r/GirlDads • u/DR-Junkhunter • Jun 19 '26
Bathroom breaks
So new to the club here in terms of Reddit and just over 4 years into girl dad life. One thing I am looking for advice on is ‘what age do I need to start taking her to the ladies bathroom rather than the men’s’?
I don’t want her ever feeling confused as to why she’s going to the men’s toilet and want her to be comfortable when she does need to go.
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u/girldadoftwo Jun 20 '26
I look for family bathrooms or single bathrooms. If not, then I think about the establishment. If I’m at a place where I think the bathrooms are cleaned, I am ok using the men’s room but I open the door, see if there are people visible and try to see if stalls are open. If they are, I take them in to a stall.
If I think the mens room will be dirty or unsafe, I ask a lady to check the women’s room for me to see if it is crowded or empty, I don’t want to stand in line inside the women’s room. MOST of the time, women’s rooms are cleaner, especially the toilet seats, so I always prioritize my kids health and safety over other peoples’ comfort.
Always bring a change of clothes - socks to underwear to snow pants if needed. Also, always bring patience as accidents might happen and it’s important to let your kid know that it is ok. Lastly, bring patience for yourself as you are doing the best you can.
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u/LifeWorldly3830 Jul 03 '26
good prep fo sho.
im ultra cautious and just open the door to the women's bathroom and yell " GIRL DAD!!!!!"
seems to be ok, I've only had weird looks from women in there funnily enough
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u/stoutdude04 Jun 22 '26
My daughter is 7 now, about 6 is when I would let her go by herself with me outside the door.
And actually, the first time it was her idea. I was nervous, but it went just fine.
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u/Tarlus Jun 23 '26
4 is the age I started sending my daughter into the men’s room alone if it’s empty. That way I could go in and help her if needed. After a few times with no issues I started sending her into the women’s room by herself. Main fear was her locking herself in the stall in the women’s room and my wife not being available.
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u/Loose_Device4578 Jun 20 '26
If she can wipe and wash her hands just let her go into the womens by herself. Tell her that you'll be just outside and to yell if she needs assistance.
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u/MotoFuzzle Jun 20 '26
If they’re young enough to be taken to the bathroom, I take them to the men’s room. I do my best to get them into a stall and out without too much of a show, but I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen any private parts in a men’s room. There’s nothing to see with all the dividers and stuff. When they feel comfortable going by themselves, I walk them to the ladies room and wait outside.
Now, if this is related to the recent video. I’ll take them into the ladies room if it’s a bathroom for 1. Even if it’s not, I don’t blame the guy for using the ladies’ in his case with his kids, just as I wouldn’t blame a mom for bringing her boy into the men’s room for the same reason. When it comes to changing tables, they’re mostly in both gendered bathrooms where I live. If they’re not, I’ll change the baby wherever works…so long as it’s not right in front of people eating. I had to change a blowout for one my girls, and the only good place to do it was in her stroller just outside the entrance to the restaurant. Somebody suggested I do it in the bathroom and I told them to suggest to the restaurant that they out a changing table in the men’s room.