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Reviewed by B
Overall: Ok. Needs some TLC and a working aircon. I wouldn’t be comfortable breastfeeding in here as there is no privacy at all, just depends on the individual. Nappy change, food prep, rest and play.
Good Points: It has what you need. Change bays, sinks, microwave, wall mounted play unit, toilet, armchairs, television.
Bad Points: The aircon wasn’t working during this visit, the yellow walls are not that inviting even with the mural, and it’s tucked away down a corridor. No additional powerpoints. Stained and torn armchairs. One sink for the food prep and baby change area – not very hygienic. No papertowel in the toilet.
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| Working microwave and television |
We’ve seen Winston Hills Mall Shopping Centre many times from the car as we’ve driven by on the M2. For ages I’d been meaning to go and check it out, and recently it finally happened. I was expecting the Parent Rooms to be a bit more modern. The thing I liked most about this place is the great indoor play area next to the food court. It’s fabulous!
There are two Parent Rooms here, but we only reviewed the one opposite Big W during this visit. Opposite Big W, just follow the signs for the toilets down a corridor and you’ll find the Parent Room. Personally, I’m not a big fan of Parent Rooms tucked away like this. Just doesn’t feel that safe to me.
This Parent Room has yellow walls with a nature themed mural all over. To the right is the food prep area and nappy change bench, plus television.
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| Just the one sink for food prep and nappy changes |
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| Two change bays, bins underneath bench |
You know, I’m really not a fan one bit of only having one sink to cater for the needs of both the food prep and nappy change area. It’s just not healthy. Especially when the soap is at the opposite end of the bench to the nappy change area, the place where you most need it. I’d much rather prep any bottles or food for my little one at the indoor playground near the foodcourt, or even in the car.
That aside, at least there are a couple of change bays along the bench. And the nappy bins are easily accessible underneath the bench of each bay.
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| One wall mounted activity centre |
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| Two stained and torn armchairs for rest/feeding |
I was a bit disappointed to find the only place to feed your little one is in a corner where there’s a couple of comfy but ratty armchairs. No privacy at all. So if you’re heading out to the Mall, remember to bring a wrap or blanket to cover you and baby if you intend on feeding.
If you’re happy to just have a rest on the chairs though, your little one can have a bit of play time with the wall mounted activity centre. Some of the pieces are missing, but most of it is intact and should keep little ones entertained while you rest and recharge the internal batteries.
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| One toilet |
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| Sink, soap and hand-dryer in the toilet cubicle |
The last thing to check out during this visit was the toilet. There’s just the one toilet. Nothing special about it. Not much room in there, so you’ll need to keep the pram/stroller outside the loo. There’s a sink, soap dispenser and hand-dryer. The toilet paper dispenser seems a little out of reach for little ones, so you may need to be close by in case your little ones need some help.
I know I don’t seem very excited about this Parent Room. It’s just that it’s not at all exciting. It’s tired, warm, worn out, lacking important things like private feeding areas and a separation between the nappy change and food prep areas. These may seem like little things, but to those of us with little people to look after…these things take on a whole new level of importance. Hygienic, convenient, comfortable facilities are what we want most. It’s not a huge ask really.
Next time we visit Winston Hills, we’ll check out the other Parent Room near the Food Court. This one is blue! But it’s right next to the indoor playground and food court, which is super handy. That gives me hope already.
