Should Restaurants be Required to Have Changing Tables in the Men’s Restroom?

Where to Change the Stinky Diaper?

California recently tried to pass two bills that required businesses to have diaper changing tables in both restrooms – men’s and women’s. The bills were both vetoed, as the California Governor, Jerry Brown, felt that the decision to have diaper changing tables should be left up to the business owner(s).

Even with a veto, these bills do raise questions on the requirements of diaper changing tables in the men’s room in private businesses, especially family-friendly restaurants. I’ll let you give us your own thoughts in the comments below, but here are a few reasons why we think you should have changing tables and a few reasons why we understand you don’t.

Why You Should Have Diaper Changing Tables

  1. It’s only fair to have a changing station available for both parents.
  2. Because some people are totally fine with changing diapers at your restaurant dining area tables.
  3. If you are a family-friendly establishment, your parent patrons are expecting to see a diaper changing table – yes, even in the men’s room. Seriously, someone already made a site to help parents find changing-table-friendly-restaurants.
  4. They’re really not that expensive.
  5. Koala makes stylish models to fit your decor.
  6. Some areas have very extreme temperatures that make it difficult to change a baby in the car. Having a spot to safely change the baby makes for happy parents.

Why You Don’t Have Diaper Changing Tables

  1. Traditionally, there aren’t diaper changing tables in the men’s room. How have dads been changing diapers up until now? No reason to break something that isn’t broken.
  2. Because some people like to try to sit on the changing table, thus breaking them. You’ve already replaced them 4 times and now you’re taking a stand.
  3. They’re ugly/they don’t go with the decor.
  4. They’re gross – these things are nastier than the toilet seats!
  5. It’s not a requirement; it’s a courtesy.
  6. There are potential liability issues.

Tell us what you think about diaper changing tables being required in a restaurant.

About Kasy Allen

Kasy Allen is the owner and lead marketing strategist of Annapurna Digital, a digital marketing agency. In addition to working with Tundra Restaurant Supply with their online marketing strategies, Kasy has helped many online brands find their online voice and an online marketing strategy that brings in the right users and increased revenue. When not in the office, Kasy can be found exploring the great outdoors of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

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One comment

  1. So I have a restaurant client who opened a new location and the contractor recommended they don’t put them in because of liability reasons. It’s an extremely kid friendly restaurant, and now I’m seeing complaints on-line that they don’t have them. What are your thoughts on this? I think they should have them. Is this contractor just being overly cautious, or is it better to be safe than sorry?

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