We wish to issue a complaint.
We’ve got nothing against Babies ‘R’ Us. Yes, we’re a bit overwhelmed by the whole idea of a ‘baby superstore’—which makes you think you need waaaay more than you actually need. Don’t get us started on the whole baby bathtub racket. Or changing tables? Useless piece of furniture! Use a dressertop with a pad! (Click here to see our list of baby products to avoid.)
But we digress. Sometimes one needs supplies, and Babies ‘R’ Us can offer good deals. Our complaint? It’s with their parking lots. The spots closest to the door are posted with signs saying “Reserved for Expectant Mothers.”
Uh, hello? Pregnancy is not a disability. By and large, pregnant women can and should walk. We’ve never looked at being pregnant as being a handicap unless of course we are nine months in, weigh a zillion pounds, have ankles swollen larger than our thighs and are anatomically out of balance while standing on a screeching piece of public transit. Then, yes, all you able bodied people should stand up and give us your seats.
How about also reserving convenient spots for mothers with small children? Because, really now, who deserves this courtesy? Parents lugging infant carriers or squirmy toddlers through a busy parking lot, that’s who.
Can we get an ‘amen’?
10 comments
Michelle says:
Mar 23, 2010
AMEN!! I think this EVERY time I go there!
Elle says:
Mar 23, 2010
AMEN! My annoyance comes from the moms to be who are a whole 2-3 months prego and feel the need to take those spots simply because they can.
Lizzie says:
Mar 23, 2010
ok..I have to disagree on that one just a tad…Yes exercise is the best but…yes I said BUT…you can easily park at the end of the lot and get the stroller out and put your child in the stroller and walk through the lot just as much as an expectant mother..I would give up my seat or parking spot to a pregnant woman any day…Learn control or teach your child the dangers of ranting in a parking lot…
Pam says:
Mar 23, 2010
AMEN Moms with infants and squirmy toddlers should get those spots
Dani says:
Mar 23, 2010
THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I could understand 4 spots, MAX, reserved for waddling-mothers-to-be… anything other than that definitely should be reserved for “family parking”. Our malls have this “family parking” and I think it’s fantastic. It’s reserved for families with strollers and such.
Veronica says:
Mar 23, 2010
I agree to an extent. However, myself having very complicated pregnancies that required me to do as little walking as possible, it would be convenient to be closer to the front door. Then again, when I was on bed rest, I didn’t go anywhere…so I do see your point. If you’re able-bodied enough to walk through the store and shop while pregnant, then you can walk a few extra yards through the parking lot.
Now…the question is…what about the expectant mothers WITH small children? I’ve SO been there, and frankly, I would be a little peeved if someone (not pregnant), with a toddler they can carry, got the closer space while my big-bellied pregnant self gets to evade inconsiderate drivers with my first grader and 2-year-old in tow.
Rhonda says:
Mar 23, 2010
AMEN! I had forgotten how really tough it is lugging toddlers in and out of car seats and strollers and grocery carts – then I started babysitting my grandson full-time when he was 8 months old. He’s almost two now. Further, while doing all that transport and transfer…it’s not like the little darlings are completely cooperative in the process!
Amy says:
Mar 23, 2010
I dont know I think its kind of awfull to complain about a store being sensitive to expectant mothers. Yes a pregnant mom needs to walk but what if its icy do we want her to fall on her keester? And to even be pissed off at a store who’s only purpose is to make life easier for a family….dont like it dont shop there especially if just the parking lot pisses you off other wise thank you to the stores who are considerate to others!!
admin says:
Mar 23, 2010
Amy,
Amy,
You’re right! A pregnant woman shouldn’t have to worry about ice in a parking lot.
We were thinking about how hard it is to negotiate a parking lot with tiny toddlers in tow and equal space should be allocated to that particular need!
The B’s
The B’s
Lauren says:
Mar 30, 2010
Family parking would be a great addition but I’ve known quite a few majorly pregnant mamas who had a hard time with balance and needed extra emergency bathroom trips. So, an extra long ungainly waddle trying to squeeze that tummy between tightly parked cars while one has to pee just seems unnecessarily burdensome. I always thought those stork signs seemed so welcome and friendly.