Baby care room for dads Photo: Screenshot of China Youth Daily

Heated discussions have emerged online after several places in China either set up dedicated baby care rooms for dads or converted traditional "mother-and-baby rooms" into gender-neutral "baby care rooms," open to both mothers and fathers, China Youth Daily reported.

The report cited a staff worker at Beijing's Chaoyang Joy City shopping mall as saying that the renovation was completed this summer. The upgraded room features automatic doors and curtains separating the breastfeeding area from the diaper-changing zone.

Fathers can change diapers in the shared area, while breastfeeding spaces remain reserved for mothers. Mall staff acknowledged the change sparked mixed reactions but said user feedback will guide future adjustments.

Other malls in Beijing are also exploring inclusive facilities. One shopping center has set up a dedicated "Super dads' spot," in addition to multiple mother-and-baby rooms. "Some fathers felt uncomfortable entering mother-and-baby rooms," a staff member explained, adding that reasonable suggestions are welcome.

The move follows similar initiatives elsewhere. In March, a "father-and-baby room" at a supermarket in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, also drew attention, according to the report. 

Marked with a blue bottle logo and a "'Super dads' spot" sign, the room is equipped with hot and cold water, a milk preparation area, and a changing table. 

A father waiting outside said such spaces make childcare outings far less awkward, especially since some mother-and-baby rooms explicitly bar men from entering, according to China Youth Daily.

Global Times