A netizen posted a promotional picture from a bathhouse in Shenyang, Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, with words stating: “‘Rental father’ providing a temporary service for male babies who prefer not to enter the female guest bath area,” went viral on Chinese social media platforms.

A netizen posted a promotional picture from a bathhouse in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, with words stating: "'Rental father' providing a temporary service for male babies who prefer not to enter the female guest bath area," went viral on Chinese social media platforms on Monday.

Netizens left comments such as "this service should be promoted nationwide" and "it is very humane, providing a new solution for moms who have difficulty bringing kids into sensitive areas." An employee from the bathhouse explained that they often encountered mothers bringing their sons who were unable to take care of themselves within the bathhouse. As boys cannot enter the women's bath area, the bathhouse would assign staff to help the boys get dressed and take a shower, then take them into the men's bath area.

The concept of a "rental father" service was launched in 2022, the employee said, explaining that the bathhouse has long been providing special services for moms who bring their sons alone. "Rental father" service is an extension of these special services, with no extra charge, he noted.