We have one area mall that has spaces that
are marked for pregnant women or women
"with small children." They're right next to the
entrances after the handicapped spaces.
We've used them before, since they are there
and convenient, but I don't see that they're
really necessary.

What about the airline practice of allowing
families with little kids to board before other
passengers? I think that's actually a nice
accomodation, having flown before with a
10-month old. It makes it easier to get yourself
situated in the cramped quarters of an
airplane.