When a photo of Florida father Donte Palmer squatting to change his son's diaper in a public restroom went viral in September 2018, there was no way he could have known the movement he spearheaded would result in real change. But this week, Pampers announced an amazing initiative to make dads' lives a little easier and will be placing 5,000 changing tables in men's rooms by the year 2021.
Palmer first raised awareness about changing table inequality in a photo that went viral last year.
The dad had been at a restaurant with his three boys when he had to make a quick run to the bathroom to change his 1-year-old son, Fox 29 reported. While in the bathroom with his baby, he realized there was no changing table for him to use, so he did what he had to to get the job done and squatted with his son on his lap to give himself a space to change the boy.
"What’s the deal with not having changing tables in men’s bathroom as if we don’t exist!! #FLM #fatherslivesmatter clearly we do this often because look how comfortable my son is," he wrote in an Instagram post that has been liked over 9,000 times. "It’s routine to him!!!! Let’s fix this problem!" The dad even created his own hashtag #squatforchange which other dads used to show just how difficult it is to change their kids in public.
But now the dad's heartfelt rant has helped lead the way for real change.
In a press release published on June 10, Pampers announced that it be will be placing 5,000 changing tables in public restrooms across the country by 2021. The company is partnering with popular changing table company Koala Kare to work together to identify high-need locations for these new tables.
Specifically, they hope to target "parks and recreation centers, community centers and libraries in cities such as Cincinnati, Dallas, Philadelphia, Detroit, and many others across the U.S. and Canada," the statement noted. The first 500 locations have already been chosen.
“We know that dads want to be able to bond with their children by taking them out and about, and that means the inevitable diaper-duty no matter where they are," explained Andre Schulten, vice president and general manager baby Care North America, Procter & Gamble. "In many instances today, instead of it being an easy, straightforward task it’s a moment that causes angst because the facilities needed are not always available.”
They are calling the initiative #LoveTheChange in response to Palmer's initial hashtag and they've even partnered with the dad to help spread the word.
The brand is even partnering with musician John Legend, who tweeted his support for dads who need will change diapers on the floor while caring for their little ones.
“I am so excited to play a role in Pampers’ Love the Change campaign," Legend explained. "I love being a hands-on dad, and it is so important that we acknowledge the active role dads are playing in their babies’ lives."
"Spending time out and about with my kids is one of the greatest joys in my life, but it’s frustrating when I am out with Miles and the men’s restroom doesn’t have a baby changing table. I’m proud to support Pampers as it paves the way for more inclusive parenting by providing all of us dads out there with the tools we need to succeed," he added.
And Palmer is also excited to be partnering with the brand to make a difference. "Just 8 months ago, I was squatting in a men’s restroom changing my son’s diaper," the dad wrote on Instagram on June 10. "Fast forward to now and I’ve teamed up with @PampersUS to help make a difference in the lives of dads!" he added victoriously.
