NYC Dads Must Have Diaper-Changing Tables In Bathrooms, Bill Says

NEW YORK, NY — New York City dads may soon not have to worry as much about having a clean place to change their kids' diapers. The City Council on Monday passed a bill requiring certain businesses to have changing tables in both men's and women's bathrooms.

Under the bill, both men and women must be able to access a clean diaper-changing station in at least one bathroom on each floor of new and renovated buildings.

If Mayor Bill de Blasio signs it into law, the rule would apply to businesses open to the public, including department stores, restaurants, movie theaters, museums and other places.

The bill aims to make sure men won't have to struggle to change their kids in public bathrooms when the need arises. Councilman Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick) said he introduced it after seeing a dad trying to change his daughter's diaper on a dirty bathroom sink.

Publicly accessible federal buildings must provide changing stations in men's and women's bathrooms under the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act, which President Barack Obama signed in October 2016.

"Moms and dads should have equal access to sanitary and safe spaces when changing their baby’s diapers," Espinal said in a statement. "I am proud NYC is building upon the work of President Obama when he required federal buildings to have this requirement."

The bill is now headed to de Blasio's desk. It would take effect 180 days after the mayor signs it.

San Francisco and Miami-Dade County each have similar ordinances requiring equal access to diaper-changing stations, Today reported in 2014.

(Lead image by Andy Lanz via Pixabay)