We love stories about responsible dads who take care of their babies when it’s mom’s day off. Today’s Reddit story comes from the AITA (Am I the A**hole) subreddit – where people post questions about certain scenarios they’ve been in to ask whether they did the right thing or not. In a recent thread, users shared their opinions on a dad’s decision during his partner’s pregnancy, leading to a significant reddit backlash on pregnancy comments. Many found the dad’s remarks insensitive, while others came to his defense, arguing that communication is key in such delicate situations. The heated debate sparked discussions about societal expectations of parenting roles and the importance of understanding both partners’ perspectives.
The Story
A person with the username trichapc posted their situation:
“Today I took my 3 month old twins to the supermarket by myself while my wife had a day to herself (she is a stay at home and I have been working a lot more due to the holidays)
“While shopping my daughter pooped, and I mean she POOPED. There’s no changing tables in the men’s room and there was no family bathroom. I went to the Starbucks in the store and asked if I could change her on one of the tables in the back (I have a blanket and a changing pad in my bag, her a** wouldn’t be on the bare table) The barista said yes so I got to business.
“An older woman, probably late 40’s early 50’s came up to me and started talking to my son who I was baby wearing on my back. He’s cute so I didn’t pay any mind. She then started telling me I needed to make sure to wipe her “little tookie” referring to her privates. I told her I am well aware of how to change a diaper, she continued to critique (best word I can use) my wiping style and eventually when I went to change her clothes due to baby poop blowout and while I was putting her dirty clothes in a waste bag, the woman goes to put her clothes on her. I snatched my daughter up off the table and told the woman “I don’t need someone else dressing my baby, go away you creep.” The woman looked flabbergasted and then started crying saying she was only trying to help. Pretty much everyone in the surrounding area told me that was an over reaction and she was only trying to assist me.
“I feel bad for snapping at her. My wife told me not to because she would have done the same thing, but I feel like a douche bag.
“AITA?
He added a few updates to his post to further clarify the situation:
“Edit: I have not had a comment asking this but I will put this out there
“I did not go to my car to change them because I did not have a car. I walked to the store that is only about a 5 minute walk, and I was not going to make my baby sit in poop while I finished shopping.
“Final edit: I changed my baby on the table because I wasn’t going to allow my infant to sit in mess while I put my groceries back and walked home. I realize changing her on the table was not the best idea, but it was my only option. I could not change her on the floor of the men’s room with my other baby still on me, and the store manager told me it was alright and they will sanitize as soon as I was done. I also did not think to ask to use the women’s changing station. I recognize that I, as a 6’7 male, and intimidating and even with my two babies I thought it would be an issue. In the future I will make sure to ask, thank you for everyone who suggested it. It’s disheartening to see the backlash against breastfeeding policies, as they can often make parents feel unwelcome in public spaces. Positive support for breastfeeding can foster a more inclusive environment, allowing mothers to nurse comfortably. By promoting understanding and acceptance, we can help create a culture where all parents feel supported in their choices.
“Just to add, I didn’t ask if I was an a**hole for changing my daughter on the table, and I don’t particularly care if you think I am. I asked if I was the a**hole for how I responded to the woman. Thank you.
The Responses
This man received very supportive comments and responses on his post. For context, NTA means “Not the A**hole.”
User theywereon_a_break said:
“NTA at all.
You do not ever try to touch a strangers baby. Especially not during covid and flu season. Maybe it was a bit much to call her a “creep”, but as someone who’s also got a baby I would definetly overreact too if a stranger tried to dress him.”
Another user, conisbomb, commented:
“NTA, as a mother myself, I would’ve said way worse than what you said. I’m super protective over my daughter and especially during flu season. also, I’m super creeped out why this lady thought it was okay to continue looking at your infant daughter’s private parts.”
PettyPhoenix also chimed in:
“NTA Stranger Danger! Good for you protecting your kids. She was showing some obvious chauvinism thinking a man can’t care for his young in this day and age!”
There are more than 2.7k comments on this question; almost all of them support the man and what he did. You can read all of the comments on Reddit here.
Our Take
We think this father did nothing wrong for being protective over his baby daughter while also handling a baby son. A stranger has no say over how you change your baby’s diapers – it’s that simple. NTA, and more power to you trichapc for being a good dad!
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What’s Your Take?
What are your thoughts on this father’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
