How to Change a Diaper in Public

Getting out and about with your baby or toddler is always a balancing act. You need to run errands or want to visit family, but you must make sure your child̵7;s requirements are covered too, with food and diapers topping the list. The question of where and how to change your baby̵7;s diaper will come up sooner rather than later, so take the time to prepare so you can make the experience as easy and safe as possible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Plan ahead for short trips if you can by changing your baby̵7;s diaper right before you leave the house. With any luck, you̵7;ll be back home before you have to worry about a change.

    • 2

      Prepare your diaper bag with diaper changing necessities before heading out. WebMD suggests you pack wipes and extra diapers; ointment; a changing pad; change of clothes; hand sanitizer; a receiving blanket; and a small garbage bag or two.

    • 3

      Use a bathroom̵7;s pull-down wall unit changing station whenever possible. First, open the unit and press firmly to test it for safety. Wipe the surface with a baby wipe, use the unit̵7;s sanitary liner if available or lay your changing pad down under your baby. If the unit has a strap, fasten it carefully across your baby̵7;s midsection. Stand beside the changing table while you change the diaper, as you would at home. Keep one hand on your baby or pick him up first before tidying up your diaper bag when you̵7;re done.

    • 4

      Lay a small blanket on the floor to place your baby on if there is no changing station available. Use your changing pad too, and after changing his diaper, fold up the now-dirty blanket so the part that touched the floor is on the inside. Place this into a garbage bag for washing at home.

    • 5

      Roll up a used diaper and place it in a garbage bag to put in a nearby garbage can or to take home to dispose of properly (or to wash, if you are using cloth diapers). Thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water at the sink or with hand sanitizer if no sink is available. This step is especially important, since the CDC lists diaper changing as a common cause of E. coli contamination, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping and which ranges from mild to life-threatening.

    • 6

      Improvise if you cannot find a clean, safe place in a restroom to change your baby̵7;s diaper. WebMD suggests using the stroller or car seat, or even the flat surface inside your car̵7;s trunk or hatchback area, by placing your wipe-off changing pad under your baby and doing a quick and careful change.

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