For parents of babies and toddlers, a simple lunch out can quickly turn stressful when a change table isn’t available.
This is when two Victoria moms decided to turn that frustration into something positive by creating an online tool that helps families find baby-friendly spaces across Vancouver Island.
After a chilly experience changing her son outside a downtown restaurant, Portia Zaffaroni realized how common it was for local businesses to not offer those amenities for parents.
“We were mid-meal when I needed to change my 8-month-old son’s diaper, so I asked a staff member which of their two washrooms had a change table. They told me neither did. When I asked where I could change him that wasn’t the bathroom floor, and they suggested I use the outdoor patio area which is located on the public street,” Zaffaroni said.
“It made me realize how many places just aren’t set up for parents with babies. If a restaurant offers high chairs and booster seats, a change table should go hand in hand.”
Her friend Rebecca Garnham, who became a mom earlier this year, faced the same problem while out with her baby boy, William. Instead of letting the issue slide, she decided to build a solution.
She created an interactive, community-powered map that shows which restaurants, cafes, and public spaces have baby change tables.
The result is the creation of Vancouver Island Change Table Finder. The map uses green icons to highlight businesses that provide change tables and red icons for those that do not, helping parents plan ahead and avoid stressful surprises.
“Every time we found ourselves without a change table our confidence in going out eroded a little,” Garnham said. “Having a change table isn’t just a convenience. It tells families they belong here.”
Parents and caregivers can add new locations through the website’s Submit a Location button. They can note whether facilities are available and include extra details such as nursing rooms or stroller accessibility.
The map is updated daily and already lists close to 100 spots across Vancouver Island, with submissions coming in from places such as Campbell River, Nanaimo and Duncan.
The project has received an outpouring of support since its launch this fall. Garnham says she is thrilled to see families contributing and hopes businesses will join in as well.
“Families who feel supported by a business make pretty awesome repeat customers,” she said. “Inclusivity benefits everyone.”
Looking ahead, Garnham hopes to expand the map across BC and eventually turn it into an app. For both moms, the goal is simple: make life a little easier for parents and build a more family-friendly community.
“It’s a small change that makes a big difference,” Zaffaroni said.
“Parents shouldn’t have to think twice about where they can comfortably change their babies. This project helps make that possible.”
Know of a restaurant that has a baby change table? Let us know in the comment section below!
