How to Change a Diaper on a Plane (The Easy Way)
Taking a baby on a plane is an experience.
One of those delicate parts is changing that baby’s diaper in flight.
But do not worry, with a little preparation and appropriate tools, you can make it rather smooth and streamlined.
Through this guide, we take you through the ins and outs when you’re changing diaper airplane.
You will learn how to change your baby without messing up with some convenient portable diaper changing station, especially when your baby poops while traveling.
You will also learn why travel-friendly pads come handy.
Let’s dive in!
Do Airplanes Have Changing Tables?
Naturally, one of the first questions parents typically ask is if airplanes come with changing tables.
The good news is that changing tables are found in most commercial aircraft today.
They are commonly found in the restroom.
However, the changing tables can be different in shape and quality from airline to airline.
Sometimes even from aircraft model to aircraft model.
Where to Find the Changing Table
On most planes, the changing table is over one of the toilet seats and extends down from the wall.
Some newer model aircraft can be more spacious or better equipped than those found in many older types of planes.
Some older models of planes provide less space and a lower level of comfort.
Always double-check with the flight crew upon boarding to verify both where and whether these can be found on your plane.
What to Expect
The changing tables on airplanes are the size of a small shelf, and not exactly, but they do work.
Go to the bathroom promptly.
Memorize everything as early as possible, so that you know how to change the diaper before it becomes urgent.
Note that turbulence may also impact the process.
It is recommended to do it when the flight has become smooth and stable.
How to Change Your Child’s Diaper in an Airplane Bathroom
An airplane bathroom isn’t exactly spacious.
We have a straightforward solution to assist you.
Below is the step-by-step guide to help you:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather everything you need before going to the bathroom.
This includes:
- Travel changing bed or diaper changing pads
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream (if needed)
- Biodegradable waste bag to through the dirty diaper
- Extra Outfit (you never know! )
Organizing your essentials in a small, portable bag will make your life much quicker and easier.
You can use a backpack or other bag with different compartments.
Step 2: Wait for the Right Time
Timing is important.
Avoid when many other passengers are also likely to want a toilet break, like after meal service or during night flight downtimes.
This will give you breathing room and space to change the diaper.
Take into account the condition of the bathroom.
A bathroom freshly cleaned by the flight attendants will make changing a dirty nappy slightly better.
Step 3: Set Up the Changing Area
When you arrive at the bathroom, roll out your travel changing pad or open it and place it on top of the fold-down table.
This will give your baby a smooth and cozy landing space.
Look at your baby’s changing table and see if there is enough room to lie down behind it, the alternative view from a distance.
Others might need to angle the baby a little more to use this space better.
Step 4: Change the Diaper
Gently lay your baby on the changing pad and change their diaper.
Make sure to prioritize your space and move as little as possible.
Toss the soiled diaper in said trash bin and wipe down any extra mess.
If the water in the sink is too far away or not available at all, a small hand sanitizer bottle can help you clean your hands before and after changing.
Step 5: Clean Up
After you change the diaper, pack up all of your supplies, and please leave the bathroom clean for the traveling staff.
Wash your hands properly before coming back to sit.
If the bathroom is busy or you want to be in and out, use a disinfectant wipe on anything you have to touch.
How to Change Your Child’s Diaper on an Airplane Seat
Sometimes the bathroom is occupied, or you suddenly realize it’s too much work to visit the bathroom on an airplane.
If that happens to be the case, you can change your child there in front of your seat.
Here’s how to do it discreetly and efficiently:
Step 1: Prepare Your Area
Pull out all your supplies first.
Use a travel changing pad or portable diaper change station to make your lap or the seat next to you and your baby’s place as clean as possible.
When available, use the aisle or bulkhead seat, as you need more space to move around.
Step 2: Maintain Privacy
Cover your baby with a blanket or nursing cover while changing their diaper to keep them private and out of sight from other passengers.
This will ensure that the process is confidential and assist all passengers in feeling comfortable.
If you are traveling with someone, this person can help by holding a blanket or coat and creating an emergency wall.
