Dads Will Finally Get Baby Changing Tables in New York Bathrooms

Diaper duty isn’t fun for anyone, but it’s especially hard for dads when out and about with their baby. While most women’s bathrooms come equipped with changing tables, the men’s bathroom is a whole other story. After some fed-up dads took to the internet to let it be known that dads have to change diapers while in public too, the state of New York has responded.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced legislation in April that would ensure dads have a place to change their baby’s diaper while at restaurants, the movies and even at the DMV, saying, "all parents deserve a clean, safe space to take care of their baby’s needs."

This law officially went into effect on New Year’s Day. So now, all new and renovated buildings in the state of New York must include changing tables in both the women’s and men’s restrooms.

The legislation was inspired by a number of viral photos where angry dads showed how they had to change their baby’s diaper on the floor of public bathrooms or while balancing the baby in their laps because family bathrooms and/or changing tables in the men’s bathroom were nonexistent.

The state will be supplying changing tables to all businesses because, according to Cuomo, this is an issue for all parents.

“New York proudly leads the nation in fighting for the rights of working parents, and by ensuring access to these amenities, we will help ensure all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need at this critical stage of their lives,” Cuomo said of the legislation.

We love this idea and hope that more states follow New York’s progressive steps. After all, diaper duties should be shared between both moms and dads. Even if it’s a dirty job, someone’s got to do it.