A Parent's Guide to Finding Changing Stations
Every parent knows the feeling: you're out with your baby, the diaper situation becomes urgent, and you have no idea where the nearest changing station is. This guide covers everything from finding changing stations to handling the inevitable 'there is no changing station' situation.
In this guide
Where changing stations are most likely to be found
Based on community data from Throne Score, here's where you're most likely to find changing stations:
Almost always: Target, Walmart, Costco, major department stores, hospitals, airports, newer restaurants, and family-oriented businesses.
Usually: Shopping malls, public libraries, large grocery stores, chain restaurants (Chick-fil-A is notably good), and museums.
Sometimes: Coffee shops, gas stations, older restaurants, small businesses, and parks.
Rarely: Bars, small retail stores, older buildings, and food trucks.
The BABIES Act (2016) requires changing stations in all publicly accessible federal buildings in the US, but private businesses are not required to provide them in most states.
Using Throne Score's changing station filter
Throne Score's changing station filter is one of the most-used features in the app. Here's how to use it effectively:
1. Open the app and tap the filter icon 2. Toggle 'Changing Station' to on 3. The map will show only restrooms that have confirmed changing stations 4. Check the ratings -- a changing station exists, but is it clean? Is it in a safe location? Community ratings tell you.
Pro tip: Save your most reliable changing station locations to a 'Diaper Duty' list so you always have options in your regular areas.
The men's room changing station problem
One of the most common complaints from fathers: changing stations are often only in women's restrooms. This is slowly changing, but it's still a widespread issue.
Strategies for dads:- Look for family restrooms (single-occupancy rooms with changing stations)- Target, Costco, and newer businesses tend to have changing stations in both men's and women's restrooms- Some airports and malls have dedicated family/nursing rooms- Throne Score's community ratings often note whether changing stations are available in the men's room specifically
If you encounter a business that only has a changing station in the women's room, consider leaving a review noting this -- it helps other parents and sometimes motivates businesses to add facilities.
Emergency diaper change solutions
Sometimes there is no changing station. Here's what experienced parents do:
The car change: Keep a portable changing pad in your car. The trunk or back seat becomes your changing station. This is the most reliable backup.
The stroller change: If your stroller reclines flat, it can work as a changing surface with a portable pad.
The bench/grass change: In parks or outdoor areas, a portable changing pad on a bench or clean grass area works in a pinch.
Essential gear to always carry:- A portable changing pad (foldable, waterproof)- Extra diapers and wipes (always more than you think you need)- A plastic bag for dirty diapers- Hand sanitizer- A change of baby clothes
Advocating for better facilities
The more parents speak up about changing station availability, the more businesses respond. Here's how you can help:
- Rate restrooms on Throne Score, noting changing station presence and quality- Politely mention to business managers when changing stations are missing or poorly maintained- Support businesses that invest in family-friendly facilities- Share your experiences with other parents
Every rating you leave on Throne Score helps the next parent who's searching for a changing station in that area.