Taslim Ahammad :
Many of us have seen baby changing stations at public places in the most civilized conditions, and they now need to install within buildings/premises people manage or serve in Bangladesh. Babies need frequent nappy changes and it is just as important to clean our baby fully whether they have wet themselves or done poo.
This changing places campaign is a movement dedicated to the provision of fully accessible facilities in our country. These differ from typical accessible toilets in that they contain a full-sized changing bench and hoist, a privacy screen, and enough space to accommodate an adult with two carers. Also, if possible, it is recommended a shower be installed in it.
This day and age, in Bangladesh most of the shopping centres, ferries, trains, ferry ports, airports, bus stations and large departmental stores must have baby changing facilities accessible to the parents that need them for the babies who are our future. Likewise, businesses organisations should took the opportunities to accommodate appropriate of changing facilities that are accessible to their valued customers, also creating a level are on field for both parents to compete in move about out of baby changing.
Baby changing mainly the unisex room within a building that is equipped for a parent to change a baby or child usually with accessible baby changing unit, seating, sink, toilet and washing facilities and other related equipment. This is worth remembering that changing units may not only be needed for babies, but also for children and adults with disabilities. There is an extreme lack of accessible changing facilities, meaning families of disabled children and adults are extremely limited in terms of the places they can comfortably visit in Bangladesh.
The British toilet association advises that for every 10,000 people using an area, there should be at least one unisex baby-changing facility. Changing our baby’s diapers regularly is important, as urine combined with the bacteria in poo can make skin sore and lead to diaper rash. Hence, it expected to do baby changing before or after every feed possibly, plus when the baby pooped.
When thinking of baby changing facilities, it is vital to consider what is essential. This is to ensure that our citizens have everything they need to complete a nappy change in the most hygienic way possible. And the important facilities includes: (i) Baby changer- Having a good baby changer that fits the room without compromising the space is vital for providing good facilities for all of the customers or public.(ii) Nappy bin – When baby changing, there is a need to dispose of any waste, in particular the nappies themselves. Getting a nappy bin that is able to keep the waste within and reduce the risk of infection and keep the room more hygienic is vital. Aside from buying a bin, if parents need a disposal service for nappy bin waste then may offer that too. (iii) Wipes – Another important baby changing item to make sure that have wipes for effective cleaning. The type of wipes that parents find in baby changing facilities is sanitary wipes. Sanitary wipes contain the disinfectants essential to combat the spread of germs, bacteria and any potential virus. (iv) Soap dispenser – Keeping parents hands clean and free from germs is important at any time also when baby changing, the risk of germs getting on to their hands is high. This is why users need a soap dispenser to be nearby. A soap dispenser should be in any washroom but having it near to the baby changer will make the baby changing easier and more hygienic.
Babies are not just more sensitive than adults to chemicals and odour; they are also more vulnerable to germs. For that reason alone, consistently applying proper cleaning principles to baby changing stations is of vital importance and should not be overlooked. With all of this in place, we can then look at where we have our baby changing facilities.
Consequently, whether we are planning a new washroom, about to undertake a refurbishment project, or simply looking to add a few upgrades to the existing washrooms, baby changing facilities can be integrated and retrofit in a few instant steps. As long as there are somewhere firm and secure to lay the baby, a place to put a changing bag, and good odour eliminating waste disposal, we may set.
Therefore, let’s be the voice of change towards realisation of baby friendly places for our country’s future generations, most importantly, our babies deserve better places with necessary facilities, like baby changing position!
(Taslim Ahammad, Chairman, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh)
