Changing a baby on an airplaneTraveling with children can be a wonderful experience, although it can be stressful in some ways as well. If you've ever traveled with an infant or toddler, you've probably had to change that child's diaper in a very small or uncomfortable area. It can be frustrating, but if you're prepared with the right tools, it can be managed quite easily. I was right -- I did have to change my son on the airplane (three times!) but I learned what I needed to do and bring to make it an easier experience. What to take First, these are the items that I bring everywhere, especially on airplanes.
Ask a flight attendant If you need to change your child on the airplane, ask the flight attendant if there is a bathroom that has a changing table. Many of the bigger planes have one bathroom (often the disabled bathroom) that has a fold-down changing table located above the toilet. If there is a changing table, that will make it much easier to change your child, but if there isn't one, have no fear. With some creativity, you can change your child anywhere. Bring to the bathroom a diaper, wipes, bag, hand wipes and changing pad. I don't bring a diaper bag into the bathroom because there usually isn't a place to put it, unless it is a messenger-style bag, which you can just keep on your shoulder. I fold down the changing table and give it (and the surrounding wall) a quick wipe with a Clorox wipe. Airplane bathrooms aren't known for their cleanliness, and my kids always seem to grab and touch everything as I'm changing them. If there isn't a changing table, I wipe down the toilet with a Clorox wipe and then put down the changing pad. I've had to balance newborns and toddlers on the toilet, and while it is a bit tricky, it can be done. Just keep one hand on your child while you wipe them, because they can roll off easily. Dispose of the diaper Once I've changed the diaper, I put it in one of the Arm & Hammer scented bags and put it in the garbage. It's really important to put it in a bag so that the odor doesn't offend everyone else that uses the restroom after you're done changing your baby. (Another benefit to those bags: if your child has a blowout, they are great for putting soiled clothes into.) After changing the baby, it can be a bit tricky to use the airplane sinks, so I'll wipe my hands (and my child's hand) with a sanitizing wipe (not the Clorox ones -- the ones for hands) and later follow up with some sanitizing gel. You can probably tell that I'm a bit of a germaphobe. If you have a toddler that needs to be changed, follow the same steps but just know that the changing table is small and they won't be able to stretch their legs out. My son was a bit later with the potty training, so I've changed a nearly 3-year-old on airplane toilets and changing tables. It just required a bit of balancing, but it worked out just fine. I've had people say to me that they won't travel because they don't want to have to worry about changing their child on the airplane. Don't let this hold you back! Just take a deep breath, and bring extra of everything (including clothes). Being prepared is the key to a successful airplane diaper changing experience. |
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