someone access to a bathroom when necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2537463 Fri, 29 Apr 2016 20:49:42 +0000 pinkcupcake 2537463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's hard to judge who should be given more latitude when it comes to bathrooms. If recently potty trained children and pregnant women are given a free pass - what about someone elderly who is struggling with incontinence? Or a 15 year old girl with IBS? You just don't know what people's individual needs are so I don't think certain people should get a "free pass" while others are deemed less emergent. </p> <p>I think all stores open to the public should have a public restroom available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536140 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:35:31 +0000 JerricaBenton 2536140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm I don't know. Stores have corporate policies and are mainly worried about getting sued because someone falls/eats bleach/wanders into the storage room etc. I've never been to a grocery store where they didn't have a public restroom but that seems wrong to me because you're spending more time there on the average shopping trip. My LO's been potty trained for a year and even when she was in the 'I have to go RIGHT NOW!' stage I was always able to take her out of a store to find a br or run to the car to go in the car potty (which I honestly preferred.) Idk I guess I just don't have the expectation that I should be able to use the bathroom anywhere I go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536132 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:28:57 +0000 lamariniere 2536132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: especially where I am, customer service is notoriously bad here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536127 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:26:17 +0000 looch 2536127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: I think a children's store should, but Europe is notorious for being anti-customer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536115 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:17:40 +0000 rachiecakes 2536115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bloved: I worked for a number of retail establishments, a few that were under the parent company of Justice and they have a very strict loss prevention policy.<br /> The single employee restroom is located in the back with the safe, untagged merchandise and a rear exit. You would be fired on the spot if you escorted anyone who was not an employee behind those doors. </p> <p>I've also worked at a stand alone retail store in a busy tourist area, the employee bathroom was another off-limits to customers because it was down a tiny winding staircase in the basement of the building (historic district) and would be a liability. Most stores in that area that don't serve food or beverage don't have bathrooms. Sadly there is also a significant homeless population and crime/drugs that I'm sure they're trying to keep out.</p> <p>I ABSOLUTELY believe that a kids/maternity store should have restrooms. And all food/drink/restaurants.<br /> I went to a tea house that didn't have public restrooms and was shocked. What?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536109 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 14:06:24 +0000 petitenoisette 2536109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not super surprised at this happening in Europe where bathrooms are a lot harder to come by! I agree that it is a dumb policy in particular for a children's store. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536095 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:48:19 +0000 catomd00 2536095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I probably wouldn't shop there anymore. Given its a children's store that is ridiculous! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536089 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:44:08 +0000 macintosh 2536089@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I worked in a small retail store in an outlet mall years ago. Our bathroom was employees only, but I recall allowing young children access on occasion. I think they should have made an exception.</p> <p>That said, when I'm out with my family, I purposely avoid places that don't have handicapped accessible bathrooms, Family bathroom are the absolute best. Because accessible restrooms take up a lot of space, they are only required in certain places (like restaurants, other places that serve food). </p> <p>It limits where we can go, but that's just the way it is. Movies theaters are the worst. There are never family restrooms and the women's is always super crowded. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536088 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:43:54 +0000 bloved 2536088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: it is a popular girls clothing store. It is located in the mall. I do agree that free standing stores should have some sort of option available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536087 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:42:56 +0000 lamariniere 2536087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: no, I handed everything to the clerk and we left. However, I reluctantly ended up going back afterwards because it was the only place in that area where I could buy those particular items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536083 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:39:23 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2536083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: The real question would be, did you complete your purchase before leaving? I would have handed her my items and said, well thank you, we have to leave then . </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536081 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:38:00 +0000 lamariniere 2536081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shizaz: I just asked the closest employee, who looked to be about college age. Usually when my daughter tells me she has to go, it's right then and there, so I was really nervous about her having an accident and didn't even think to ask someone else. I still can't believe we made it to the other store in time to use the bathroom.</p> <p>@bloved: I'm not familiar with that store. Is it generally located in malls or shopping centers? If that's the case, I can understand that a mall bathroom must be somewhere nearby. We were in a freestanding store that didn't have any sort of shared restroom facilities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536078 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:32:51 +0000 bloved 2536078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>To give the other side- my sister is the manager of a Justice and she gets asked all the time about the restroom and it is corporate policy not to allow it. First of all, because it is a kids store, that could be a high volume of traffic since most of their customers come in with kids- they don't have the resources or a cleaning staff for that facility to be used by more than employees. But more importantly, the staff restroom is usually by the stock and that opens them up to a higher rate of theft potential (this is the main reason she is not allowed to make exceptions- she would be liable for anything taken). