How to Change a Diaper in Public
with
Kathy Moore
How many times have you needed to make a quick diaper change when there is no diaper deck or other suitable place? Keep these great tips in mind next time you need to change your baby in public.
Transcript: How to Change a Diaper in Public
Hi! I'm Kathy Moore for About.com. Babies usually pick the most inopportune places and time to need a diaper change. So what do you do when you are out in public with no diaper deck in sight? This program will offer some advice on how to make the change as sanitary and socially acceptable as possible.Places to Avoid Changing a Baby
First, do not be too concerned about privacy. Your priority is caring for your baby, not the possible ridicule of strangers. But with that said, proper hygiene and common courtesy should be a concern.Never change a baby on an eating surface, like a table. It might be the right height and handy, but it is just not safe or sanitary to change a baby where people eat, regardless of how well you clean up after yourself.
Suitable Surfaces for Diaper Changes
If there is not any suitable surface in a nearby bathroom, placing your infant on the floor of the bathroom could be an option, assuming you have something to cover the ground. Put down newspapers, a blanket or a changing pad to provide a clean surface for your child.Diaper-Changing in the Car
If your car is nearby, it can provide a safe haven for changing. Depending upon where your car seat is placed, the middle of a car or back seat or floor of a minivan work great. You do need to be mindful that a seat surface is not flat, so you need to keep one hand on your child so she does not roll off.Diaper-Changing in Strollers
During walks, or at the mall, you can use your stroller as a changing surface, especially if it has a reclining position. There is not a lot of room in a stroller, but at least you know where it has been.Public Diaper-Changing Etiquette
Of course since you are changing diapers in a public place you will want to maintain at least some degree of privacy for your baby. The key here is to work quickly and use the fresh diaper as a cover for the baby's crotch area during the change. And by all means, clean up after yourself.It is sad that so many places are not baby friendly, but with a little preplanning, you can be prepared to address any issues, including a messy diaper, without much incident. Accidents happen, and even strangers will understand.
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