The City of Columbus wants to bring equality to parents when it comes to changing diapers.
Columbus City Council conducted a first reading of legislation that will help businesses install baby-changing tables in men's restrooms on Monday.
In many businesses, there is only a changing table in the women's restroom.
Columbus City Councilman Michael Stinziano said businesses can begin applying for baby-changing tables one month after it's approved through the city's website.
Small businesses with both a men's and women's restrooms must apply for two. Restaurants with unisex or family restrooms can apply for one.
Businesses will receive these changing tables free of charge, but will be responsible for the installation.
The idea grew out of an idea from Dr. Ethan Hansen and a conversation with Stinziano.
Months back he was at a parents group with his infant daughter when she needed her diaper changed. However, he says when he went to the bathroom, he noticed there was no space available for him to change her.
"There was no changing table," he said. "There was nothing and the only spot was on the ground in front of the urinal, which is not where you want to change your daughter."
He says he put a mat down and changed her on the floor.
Stinziano says $10,000 will be appropriated up front. The city will then assess the need and will earmark $15,000 more for baby-changing tables as more requests come in.
The cost of the baby-changing tables are around $350 per unit. Stinziano says the city has partnered with an Ohio company out of Medina that has lowered the cost to $140 per unit.
It's important. It's a good start, Dr. Hansen says. But, he's hoping it's just the beginning.
"Rather than just a grant, I'd like this to be part of law," he said.