When my husband and I became new parents, we imagined dining out with our newborn would be a joyful experience. However, as we ventured into various establishments across New Jersey, we encountered an unexpected obstacle: the lack of baby changing tables in many restaurant bathrooms. While some restaurants provide these facilities, they are typically only found in the women's restrooms, leaving fathers without convenient options. Worse still, some smaller places offer no changing facilities at all.

This issue forces us into uncomfortable and unsanitary situations, changing our baby in the car or stroller, an option far from ideal. It shouldn't be this way. Every parent, regardless of gender, should have a clean, private, and accessible place to attend to their child's needs. The current setup not only undermines fathers who wish to be hands-on but also affects single fathers, grandparents, and same-sex couples, all of whom are entitled to equal parenting responsibilities.

In New Jersey, where family friendliness is a way of life, this is an oversight that needs addressing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over half a million families in New Jersey have children under the age of six. Making baby changing tables mandatory in all public restrooms, including men's, women's, and unisex bathrooms, would not only reflect our community values but also cater to the needs of these families.

We propose that the state of New Jersey enacts legislation requiring all restaurants, regardless of size, to install baby changing tables in every restroom. This change is not just about convenience; it's about setting an inclusive standard that recognizes all caregivers and provides them with the necessary infrastructure to care for their children.

So far, states like New York and California have already implemented laws to ensure inclusive bathroom facilities. It's time for New Jersey to follow suit, showing its dedication to family welfare and gender equality.

By supporting this petition, you're advocating for a small but significant improvement in the daily lives of countless families. Join us in urging policymakers to make baby changing tables a universal feature in every restaurant bathroom. Sign this petition today to bring about a necessary change for New Jersey families.