US men's toilets to get baby facilities

Male toilets in public buildings in the US must now have baby changing facilities, according to a new law signed by President Barack Obama. Photo / AP

Male toilets in public buildings in the US must now have baby changing facilities, according to a new law signed by President Barack Obama.

Both male and female bathrooms should have a "physically safe, sanitary and appropriate" place to change a nappy.

Known as the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation (BABIES) Act, it was first raised back in April by Congressman David Cicilline.

"Federal buildings are paid for by taxpayers," he said.

"It's important to ensure that they are as open, as accessible, and as family-friendly as possible."

The act makes public places "more accommodating for working mums and dads" across the US.

There is no specific legislation in the UK regarding baby change facilities, Raymond Martin, director at the British Toilet Association (BTA) said.

The organisation was set up almost 20 years ago to campaign for better public toilets across the country.

Back then, he estimates, no more than one in ten male toilets had a proper place to change a nappy. Now it's closer to two-thirds.

- Reuters, AAP