ADA Requirements for Baby Changing Stations

ADA Requirements for Baby Changing Stations

While it isn’t a federal law that every public restroom contain a baby changing station, establishments that make investments in baby changing stations provide a higher level of customer service.

Restaurants, hotels, and stores demonstrate the importance of patron needs when they provide a safe, clean place for parents of either gender to change diapers. Here’s what establishments need to know to follow ADA guidelines when updating or building your facility’s restrooms. 

First things first: what is the ADA? The Americans with Disabilities Act, enacted in 1990, provides protective measures against the discrimination of those with disabilities. For business and property owners, the guidelines ensure their facilities are easily navigated and enjoyed by visitors in wheelchairs or with other mobility challenges. Every aspect of the washroom in your public establishment must accommodate guests of varying abilities, including the safe use of baby changing stations. 

Wondering how universal changing tables can bring comfort and dignity to adults with limited mobility? Explore our Ascent resources and discover solutions designed with care. 

ADA Baby Changing Station Requirements 

Establishments often struggle to fit baby changing stations into restrooms, opting to install them in handicapped stalls. When space is at a premium, you consider the purpose and ROI of every square foot in your building! 

Businesses must follow these regulations to keep their baby changing stations ADA compliant: 

ADA Compliance Standards Guide

  • 306.3 Knee Clearance 

    When the unit’s bed is openedand laid flat, it must provide adequate knee clearance below the station. Knee clearance must extend 25 inches under a changing table, and the unit must be 9 inches above the finish of the ground.

  • Diagram showing minimum clearances for a wheelchair at a door threshold.

    Figure 306.3 a
    Knee Clearance, Elevation View

  • Technical drawing with a shaded square and dimensions labeled on a white background

    Figure 306.3 b
    Knee Clearance, Plan View

  • 307.2 Maximum Protruding Objects 

    Units are not to protrude more than 4 inches from the wall when closed.

  • Diagram showing a person with dimensions for door height and width, and a cane for accessibility.

    Figure 307.2
    Maximum Protruding Objects

  • 308.2 Forward Reach 

    A unit should not require a high forward reach (no more than 48 inches) and a low reach of 15 inches above the finish floor or ground when unobstructed.

  • Diagram showing a person in a wheelchair reaching to open accessible changing station

    Figure 308.2 a
    Forward Reach

  • Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the clear floor space shall extend beneath the element for a distance not less than the required reach depth over the obstruction. The high forward reach shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum where the reach depth is 20 inches (510 mm) maximum. Where the reach depth exceeds 20 inches (510 mm), the high forward reach shall be 44 inches (1120 mm) maximum and the reach depth shall be 25 inches (635 mm) maximum. See figure(s) 308.2.2(a) and 308.2.2(b) below.

  • Diagram showing a person in a wheelchair reaching top of changing table

    Figure 308.2.2 a
    Forward Reach

  • Diagram showing a person in a wheelchair reaching across changing table

    Figure 308.2.2 b
    Forward Reach

  • 308.3 Side Reach 

    Like forward reach requirements, side reach compliance calls for a high side reach of 48 inches and a low side reach of 15 inches.

  • Diagram showing a person in a wheelchair using a stairlift with dimensions indicated.

    Figure 308.3
    Side Reach, Elevation View

  • 309.4 Operation 

    Unit should be operable with only one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. The force necessary to use the station should not exceed 5 pounds.

  • 902.3 Work Surface 

    The work surface should be a maximum of 34 inches and a minimum of 28 inches above the floor.

For more information on compliance for small businesses, visit the ADA site’s Guide for Small Businesses. For guidance on installation, see our comprehensive installation guidelines page for more information. 

We know how important it is that your facility meets both ADA and customer standards. Sova’s baby changing tables offer the best value and the most extensive selection to accommodate every budget while always adhering to ADA specifications.  

Contact us by email or call 330-722-5033 to learn more about our full line of public washroom products, including baby changing stations, accessories, and more.