New Law Requires Changing Tables In Men’s Restrooms

New York state has been passing a handful of new laws over the past few months. Most are small changes that don’t stray far from standard updates.

But there is one new law that is a total game-changer for fathers across the state: changing tables must now be in men’s restrooms as well as women’s.

While it may seem like no big deal to those without children, it’s a huge win for families.

All parents deserve a clean, safe space to take care of their baby’s needs.

We’re ensuring equal access to these amenities so all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need at this critical stage of their lives. pic.twitter.com/WW0lDZK104

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 5, 2018

Thank goodness that lawmakers in New York are aware of how times have changed and aren’t isolating these necessary diaper-changing stations to only the ladies’ room. After all, dads are parents, too!

The new law went into effect on January 1st, 2019. Now dads no longer have to worry about where they’re going to be able to change their child when they’re out in public.

#ChallengingChangingTable @ChangingTables @mylifesuckers @daddydoinwork @aplusk pic.twitter.com/siKwUEyGSn

— ChangingTableLocator (@ChangingTables) January 20, 2016

The new law is definitely a boon for single dads, divorcees, dads with male spouses, and any man caring for a child with special needs. But it goes beyond that. Now when duty calls in a public space, it doesn’t fall on just the mom. Both parents can now be equals when it comes to this area of childcare.

That also means that dads can’t fall back on the excuse, “I would if I could…” before passing their child onto Mom or Grandma when a massive blow-out happens while out running errands!

real men’s issues: not having baby changing tables in men’s restrooms
not real men’s issues: holding open a damn door

— DUTCH VAN DER LINDE IS SEXY (@fireplanetz) January 29, 2016

Hopefully this law has a ripple effect on other states. It’s time to move into the 21st century and recognize both parents as caretakers.

Women should not have to do all of the parenting “work” any longer.

Another reason to love being a New Yorker: #NYC legislation now requires new buildings to have baby changing tables in both men & women’s restrooms https://t.co/XNgS1AanZl

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) December 19, 2017

Because of this new law, the Uniform Building Code in New York is also shifting. Changing tables must be compliant with maximum safety standards.

Now, if a floor is accessible to the public, there needs to be at least one gender-neutral changing table. In addition, customers must be able to find said changing table easily, with the help of clear signage.

Gay dads like my husband & me may never have to change diapers on a bathroom floor👇🏻👇🏻again! @NYGovCuomo budget mirrors my legislation (S574) requiring new buildings to have baby changing tables in public restrooms for both women & men. #pottyparity pic.twitter.com/blQPy34OOw

— Senator Brad Hoylman (@bradhoylman) January 23, 2018

Isn’t this the way parenting should be? The stereotype of Mom tending to the house and kids while Dad works all day and rarely sees his children is so outdated. There are a wide range of parent types as well as a wide range of blended families. Thanks to this new law, dads in New York won’t have to wonder where they’ll be able to change their child when they’re out in public, and that’s one less thing to stress about!

Pass on this good news to your loved ones, and let’s make this the norm in every state!

I find it offensive that stores have baby changing tables in the women’s restrooms but not the men’s. Real men change diapers too.

— Justin Thorp (@thorpus) July 6, 2014

This story originally appeared at Goodfullness.