Public restrooms aren’t exactly known for their convenience, simplicity, or user-friendliness. This is especially true for families who brave these awkward facilities with newborn babies, energetic toddlers, bulky strollers, overpacked diaper bags, and pregnant tummies. There’s a lot cities can (and should!) do to make their public restrooms more accommodating. The Portland Loo is blazing the trail as the most family-friendly facility available. Let’s explore some ways cities can better serve their family units and how the Loo stands out in these areas.
Space: Everyone deserves some of it
Space is a necessity for young families. When nature calls, it’s calling everyone. That’s why restrooms need to have sufficient space to accommodate little ones, strollers, purses, diaper bags, and other personal belongings. And, this isn’t just about how much space a restroom takes up. Rather, it’s about how much space families have in a single stall. The Portland Loo is a perfect example of offering enough room in a single stall even with a small footprint. Despite measuring only 6 feet x 10.5 feet, the stall easily accommodates small families.
Further Reading: How the Portland Loo Maximized Public Space
Safety and Privacy: Two crucial factors
Safety and privacy are chief concerns for mothers in public with small children. Tragically, public restrooms have earned a reputation as crime magnets for their tendency to attract illicit behavior. An unintended consequence of designing for optimal user comfort has been an invitation for criminal activity. The Portland Loo’s unique design with angled louvers strikes the perfect balance between privacy and safety. Families can use the facility with the peace of mind of knowing they’re protected. This security keeps the Loo open for every family.
External Sinks: Hygiene without the hassle
Most public restrooms stick the sinks right next to the stalls. That’s all fine and dandy when you or the kids need to use all the facility’s features. But, that’s not always the case. If you’re looking for a quick handwash or splash of water, going into the restroom is a complete hassle. With external sinks, the Portland Loo nips this issue in the bud. You can maintain hygiene and protect your kids’ health without having to venture into the bathroom. It’s like a pit stop for hygiene – quick, efficient, and on the go.
Grab Bars: Extra support for expecting moms
Pregnancy comes with a few physical challenges…to say the least. Every mother knows that “going” is no walk in the park when you’re expecting. The once-simple movements of standing up and sitting down require tremendous care, patience, and muscles of steel. For these users, grab bars become essential, not just convenient. They provide the crucial support expecting moms need to stay balanced and comfortable. The Loo conveniently provides three different grab bars strategically placed for optimal user-friendliness.
Durability: Providing for families far into the future
The Portland Loo isn’t considered the toilet of the future for its revolutionary design alone; it also earns the title because it’s going to be here tomorrow. Most conventional restrooms seem to fall into disrepair within a few years, leaving families with no reliable facilities. A public toilet can only be considered family-friendly if it can stand the test of time. With virtually indestructible stainless steel walls, the Loo can withstand damage, vandalism, and graffiti. In fact, this powerful potty can last for decades!
Baby Changing Stations: A must-have for families
Not every member of the family is old enough to actually use the restroom. That’s where baby-changing stations come into play! These crucial features are a must-have for those with newborns and babies. Sadly, many facilities overlook this necessity or provide inoperable solutions. The Loo serves families, once again, by including sturdy, sizeable, and easy-to-clean baby-changing stations.
In more than 20 cities nationwide and abroad, The Portland Loo is serving families better than the competition. If you’re interested in bringing a Loo to your city, follow these proven strategies. Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
