As local and state legislation evolves to require baby changing stations in more public spaces, it is important to learn how to install a baby changing station safely and effectively. While not yet mandatory across the United States, many local and state jurisdictions have implemented laws to require public buildings to have at least one baby changing station accessible to patrons. As of May 2026, there are 13 states and nine cities with baby changing station requirements.
For more information on local and state requirements, visit our page on Baby Changing Table Laws.
Proper Changing Station Installation
ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has provided protective measures against the discrimination of disabled individuals since it was introduced in 1990. When installing a baby changing station in your public washroom, following ADA guidelines is a necessary part of creating a safe, compliant space.
Businesses are required to follow these ADA regulations when installing a baby changing station in their facility:
306.3 Knee Clearance
307.2 Maximum Protruding Objects
308.2 Forward Reach
308.3 Side Reach
309.4 Operation
902.3 Work Surface
For more details on keeping baby changing stations ADA compliant, visit our ADA Baby Changing Station guide.
The Importance of Wall Type
Before you begin installing a baby changing station, identify what kind of wall you will be mounting the unit to, as different walls have different strengths and mounting requirements.
Depending on what type of studs the wall has (concrete, wood, steel), you may have to use additional hardware to ensure the changing station is safely installed. If the studs are constructed from steel or concrete block, we recommend referring to a professional contractor or architect to determine the suitable hardware for your project.
Why Installing Into the Studs Matters
The weight limit and inherent strength of a baby changing station is only as good as the wall mounting. Stud mounting isn’t just a requirement for many baby changing stations, but without it, the wall may fail before the unit does, which would be a major safety issue. Installing the unit directly into the wall studs gives you maximum heavy-duty support and helps prevent damage to the wall (while protecting the user).
Backer Plates: Simplified Installation and Improved Strength
Backer plates are designed to improve the installation method by making it easier for a single person to install the unit and provide extra strength and support compared to installing the unit without a backer plate.
Sova’s patented EZ Mount™ Backer Plates (available as Horizontal or Vertical) are compatible with a variety of Sova baby changing stations, eliminating the need for structural blocking during installation and providing additional strength to withstand real-world use.
Product Installation Guides
At Sova, each of our changing stations includes an installation guide to take the guesswork out of the setup process. Here, you will find specific, in-depth information on each model’s mounting requirements, including the location of each mounting point and the number of studs that must be used.
Digital versions of any installation guide can be found on the product’s page under Downloads and Resources, or by going to our Support Documents hub.
More Than Compliance
Ensuring baby changing stations are properly installed in your establishment is more than a compliance requirement, it is best practice for helping families feel included in your space and giving them a dedicated, hygienic environment for their diaper changing needs.
For high-performance, easy-to-install baby changing stations, explore Sova’s catalog of changing stations.
Looking for information on installing the Ascent Universal Changing Table? Watch the video below:
