For all their necessity and the use they get on a daily basis, public changing facilities are frequently misunderstood. When design decisions are based on outdated assumptions, the result is spaces that fall short of real accessibility and care. Here, we unpack five common myths and look at what actually supports fully usable, inclusive public environments.
Myth #1: “Changing Facilities Are Only for Parents with Babies”
The Reality: Public changing facilities serve far more people than just parents of infants.
While baby changing stations are often the most familiar example, public changing facilities are used by a wide range of individuals and caregivers. This includes people with disabilities who require assistance, older adults with mobility or incontinence challenges, people recovering from surgery or injury, and caregivers supporting loved ones of any age.
Universal changing tables address this critical gap in public spaces by providing a safe, hygienic surface for individuals who cannot use standard restroom fixtures independently. Without these facilities, families and caregivers are often forced to leave public spaces early or avoid them entirely.
Designing changing facilities with this broader audience in mind shifts the conversation from “family-friendly” to truly inclusive. It acknowledges that care needs don’t end in childhood and that accessible design should support people across the full spectrum of life.
Myth #2: “Providing One Accessible Stall Is Enough”
The Reality: Access to a restroom doesn’t equal access to care.
Accessible stalls are designed to support wheelchair entry and mobility, not assisted changing. For individuals who require help, whether due to disability, age, or medical need, a larger stall still lacks a safe surface and adequate space for dignified care.
Without dedicated changing facilities, caregivers are often forced to improvise (such as by using the floor) or leave the space altogether. Universal changing tables are specifically designed to support assisted care, reduce strain on caregivers, and allow users to be changed safely and respectfully. True accessibility goes beyond minimum compliance. It ensures people can fully use a space—not just enter it.
Myth #3: “These Products Are Rarely Used, So They’re Not Worth the Investment”
The Reality: Low visibility doesn’t mean low need—many Americans rely on caregiving support that makes appropriate facilities essential.
Many people don’t use public changing facilities simply because they aren’t available and the need is far greater than it appears. In the U.S., 12.1% of Americans have a mobility-related disability, and approximately 63 million adults serve as family caregivers for loved ones with disabilities or complex needs. Together, these figures highlight a clear gap between real care needs and the public infrastructure meant to support them.
When appropriate changing facilities are provided and easy to locate, they are used. More importantly, their value isn’t measured by daily head counts alone. They support longer stays in public spaces, reduce unsafe practices (like changing on restroom floors, in vehicles, or outdoors), and make outings feasible for those who might otherwise stay home.
Myth #4: “Public Changing Facilities Are Too Expensive or Complex to Install”
The Reality: Public changing facilities are far more feasible and cost-effective when considered early.
Public changing facilities are most often perceived as expensive or difficult because they’re treated like an afterthought late in the design process. When addressed early, there are a range of wall-mounted options that can be integrated without significant space or structural impact. Early specification also helps avoid rushed substitutions during value engineering, where short-term savings can lead to higher maintenance costs and limited usability.
When viewed through a lifecycle lens, well-designed changing facilities deliver long-term value by supporting durability, reducing risk, and serving a broader range of users, acting as a practical design decision, not an added burden.
Myth #5: “There’s no Code or Standard Requiring Them”
The Reality: Codes, legislation and standards are evolving to require both baby changing stations and adult changing stations in restrooms —and waiting puts projects behind.
While there are few consistent requirements for baby and universal changing stations nationwide (other than the BABIES Act of 2016 and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 at the federal level), state jurisdictions, evolving model codes, and local ordinances are increasingly requiring them in public facilities. As codes continue to advance and municipalities move ahead with their own standards and guidance, expectations are clearly shifting.
Designing only to today’s minimum requirements risks creating spaces that quickly feel outdated. Proactively including baby changing stations and universal changing tables helps future-proof projects, support inclusive use, and demonstrate a commitment to care and dignity for people of all ages and abilities.
Read more about evolving standards:
International Building Code Requirements for Universal Changing Tables
Adult Changing Table Legislation in the United States
Interactive Universal Changing Table Legislation Map
Baby Changing Table Laws in the U.S.
Moving Beyond Myths in Public Changing Design
Outdated myths often shape how public changing facilities are planned—or overlooked. By moving past these assumptions, designers and decision-makers can better support real users, evolving expectations, and inclusive public spaces. Thoughtfully planned changing facilities aren’t just about compliance, they’re about care, dignity, and designing for how people actually use the built environment.
The next step is to choose solutions designed for real-world use. Explore baby changing tables and universal changing stations built for durability, safety, and inclusive care and specify products that support people of all ages and abilities from day one.
Sources for Further Reading:
AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving
U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention