Room Service

Young Parents checks out 12 nursing rooms in new or renovated shopping centres and places of interest.

WHERE: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (in the Baby Centre at Guest Services, next to the entrance)

WHAT: It feels like home, thanks to the carpeted floor, reclining armchair and vintage wooden dresser. There’s a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, sink and water dispenser at your disposal, too. The tastefully decorated play area outside includes a television and toy set.

THE GOOD: The changing table comes with lotion and powder to keep Baby smelling fresh. Plus, a diaper genie keeps the place smelling nice all day. The play area is a great place for tired tots to cool down and recharge for more theme park fun.

THE BAD: Located quite a distance from most of the action, it might be difficult to get to when Baby starts fussing.

WHERE: ION ORCHARD (next to the restrooms on basements 1, 3 and 4, and on levels 3 and 4)

WHAT: With its sleek, black marble walls and gleaming countertop, this nursing room will make any mum feel chic. The only colour comes from the deep orange armchair for breastfeeding and a single orchid in a matching flowerpot.

THE GOOD: Got one of those Land Rover-size strollers? Not a problem here, thanks to the generous space and sliding doors. Each room has a standing electric fan in case it gets stuffy. The nursing rooms also come with hot and cold water dispensers, as well as bottle warmers. And if you’re out of nappies, basement 3’s room has machines that dispense linings for the changing table and disposable diapers for $1 each.

THE BAD: The room is not separated by dividers. That means no one can use the changing table when it is occupied. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives on other levels.

WHERE: CITY SQUARE MALL (next to the restrooms on basement 1, and levels 2 and 4)

WHAT: Cute ladybugs and a bright, yellow changing station make this feel like a preschool classroom. Even the dustbin is labelled with adorable pink letters.

THE GOOD: There are two separate nursing rooms with padded benches that are large enough for dads or an older child. Hang up your diaper bag on the hooks provided. If the rest of the family do not want to wait inside, they can take a seat on the bench outside the female toilet.

THE BAD: There’s no air-conditioning, so the room can get warm.

WHERE: ILUMA (next to the restrooms on every floor)

WHAT: So tiny they could be mistaken for storage closets. And judging from the mops and pails we found in one of the rooms, this is what the cleaners have been using them as.

THE GOOD: They are relatively clean and provide amenities like a sink, water dispenser and changing table.

THE BAD: While there’s a lock, passers-by can look in through the door’s glass panel. The room is so cramped that the changing table and small bench provided for nursing cannot be used at the same time.

WHERE: 313@SOMERSET (next to the restrooms on basement 3, and levels 1 and 5)

WHAT: Get the whole family’s “business” settled at the same time. There are three sections: one with adult and child toilet bowls, one with changing stations and a water dispenser, and one with a padded armchair for nursing.

THE GOOD: The nursing area is cosy and separated by a dark, heavy curtain to ensure privacy. There are also hooks and a small bench for diaper bags. A thoughtful touch: Tissues are placed next to the changing stations.

THE BAD: The room is not air-conditioned, even though the toilets are. This can make it uncomfortable, especially if the whole family is in there. And you can’t take your stroller into the small nursing area either.

Read the August 2010 issue of Young Parents for the full story on baby-friendly hangouts.