In today's world, providing family-friendly restroom features, including baby changing stations, is becoming increasingly important. As public awareness grows, so does the demand for these facilities. But are baby changing stations required by law? In this article, we'll explore the need for baby changing stations, the legal regulations, safety and hygiene considerations, and the benefits of having these stations in public restrooms.

Understanding the Need: When Are Baby Changing Stations Required?

The need for baby changing stations is driven by the growing recognition of the importance of family-friendly amenities. When are baby changing stations required? Generally, the need arises in any place where families with young children are likely to visit, such as shopping malls, restaurants, airports, and parks. These facilities ensure that parents and caregivers have a safe and hygienic place to change diapers, making their experience more comfortable and convenient.

Are Baby Changing Stations Required in Public Restrooms?

So, are baby changing stations required in public restrooms? While not universally mandated, many local governments and jurisdictions have started to include public restroom requirements for baby changing stations in their building codes and accessibility standards. This trend is part of a broader effort to make public spaces more accommodating for families with young children. Ensuring that both men’s and women’s restrooms are equipped with diaper-changing facilities promotes gender equality and accessibility.

Do I Have To Install A Baby Changing Station In Both Mens And Womens Bathroom? 

In the United States, whether you need to install baby changing stations in both men's and women's bathrooms depends on the specific laws and regulations of your location. The BABIES Act (Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act) mandates that baby changing facilities be available in both men's and women's restrooms in publicly accessible federal buildings. 

However, local building codes and regulations can vary, and some states or cities might have different requirements. Despite the legal specifics, installing baby changing stations in both restrooms is a best practice that promotes gender equality and inclusivity, accommodating the needs of all parents and caregivers. Therefore, check your local regulations and consider the benefits of providing these facilities in both restrooms.

Are Changing Stations Necessary In Handicap Stalls Or Bathrooms For ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not explicitly mandate the inclusion of baby changing stations in handicap stalls or bathrooms. However, incorporating baby changing stations in accessible stalls or restrooms is highly recommended to ensure that facilities are usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities who may be caregivers or parents.

By installing changing stations in ADA-compliant restrooms or stalls, you ensure that individuals with disabilities have the necessary space and accessibility features to use these facilities comfortably. This approach promotes inclusivity and convenience, supporting a wider range of needs and enhancing the overall accessibility of the restroom. Therefore, while not specifically required by the ADA, providing baby changing stations in accessible stalls or restrooms is a best practice that aligns with the principles of accessibility and universal design.

Legal Regulations

Legal requirements for baby changing stations vary by region. In some places, specific baby changing station laws mandate the inclusion of these facilities in new construction and major renovations of public buildings. These regulations are often part of wider restroom accessibility standards aimed at ensuring that public restrooms are usable by everyone, including families with young children. Business owners should familiarize themselves with local baby changing station regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines or legal issues.

Safety and Hygiene: Why Are Baby Changing Stations Required?

Safety and hygiene are critical factors in the need for baby changing stations. Public restrooms can be a challenging environment for parents trying to change diapers without a proper facility. Parents: how many times have you tried to change your baby on top of a sink with inadequate space?  I know I have. Not only is this a potential hygiene disaster, it is also not safe for the child.  Baby changing stations provide a clean, safe, and convenient surface for this task, reducing the risk of injury or contamination. They also include features like safety straps and antimicrobial surfaces to enhance hygiene and safety, ensuring that diaper changing is as stress-free as possible for parents and caregivers.

Benefits of Having Baby Changing Stations in Public Restrooms

The benefits of having baby changing stations in public restrooms extend beyond compliance with regulations. These facilities significantly improve the customer experience, making public spaces more accessible and welcoming to families. Businesses that provide baby changing stations are often seen as more family-friendly, which can enhance their reputation and customer loyalty. Additionally, accommodating the needs of all visitors, including those with young children, promotes inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces.

Baby Changing Station Requirements by State

More and more states are requiring baby changing stations to be accessible in public restrooms.  Some states require baby changers in all restrooms, others in at least one restroom in the facility. They are normally only required in new buildings, or buildings where there is a complete renovation of the restrooms. These requirements periodically change and states are adding requirements all the time, so please check with your own state for the most up-to-date rules.

• -In Arizona public restrooms must have at least one changing station that can accommodate both babies and adults and is available to both men and women. 
• -In California, all buildings owned or partially owned by the state or local agency, and all buildings that are open to the public such as restaurants and other establishments, must have at least one diaper changing station. There are some exclusions for smaller businesses, so please check legislation AB-1127.  
• -In Miami-Dade County, Florida, all buildings open to the public must have baby changing stations.  
• -In Honolulu, Hawai’i, businesses must have baby changing stations. 
• -In Illinois, all public restrooms must have a baby changer available to women and men.
• -In Maryland, Baltimore requires baby changing stations in all public restrooms. 
• -In Michigan, if there is a diaper changing station in the women’s room, there must also be one in the men’s restroom.
• -In Nevada, all public buildings must require baby changing tables.
• -In New Mexico, all restrooms in public buildings must have baby changing stations.
• -In New York, all men’s and women’s restrooms in public buildings must have baby changing stations.
• -In Oklahoma, Universal (or Adult) Changing Stations must be available in specific public facilities.  Legislation has been introduced to require baby changing tables in all public facilities.
• -In Dallas Texas, all restaurants, theaters and retail stores must have baby changing stations.  In San Antonio, Texas, all public restrooms must have baby changing tables.  
• -In Utah, all government buildings with public restrooms must have diaper changing facilities.
• -In Salt Lake City, Utah, all public restrooms must have a baby changing station.
• -In Spokane, Washington, all buildings owned by the city must have baby changing stations in all publicly-accessible restrooms.
• -In Wisconsin, all public restrooms must have baby changing stations.  

Universal Changing Stations

 A Universal Changing Station is also known as an Adult, or Special Needs changing station. It is adjustable in height and has a heavier load bearing capacity, eg 500 lbs, that enables diaper changing and other procedures for adult-sized people. A growing number of states are requiring Universal Changing Stations in public areas.  As of 2024, the following states have passed legislation that require Universal Changing Stations: 

• -Arizona
• -California
• -Hawaii
• -Iowa
• -Maryland
• -Minnesota
• -Missouri
• -New Hampshire
• -Tennessee

These states have pending legislation to require Universal Changing Stations:

• -Colorado
• -Florida
• -Geoegia
• -Illinios
• -Indiana
• -Kentucky
• -Massachussets
• -Michigan
• -Mississipi
• -New York
• -Ohio
• -Oklahoma
• -Pennsylvania
• -Texas
• -West Virginia
• -Wisconsin

Please check the legislation in your state to see the latest.

How Berl's Can Help

If you're looking to equip your facility with high-quality baby changing stations, Berl's has got you covered. We offer a range of baby changing stations that meet all safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards. Our products are designed to be durable, easy to clean, and user-friendly, ensuring that parents and caregivers have the best experience possible. Explore our selection of baby changing stations and enhance the family-friendly features of your restrooms today.

While baby changing stations may not be universally mandated, their inclusion in public restrooms is becoming increasingly common due to legal regulations and growing public demand. These facilities offer significant benefits in terms of safety, hygiene, and customer satisfaction. At Berl's, we are committed to helping you meet these needs with our high-quality baby changing stations. Ensure your restrooms are equipped to accommodate all visitors by choosing Berl's for your baby changing station needs.