Many shopping malls and stores have installed designated parking spaces for family parking and new parents. Although all the signs do not use the same wording, I think the intention is the same – to give new parents a break and let them park close to the entrance of the store to make the loading and unloading of your newborns a little less stressful.
Unfortunately, I have received a few foul looks and comments from ladies when entering or exiting my car with my newborn.
As a new dad who frequently shops with his newborn, I think that new dads should have the same rights to use these designated parking spaces just as new moms do. It is very helpful to have these spots, especially in cold or rainy weather for both moms and dads.
Sincerely,
Oakville Dad.
What do you think? Should Dads shopping with their newborn park in maternity spots? Have your say in the comment section below.
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Reverse feminism?
Absolutely, new fathers should have the same rights to use convenient parking spots as new mothers do. Businesses should change the wording in their signs to say “parking for parents traveling with a new born baby”. Most of the time fathers are out shopping with their newborn babies to give mothers a much well deserved break!
Absolutely you should have the same rights! Crazy that anyone would give you dirty looks for doing so!
Natalie (@YMCbuzz)
for http://www.YummyMummyClub.ca
Only 2 of those signs say mothers. And why does it have to be a newborn? Can’t a parent with 3 kids under the age of 4 park there? I do and my kids are 5 and 2. Do YOU want your 2 year old sprinting through a parking lot? I sure as heck don’t! Mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever…if they have little kids (like that you have to hold their hands so they don’t dart into traffic) should be able to park there, no question.
Absolutely! If you have a newborn with you, go ahead and park there. I’ve given to a guy who parked in one of those spots with no child.
It might be hard to get away with parking in one that’s exclusively for expectant mothers, but those ones are rare. Usually encompasses “with child” or “new parents”.
Of course you have the right to use the spots. Dads face the same challenges getting their little ones in and out of the cars as do moms, don’t they?
It saddens me to think that people would give you a hard time for this.
I agree with Frequent Shopper. The wording on many of these signs could be changed. I particularly don’t like the ones that just say “expectant mother.” Just how pregnant do I have to be to use that one? I know when I was 8 months and wearing a brace I really appreciated being able to park near the door, but the signs seem to imply that once the babe arrives it’s back to the end of the lot.
You should totally be able to park there when you are bringing your baby shopping. That’s what the spots are for!
Yes, it is ok. Equal opportunity right. Its just as hard for me to have my daughter as it is for any woman, what’s the difference?
As an expectant father I doubt I would ever use those spots without my wife, but I believe I would have the right IF it said ‘Customer with Child’. Having said that the only time I use ‘Expectant Mother’ parking is when I am with my wife (6+ months pregnant) and she has to walk with me… the fact that I am with her does not change the distance she has to walk, which is what those spots are for.
All I know is that if I am driving to the store with my newborn daughter, my 5 year old twins and my 7 year old son, I’m going to take any logistical advantage I can to get them into the store safely and efficiently. If that means using one of the spaces intended for just such a purpose…well so be it! Remember equality is not a one way street!
Men and Women are both parents of the baby/child. They equally are challenged in parking lots with young children. Parking lots can be scary with young babies in strollers are many people are too busy to look when backing out of spots. If my husband was out with our youngest I would hope he was able access the same parking spots as I can.
Great poll/post/topic.
Tamara
http://www.wondermoms.ca
Yes, you should park there. Most say new parents or parents with little ones, etc…and so they should. If you are out with a baby, likely you are struggling with a carseat as well, or trying to shield a baby from rain, snow, wind, bright sun, 30 degree weather, you name it. If it means a baby spends less time exposed to the elements…or, doesn’t wait that extra ten minutes for a feeding, or what have you…then I think the sign has achieved its purpose.
Congrats, and enjoy your newborn babe.
Thank you to everyone for your comments so far. Please keep them coming!
It seems that the different wording on the signs might be an issue. Anyone know who regulates those signs, perhaps the property management at each mall/store?
Absolutely. Why ever not? So long as someone is trying to juggle young children or children not understanding the dangers of a parking lot, they should be welcome to the space.
Don’t feel too bad dad. I’ve gotten dirty looks from moms who are in their 4th or 5th month of pregnancy for parking with my two kids in Loblaws. No, I’m not pregnant, but I think two preschoolers trumps all.
I think that if the sign says expectant mother parking – then only expectant mothers or mom’s with new babies should park there. I feel the reason for the parking spots is so that women who are pregnant have an advantage of where they get to park. I have 4 children between the ages of 2 and 7 and I would never park in an expectant mother’s parking spot. I am just as able to walk into the store as anyone else. Now if it says stroller parking then I think anyone with a stroller should be able to park there.
I’m all for anyone with newborns or infants using the spots especially expectant moms. What bothers me is an able walking women in their early 20′s using the spot because they just want to run in for a quick minute. I’ve mentioned it to two woman who did this and they just laughed. I have a 6 yr old and a 2 yr old and I haven’t used the spots since my youngest was still in the bucket.
I believe these designated spots should be used by expectant mothers and parents with babies in arms. However, once your child is able to be put in a stroller or walk unassisted, I believe parents should park in regular parking and leave these spots open for expectant mothers and parents with babies in arms. There are few enough of these spots and parents with toddlers should be able to make it through the lot without needing special consideration. Gender should not be a factor, but the age of the child should.
Just as an aside, I really, really get angry when I see people with wheelchair permits parking in designated handicapped parking spots when they don’t have the person with them to whom the permit was issued. Shame on you! It is not a personal priviledge; it is an allowance for a person deemed to need special consideration and being in a rush doesn’t qualify.
Let’s not be sexist here….If you are pregnant OR have small children; Mom’s or Dad’s need help. Having a parking spot close and in some cases a larger parking spot helps especially when you have a stroller. Remember times are changing and we need to change with them. Good for you Oakville Dad!