Hey friends, have you heard about the new law that’s shaking things up in NYC? Council member Jake Morales was taken aback when he spotted a dad trying to change his baby daughter’s diaper over a public restroom sink at a mall. Like, seriously? We all know parenting can throw some wild curveballs our way, but changing a baby over a sink? That’s just not cool. “It was rough to watch a father handle that in a space where so many people wash their hands after using the bathroom,” he shared with a local news outlet. “Parents deserve a better, more sanitary way to change their little ones.”
After witnessing that moment, Morales dove into the whole changing table situation and was shocked to find that women’s restrooms aren’t always better. Space in NYC is limited, and sometimes moms have to resort to using the floor or sinks too. But here’s the good news: the NYC Council just passed a bill that requires changing tables in all public restrooms, including men’s rooms! New constructions will have to comply, and older buildings will need to add them if they’re renovated.
While places like grocery stores and children’s clothing shops typically have changing tables in women’s restrooms, this new law will bring them to restaurants, coffee shops, and even movie theaters. More parents are taking their kids everywhere, and it’s about time our public spaces caught up. And yes, even nightclubs will have changing tables—so if you’re ready for a night out with your little one, just grab your sturdy carrier and some noise-canceling headphones.
NYC is leading the charge in this area, but it’s not a new topic. Celebrities like Tom Hanks have spoken out for more changing tables in men’s restrooms, and just last year, former President Barack Obama signed the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act, which mandates changing tables in all federal buildings—both women’s and men’s.
Morales’ new law is a step in the right direction that could inspire other cities to follow suit. With more dads stepping up to take on diaper duties, a CDC study showed that a whopping 90% of dads with kids under five help with daily tasks like bathing and diapering. Morales noted that there wasn’t much opposition to the bill, probably because changing tables are pretty affordable, costing between $155 and $185. “It’s a small price to pay for a big benefit,” he added.
Though Morales isn’t a dad himself, he hopes this legislation will encourage more men to take on their fair share of parenting duties. “It shouldn’t just be on women,” he said. “Men need to step up for diaper duty too.”
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In summary, the new law in NYC is a significant step towards equalizing diaper duties in public spaces. By providing changing tables in men’s restrooms too, we’re moving towards a more inclusive approach to parenting. Let’s hope other cities follow suit!
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