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536077 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:32:20 +0000 Umbreon 2536077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Did you ask to speak to a supervisor, or did you just ask a random employee? I feel like the store should have made an exception, but I could see a young teenager or a new employee thinking it's absolutely not allowed and turning the customer away. I think if I had been in your situation, I would have gone to the customer service desk and asked someone there. If they still turned you away, then I would have been put off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536074 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:28:59 +0000 PinkElephant 2536074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: I remember that from our trip to Belgium when I was very pregnant with #1 - actually, I remember that even when I DID find a bathroom, it was sometimes so small it was hard for me to get my belly in and close the door :) </p> <p>Glad you found a bathroom in time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536072 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:27:56 +0000 PinkElephant 2536072@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I was thinking this as well, that in the US if a bathroom is somewhere weird - I'm imagining in Brooklyn, for example, where I bet some of the facilities are down a ladder- like staircase in century old, unfinished brownstone basements - letting customers use it might be a legal liability? But I'd still be super annoyed at a kids' store not having a kid-friendly bathroom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536071 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:27:51 +0000 lamariniere 2536071@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: I think in general in Europe bathrooms are harder to find when out and about. I think your right that most places that serve food have them, but a lot of smaller cafes don't. I have no idea what the laws are. We ended up going to the upscale department store a few doors away and used their very nice and clean bathroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536068 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:25:18 +0000 PinkElephant 2536068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There's nothing that irritates me more than shops that exclusively sell toys/maternity/children's products and do not have restrooms, changing areas, and nursing areas. That's just horrible customer service. If they don't, they better be ok with customers letting kids use portable potties in the aisle, or changing babies on their display changing mats!</p> <p>If you were in the US I'd say maybe someone was trying to play it very by the book with regard to licensing and liability...not that it makes it a nice attitude for the shopkeeper to have! Actually, I do wonder what the laws are in terms of what sort of shop/facility MUST provide restrooms for customers. I'm guessing it only applies to establishments that serve food. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536064 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:23:02 +0000 avivoca 2536064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think an exception should be made. A gas station attendent made an exception for me because I was pregnant and the closest public restroom was half a mile away at the McDonalds. I feel like the same should go for children. They can't always wait. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536061 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:20:35 +0000 lamariniere 2536061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Carrot: :happy: I also had absolutely nothing that I could have cleaned it with, just an old used kleenex. So I wouldn't have even offered to mop it up myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536058 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:19:24 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2536058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: I completely agree, totally playing devil's advocate there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536057 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:18:20 +0000 lamariniere 2536057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sunny: that happened to us once at the grocery store. Normally the grocery store bathroom is totally off limits, and I would never expect to use it, but we had an emergency situation once and a nice older lady employee took my son to the bathroom while I waited just outside the door with my other LO in the stroller.</p> <p>@Mrs. Carrot: I do agree about the slippery slope thing, but risking having a 2 yo make a puddle in the middle of the store is probably worse than letting someone pop into the bathroom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536056 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:18:05 +0000 babypugs 2536056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel very strongly that this is an unacceptable policy--I don't care who it's for--pregnant woman, two year old, or sixteen year old teenage boy. What if someone suddenly got hit by a stomach pang and the choice was to find a bathroom fast or to make a huge mess? Humiliating and gross for everyone else around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536054 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:16:49 +0000 yoursilverlining 2536054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get and respect that "a rule is a rule across the board" but personally yes, I think it's completely dickish when stores won't let young children use the bathroom when you're in there shopping. Especially children's stores. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536053 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:16:19 +0000 oliviaoblivia 2536053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If they want my business they can make an exception.<br /> I figure if I have an arm full of things I'm going to buy and have to leave the store to find a toilet I'm probably not going to go back and buy whatever it is and I'm certainly not going to make my DD stand their wiggling while I wait to pay for things.<br /> Just poor customer service if you ask me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536051 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:15:09 +0000 sunny 2536051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes I think they should, even if they are in an employee only zone. While they don't need to advertise with signage and allow everyone, part of customer service is taking care of your customers and allowing exceptions, particularly when it's for young children! </p> <p>I was shopping in Nordstrom Rack with my stroller and I asked an employee where the restroom was. This particular location didn't have a restroom in the store, you had to go up to the mall restroom which was up a few floors. Without me asking, an employee offered to escort me to the restroom. I thought they went above and beyond to make my shopping experience easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-retail-shops-should-make-bathrooms-accessible-for-children#post-2536050 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 13:14:30 +0000 lamariniere 2536050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: seriously that was my thought too. She was actually in the stroller though, so I really didn't want her having an accident there! It's easier to mop up a floor than dismantle and wash the stroller! </p>