Petition to Require Baby Changing Stations in All Public Restrooms

As a mother of five children, I know firsthand the struggles that parents and caregivers face when it comes to changing their babies while out in public. Many times, I’ve had to fold a blanket on the cold, unsanitary bathroom floor to change a diaper, or worse, choose to change my baby in a more public space because the restroom lacked a changing station. Neither option is safe, sanitary, or acceptable.

The Problem:
Across the country, many public restrooms—whether in malls, restaurants, airports, or even government buildings—fail to provide a simple, yet essential, feature: a safe and clean place to change a diaper. Without these stations, parents are left with no choice but to resort to unhygienic, uncomfortable, and often unsafe alternatives.

The Data:
Studies have shown that this is a widespread issue:

A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Study (2015) found that only 2% of restrooms on campus had changing tables.

A Philadelphia Restaurants Study (2019) revealed that only 16.7% of surveyed restaurants had baby changing stations.

These statistics highlight a gap in accessible care for families, and it’s time for that to change. 

Our Call to Action:
I am petitioning for a law that requires all public restrooms—whether in businesses, government buildings, or other public spaces—to include at least one baby changing station. This small change will make a huge difference in the lives of parents and caregivers, providing a cleaner, safer, and more respectful environment for our children.

I ask for your support in making this essential change to ensure that all parents, regardless of where they are, can care for their children with dignity and peace of mind.

Sign this petition to show your support and help bring about change for families everywhere.

Petition will read as follows:

Baby Jones Act

Section 1: Purpose
To ensure that all public and commercial restrooms provide a safe and sanitary space for caregivers to change infants and toddlers.

Section 2: Findings
Research has shown a significant lack of baby changing stations in public restrooms:

A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Study (2015) found that out of over 1,880 restrooms on campus, only 40 (approximately 2%) had diaper-changing stations.
A Philadelphia Restaurants Study (2019) surveyed 60 restaurants and revealed that only 10 (16.7%) had diaper-changing stations.
These studies highlight the need for a legal mandate to ensure parents and caregivers have access to safe and sanitary baby changing facilities.

Section 3: Requirements 

Mandatory Installation: All publicly accessible restrooms (including men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral restrooms) in businesses, government buildings, and public spaces must have at least one baby changing station.
Compliance Deadline: Existing businesses must comply within two years. New constructions and major renovations must include changing stations immediately.
Accessibility Standards: Changing tables must be clean, safe, and comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility requirements.

Section 4: Exemptions

Businesses under a certain square footage (e.g., small establishments with no customer restroom) may be exempt.
Facilities with structural limitations preventing installation may apply for an exemption.

Section 5: Enforcement & Penalties

Inspections will be conducted through health or building code enforcement agencies.
Non-compliance will result in fines and required corrective action.

Section 6: Funding & Incentives

1.Small businesses may apply for grants or tax credits to assist with compliance costs.
Public awareness campaigns will educate businesses and consumers on the importance of baby changing stations.

2. Public awareness campaigns will educate businesses and consumers on the importance of baby changing stations.