In Russia, there is a push to make mother and child rooms a standard feature in parks, shopping and entertainment centers, cafes, and educational institutions. Deputies from the Communist Party faction in the State Duma, Nina Ostanina, and from Just Russia for Truth, Yan Lantratov, submitted a formal appeal to the head of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, outlining the proposal. The appeal emphasizes that such rooms should be mandatory in public venues to support families with newborns and to safeguard the mental health of parents. This request was reported by the Parliamentary newspaper and has sparked discussion about the role of public infrastructure in family wellbeing.
The authors argue that access to dedicated spaces in public places matters for the well being of parents and infants. They note that the lack of suitable rooms creates stress for families with young children and can deter parents from visiting public venues. The appeal calls for creating uniformly applied sanitary and epidemiological standards for these rooms and suggests practical provisions. They propose offering disposable diapers and basic feeding supplies, installing comfortable seating, providing drinking water, and including a dedicated chair for feeding infants six months and older, as well as a bottle warmer, a changing table, a sink, and a trash receptacle. The proposal also mentions ensuring spaces for bathing babies where appropriate, to support families as they manage early caregiving needs in public spaces.
In addition to the measures for venues, United Russia Deputy Tatyana Butskaya has indicated plans to urge the Ministry of Health to revise the standards governing pediatric clinics. The goal is to ensure that new constructions and renovations include clearly designated areas for feeding and caring for a child, reflecting modern family needs and public health considerations.
There have been recent publicized incidents related to access to mother and child resources. A report from the Telegram channel Babr Mash noted that at Irkutsk airport a passenger with a baby was not permitted to enter the mother and child room, highlighting gaps in policy implementation and awareness that must be addressed for consistent access across venues. This incident has intensified discussions about how public spaces can better accommodate families and the importance of clear, enforceable guidelines.
Earlier, residents in Krasnoyarsk expressed frustration over breastfeeding in public, underscoring ongoing debates about how to balance parental needs with public norms. The current dialogue centers on expanding dedicated, hygienic spaces for nurturing and feeding infants, and on aligning public health standards with contemporary family practices. The proposals reflect a broader interest in ensuring that families have reliable, comfortable environments as they navigate daily life in public settings and educational institutions. Endorsements for standardized facilities aim to remove barriers so that parents can participate fully in community life without undue stress or inconvenience, while maintaining safety and sanitary conditions for all visitors. (Source: Parliamentary newspaper attribution)