WSLHD_CPH_Healthy High Density Living for Families with Chil

2.3 Infrastructure for Caregivers

Why it’s important Designing inclusive public spaces which consider the specific needs and daily journeys of caregivers and children, including those with disability is a critical component of creating a child-friendly city. Everyday movements of caregivers often include multiple stops within one journey. This might include travelling from home to work by stopping at the primary school to collect one child, followed by childcare to collect another, followed by the grocery store and the playground. Addressing the needs of caregivers in public spaces can positively impact their health and wellbeing by providing safe, welcoming, healthy and social environments which in turn can make their role as caregiver more enjoyable and rewarding.

How it can be done Public spaces should support the act of care giving by designing safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for caregivers, including the opportunity to pause and rest. This is important, especially when located near transit stops where caregivers may wait for long periods with children. Providing spaces which consider everyday needs such as feeding and nursing babies, playing and resting with a child, changing and washing young children and manoeuvring prams can significantly enhance an experience of public space by caregivers. Additionally, infrastructure which supports social opportunities for caregivers is critical in enabling social connection and mental health.

2.3 Key Design Guidelines Ensure public spaces and infrastructure supports the needs of caregivers by including the following considerations:

1 Improve access for caregivers by co-locating facilities such as playgrounds, shops and childcare facilities, alongside the provision of safe, active and sustainable transport options. Incorporate moments of play near rest spaces and ensure spaces are separated from heavy traffic, shaded, well-lit at night and with clear sightlines. Provide accessible pram and wheelchair-friendly surfaces and sufficient space for manoeuvring prams and wheelchairs within urban streets, particularly around transit zones and child-focused public facilities, such as toilets and drinking fountains. Integrate nursing rooms within public facilities which enable caregivers to safely change, feed and nurse a small child. Include private spaces for breastfeeding and facilities to warm up food.

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Image 37: Nursing rooms should consider spaces for changing, feeding and nursing small children.

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Images 38 and 39: Consider how children drink water and wash-up for independent use within public spaces.

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Healthy Higher Density Living for Families with Children: An Advocacy, Planning and Design Guide