Dictionary

diaper deck en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ˈdaɪ(ə)pɚˌdɛk/ (General-American)

Etymology

Genericized trademark from Diaper Deck, the brand name for a wall-mounted changing table created by the American Infant Care Products Corporation. This product name was first used on 24 April 1986, and is from diaper + deck (“any raised flat surface that can be walked on”) because the baby can walk and lay on the surface of the raised changing table.

Meanings

1. (US, archaic) A changing table, especially one that is foldable, wall-mounted and intended for infants or small children.
   • Like many other husbands and fathers, Price, 41, knows the chances are slim that he'll find a diaper deck in male restrooms when his 1-year-old needs changing. The situation was even more complicated when his twins, now 4, weren’t potty trained. It's just far more common to find changing stations in women’s restrooms. 2020 January 3, Kimberly Leonard, “Expanding Diaper Duty”, in Washington Examiner:
   • One of the most important inventions that was born during this era was the diaper deck, also known as the baby changing station. As women became more on-the-go, they realized that it was necessary to change their baby's diapers in public places and establishments, which can be a challenging task. 2012 July 19, Kristan Hawkins, “Baby Changing Stations Play an Important Role on College Campus”, in Standing With You:
   • If you choose to use an infant carrier in public, it is wise to have someone with you to help you, because for some people (especially those with a bad back or trick knees) it is virtually impossible to use the restroom while the baby is strapped in, and of course you can't leave the baby on the floor or (heaven forbid) on the public diaper deck. 2007, Mari Gallion, The Single Woman's Guide to a Happy Pregnancy, BookSurge, →ISBN, page 93:
   • Installation of all other applicable building kit components and fixtures that are supplied by Romtec (e.g. (if applicable), partitions, dispensers, ADA equipment, mirrors, diaper decks, etc.) 2022 December 2, Preliminary Scope of Supply and Services: Building Supply and Installation, ROMTEC, page 5:
   • The zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and wagons are available for rent at the entrance. A few exhibits, however, require you to leave your strollers outside. Bathrooms with diaper decks are conveniently located for both moms and dads. 2002, Carolyn Sutton, The Preschooler's Guide to Denver: Best Outings for Kids under 6 Years Old, Fire Creek Publishing Corporation, →ISBN, page 14:
   • "This is setting the bar, raising the standards," [Trevor] Ozawa said. "Across the country, you'll find in major metropolitan cities that this is kind of common." The bill also states businesses that remodel significantly would have to equip their lavatories with diaper decks. It could be a theater, a service station, or a restaurant. 2015 July 22, Jim Mendoza, “City Councilman wants diaper changing decks in building code”, in Hawaii News Now:
   • The deck operates like a built-in ironing board; it can be pulled down to change a baby and pushed back when finished. Diaper decks hold baby wipes, rubber gloves, and other diaper-change items. 1998, Mike Bayer, “Church Kitchens”, in Marshall Shelly, Phyllis Ten Elshof, editor, The Complete Church Guide to Saving Money and Buying Smart, Broadman & Holman, →ISBN, page 89:

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