Best Diaper Changing Tips for Traveling: On the Plane, Roadtrip, and on the Go
Let’s face it, diaper changes are a necessary evil when traveling with a baby. And when you’re away from home, it can be challenging to find a clean and convenient place to change your little one’s diaper. But fear not, fellow parents! We’ve got you covered with some diaper changing tips for traveling to make your trips smoother and more manageable.
Flying with a Baby – Diaper Changing Tips
Flying with a baby in itself can be a challenging experience. But how do you change a baby’s diaper on a plane, especially if it’s a stinky one, or worst case, a blowout?
We’ve been there – multiple times! So here are our best tips to make diaper changing when you’re traveling by plane easy and comfortable for both you and your baby.
1. Use the airplane bathroom changing table
Most airplanes have a changing table in the bathroom. While it may not be the most spacious or luxurious changing station, it can get the job done. Just be sure to bring your own changing pad and wipes.
2. Pack a disposable changing pad
Especially if you are dealing with a blowout, it helps to have a disposable changing pad* that you don’t have to clean up afterwards.
You can just place it on the airplane bathroom’s changing table and discard of it when you’re done changing your baby.
These pads are compact and easy to pack, and they provide a clean surface for diaper changes on the go.
3. Bring your own wipes and diapers
Don’t expect the airline to have any diapers or wipes handy for you to use.
Make sure to bring enough diapers and wipes of your own.
If you’re wondering how many diapers to pack for your flight, I would go by how many diaper changes your baby usually needs in the time frame that is the length of your flight, plus 3-4 as a buffer.
You never know if there will be a delay with your flight’s takeoff, or if your baby has an unexpected blowout.
In these cases, it’s always a good idea to have a few extra diapers on hand.
4. Don’t bring your whole diaper bag to the bathroom
Airplane bathrooms are usually very tight and don’t offer a lot of space.
That’s why I found it easiest to not bring the entire changing backpack with me, but instead just a small travel diaper changing organizer*.
They are handy and just hold the essentials, like diapers, wipes, plastic bags, a changing pad and some diaper rash cream.
If you need to change your baby’s clothes, you can always do that back on your seat.
This way you don’t have to carry an extra set of clothes with you to the bathroom.
5. Bring a plastic bag for dirty diapers and clothes
Don’t forget to bring a plastic bag to dispose of dirty diapers. Most airplanes have a trash bin in the bathroom, but it’s always a good idea to have your own bag handy.
A plastic bag also comes in handy if your baby soiled its clothes and you need to store them.
Simply stick them in a plastic bag and put them away without worrying about them dirtying everything else.
6. Opt for a window seat
If possible, try to get a window seat when flying with a baby.
This makes it easier to get up and go to the bathroom as quickly as possible.
7. Don’t change your baby on the seat
This is a piece of advice that my uncle, a flight attendant, gave me. When I reached out to him for advice before our first flight, he asked me not to change the baby on the seat.
It might seem convenient, right? Not having to walk all the way down the aisle to the bathroom, only for it to be taken up and having to wait in line.
But he was right.
It can make people around you uncomfortable. Especially if you’re dealing with a stinky diaper.
And as normal as it is to change a baby’s diaper, maybe not everyone wants to see how you do it.
It can also dirty your seat.
Especially if you’re dealing with a messy blowout situation, chances are that the mess might not be contained within the diaper. It can get on your seat, seatbelt, and of course also on your hands or clothes.
Being in the bathroom where messes can be cleaned up quickly and clothes rinsed and hands washed makes for a much more uncomplicated diaper change.
Learn more on advice and tips for flying with a baby here.
Road Trip – Diaper Changing Tips
When you’re going on a road trip or longer car ride, you’ll also have to prepare for changing your baby on the road.
Here are some diaper changing tips for traveling by car to make your road trip smoother and more manageable.
1. Plan your stops
Planning a trip with a baby should always include a plan for stops as well.
Therefore it’s a good idea to plan your stops ahead of time, before hitting the road.
Your baby will need some time outside of the car seat in between to roam around, so you can plan for diaper changes then.
When planning your stops, look for rest areas, gas stations, or fast-food restaurants that have changing tables.
My favorite place to go are usually fast-food restaurants. They usually always have a changing table.
Sometimes gas stations, especially when they’re small, don’t offer a bathroom with a changing table. That’s why I tend to avoid them whenever possible, unless it’s a big gas station and rest area.
2. Bring a portable changing pad
Even if you find a place with a changing table, it’s always a good idea to have your own portable changing pad and wipes.
You just don’t know what has happened on the changing pad before, so I like bringing my own changing pad.
Often, travel diaper changing organizer* or diaper bags have a changing pad that comes with it.
Or you can bring a disposable changing pad* that you can simply discard of afterwards.
3. Pack a diaper caddy or travel organizer
Packing a diaper caddy or travel organizer* with all the essentials you’ll need for diaper changes, such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and plastic bags is a great idea.
This way, you can easily grab it and take it with you when you need to change your baby’s diaper.
Also, it is much more convenient than bringing your whole diaper bag with you when you need to change your baby.
4. Use the backseat as a changing station
Whenever we can’t find a rest stop with a changing table, I like using the backseat to change my baby.
This of course only works if you have space in the backseat.
Otherwise, you can also get creative and make room in the trunk or on one of the front seats to use them as a makeshift changing station.
Whenever I use the backseat, I just make sure to put down a changing pad to avoid soiling the seat.
Just make sure that your baby is safe and can’t roll off the seat, and you have a great alternative changing station.
Out and About – Diaper Changing Tips for on the Go
When you’re out and about with a baby, finding a clean and convenient place to change their diaper can be a challenge.
Here are some diaper changing tips to make diaper changes on the go as easy as possible.
1. Look for family restrooms
Family restrooms are a parent’s best friend. They usually have a changing table, a sink, and plenty of space to maneuver.
If you can’t find a family restroom, look for the handicapped bathroom. Often, these are the bathrooms that are equipped with a changing table because they offer more space than the other stalls.
2. Use a stroller as a changing table
If you don’t have access to a changing table, you can use your stroller as a makeshift changing table.
This works best if the seat reclines.
Simply recline the seat, and voila! You have a clean surface for diaper changes.
I would recommend placing a changing pad, towel, or something similar underneath so keep the seat clean.
3. Bring a changing pad and wipes
Always bring a portable changing pad, diapers, and wipes with you when you’re out and about.
You never know when you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper, and having these essentials with you can save you from a messy situation.
4. Use a blanket or towel as a changing surface
If you don’t have a portable changing pad, you can use a blanket or towel as a clean surface for diaper changes.
Just make sure that it is clean before you use it and don’t reuse it if it gets dirty..
Conclusion
Changing diapers while traveling with a baby can be challenging, but with these diaper changing tips for traveling, you can make it a little easier and more manageable.
Whether you’re flying with a baby, road tripping, or are just out and about, there’s always a way to change your baby’s diaper on the go.
Remember to pack the essentials, plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to finding a clean and convenient place to change your baby’s diaper.
Happy travels!
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