Step 3: Change the Diaper
Place your baby on the changing pad and proceed to give him a quick, thorough diaper change.
Rest your awareness of what is happening, and do not make more of a mess than necessary.
Keep the dirty diapers and wipes in a plastic bag to dispose of them later on.
Bring a small extra if you are for airplane trash; bins can back up pretty fast.
Step 4: Clean Up
After the diaper change:
- Put your stuff away and leave the place neat.
- Fold and put away the blanket or cover if used. Immediately after, throw the soiled glass baby diaper and wipes into the bathroom garbage.
- Remember to wash hands or use hand sanitizer after handling the dirty diaper.
What to Do If Baby Poops on Plane
While it may be easier to give up simply, keeping the situation under control is necessary.
Start by doing your best to clean up as much as possible.
Use the wipes while your baby is still in their seat to avoid the mess from spreading.
If feasible, go to the bathroom to finish the cleaning.
Put your changing pad on the toilet when you change.
Always have an extra change of clothes for yourself and your baby at the main body.
Stains can be a nightmare.
If the mess is severe sometimes, and you could be stunned, immediately call the flight attendant.
Do not be ashamed to ask for help.
They might provide you with extra wipes and refuse bags.
Tips for a Smooth Diaper Changing Experience on a Plane
It isn’t easy when changing diaper airplane, but the following tips will make it much easier.
1. Dress Your Baby in Easy to Remove Clothing
For the baby’s clothes you will use during the flight, choose practical outfits that are easy to take off and put on.
Onesies with snap closures or zip-up pajamas can help speed diaper changes and reduce stress!
2. Bring Extra Diapers and Wipes
Better to be over than under-prepared.
Bring lots of diapers and wipes.
Having a bit of extra will cover any potential delays, turbulence or other unforeseen situations.
3. Use Disposable Changing Pads
Disposable changing pads are a blessing in disguise on an airplane.
A disposable changing table liner provides a fresh spot to lay down your baby and can be tossed afterwards, making clean-up easier.
4. Stay Calm and Patient
Stress in the mom equals stress with the baby.
Add as much as necessary to ensure you stay calm and collected.
Even when things are not going well during the diaper change, if the parent is relaxed, it may help to make a calm baby.
5. Ask for Help if Needed
The attendants over the airways are always there to help you.
Feel free to ask for help if you are struggling or need extra hands.
You may find assistance there, such as tips on what to do and when.
Someone might hold your child for a minute while you attend to something else or even tell you when the proper time is to go to the bathroom.
Conclusion
Changing a diaper on an airplane doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
If you have a few supplies ready, like a rentable portable diaper changing station or the handy travel changing pad, doing it is very quick.
When you need to change your baby, whether in the airplane bathroom or in your seat, these tips will work either way.
This will ensure that both mom and dad have a smooth time.
Always keep calm and prepared, but above all things, ensure your baby is comfortable! Happy travels!
FAQs: How to Change a Diaper on a Plane
1. Do airplanes have changing tables?
Yes, most commercial airplanes have changing tables located in the restrooms.
The size and quality can vary, so ask the flight crew about their location and availability when you board.
2. What should I do to prepare for changing a diaper on a plane?
Gather all necessary supplies, such as a travel changing pad, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, biodegradable waste bags, and an extra outfit.
Keeping these items in a small, organized bag makes the process smoother.
3. How can I change a diaper at my airplane seat?
Prepare your area with a travel changing pad and maintain privacy with a blanket or nursing cover.
Change the diaper quickly, disposing of dirty items in a plastic bag for later disposal.
4. What should I do if my baby poops on the plane?
Clean up as much as possible using wipes while your baby is still in their seat to prevent spreading the mess.
Move to the bathroom to finish cleaning and changing, and always have an extra change of clothes.
5. What tips can help make diaper changing on a plane easier?
This means dressing your baby in easily removed clothes, bringing extra diapers and wipes to clean up any potential messes, and bringing disposable changing pads.
Be calm and patient, and ask the flight attendants for help when you need it.