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Last year we reported on one dad's mission to bring much-needed change to a rather invisible parenting problem, calling for all men's public toilet's to be fitted with baby-changing tables.
The US-based teacher and father, Donte Palmer, had gone viral last year after posting an image of himself squatting against a wall in order to change his son's nappy.
The Instagram post sparked an online debate and saw Donte encouraging other dads to contribute to his social media campaign by posting similar images of themselves using the hashtag #SquatForChange.
With the passing of a new law in New York earlier this year, it seems Donte and his fellow dads' efforts have not been in vain.
What other invisible parenting problems have you noticed since your child was born? Tell us your take and we could publish your opinion. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
Also see: Fathers make society better and 12 other facts from the first State of SA’s Fathers report
Passed into law in April 2018 and implemented at the start of 2019, the ruling requires all restaurants, shops, cinemas and government facilities to install a minimum of one baby-changing table on each floor used by the public, reports CNN.
The new legislation also stipulates that nursing rooms become a standard feature in all state buildings accessed by the public.
The law is the very first of its kind, and according to an official statement by New York governor Andrew Cuomo, the aim of the regulation is to assist working parents and to foster "equal parenting".
For Donte, New York's innovative law is a huge encouragement to continue using social media to create change.
"SquatForChange has stirred up some serious conversations around parenting and it’s truly making a difference," he told Parent24 via email.
"Given our contribution towards raising awareness, New York has passed law! When I got the call, it was at that moment I knew this campaign is powerful. Just praying that other states and countries jump aboard so we can have the necessary resources when it comes to our small children."
Here's to dads making a difference – the rest of the world catching up!
Chat back:
What other invisible parenting problems have you noticed since your child was born? Tell us your take and we could publish your opinion. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous.
