Babies

Men Will Have Access to Baby Changing Tables Under Bill

Changing times: Connecticut legislation requires infant changing tables to be available to men as well as women.

It could soon become easier for men to change a baby's diaper in Connecticut. 

The state Senate on Wednesday voted 34-2 in favor of a bill that requires newly constructed or substantially renovated public or commercial buildings to have an infant changing table available to men, as well as women. The bill now awaits action in the House of Representatives. 

Democratic Sen. Dennis Bradley of Bridgeport said "men also have the responsibility to change the diapers of our children" in today's world. 

Parents who spoke with NBC Connecticut said they are thrilled about the proposal.

"I think it's a great idea," Luis Negreros, of Ellington, said. "A lot of times I got to restaurants without my wife because either she’s working or she’s sick and it’s hard for me to go to into a restroom and there’s not a changing table for kids and I have to pretty much hold them on my hands.”

Democratic Sen. Will Haskell of New Canaan notes the law change is important for same-sex parents. 

Haskell said his brother and husband too often "have to resort to a floor or counter" to change their daughter's diaper because there isn't a changing table in many men's rooms. 

See the bill here. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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