Lois Larson
Changing a diaper on a plane can be challenging due to the limited space in airplane bathrooms. While some newer planes and bigger jets have changing tables, not all aircraft are equipped with this amenity. As such, parents may need to get creative when changing their baby's diaper mid-flight. This article will explore the various options available for changing diapers on airplanes, as well as strategies for minimizing the number of changes needed during the flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to change diapers at the airport | In the airport bathroom, which has more space and larger changing stations |
| Where to change diapers on the plane | In the plane's lavatory, at your seat, or wait until you reach the ground |
| Diaper-changing setup on the plane | Some planes have changing tables, some don't; some have them in the lavatory, some don't |
| Diaper disposal | Place the diaper in a plastic disposal bag to contain the smell before putting it in the trash |
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What You'll Learn
- Airport bathrooms: Change your baby in an airport bathroom before boarding
- On the plane: Change your baby's diaper in the plane's lavatory
- At your seat: Change your baby at your seat if you can't get up
- Ask for help: Ask the flight attendant for the best spot to change a diaper
- Preparation: Pack a small diaper kit with wipes, diapers, and a disposal bag
Airport bathrooms: Change your baby in an airport bathroom before boarding
Changing your baby's diaper in an airport bathroom before boarding is a good idea. Airport bathrooms have significantly more space than airplane bathrooms, and you'll have more room to operate. This is especially true if your baby has a soiled diaper, as changing them in your seat is not courteous and can be precarious and messy.
If you're travelling with a baby, it's always a good idea to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Keep the right supplies on hand, such as diapers, wipes, and disposal bags, to make everything a lot easier and more sanitary. You can buy travel-changing pads that fold up into a small kit, which is easier to carry than a full diaper bag. You can also use overnight diapers to minimize diaper changes on board, as they are more absorbent and can hold more liquid.
Before you leave for the airport, dress your child in easy-to-remove clothes, like onesies with front snaps and wide necks. Ask the flight attendants which airplane bathroom has a changing table, as not all of them will have one. Newer planes and bigger jets, especially those on international routes, are more likely to have a changing table. If you're flying on a small regional jet, there may not be a changing table, so ask the flight attendant for the best spot for a diaper change.
Changing a diaper is a perfectly legitimate use of a lavatory, and most people on your plane will sympathize with you for having to travel with an infant. However, to avoid tying up the bathroom for too long, try to change your baby as close to boarding time as possible. This will hopefully buy you more time before they soil themselves on the plane.
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On the plane: Change your baby's diaper in the plane's lavatory
Changing your baby's diaper on a plane can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can be manageable. Here are some tips for changing your baby's diaper in the plane's lavatory:
Before Boarding
Before you leave for the airport, dress your child in easy-to-remove clothing, such as onesies with front snaps and wide necks. This will make it easier to change their diaper on the plane. Pack a smaller changing kit within your diaper bag, including a few diapers, travel-size wipes, diaper cream, plastic bags for dirty diapers, and a change of clothes. You may also want to bring a travel-changing pad or mat, which can be useful if the plane's lavatory doesn't have a changing table.
On the Plane
If your baby needs a diaper change during the flight, your first option is to use the plane's lavatory. Ask a flight attendant to direct you to the restroom with a changing table, as not all planes have them. If the lavatory has a changing table, assemble your supplies—diaper, wipes, and disposal bag—next to the sink. Put down some paper towels or a changing pad on the closed toilet seat, and place your baby on it. Change the diaper quickly, as your child may wriggle off the small toilet seat. Put the dirty diaper in a plastic bag to reduce odours, and dispose of it in the bathroom garbage. Finish dressing your baby when you return to your seat.
If There's No Changing Table
If the plane's lavatory doesn't have a changing table, you have a few alternatives. You can use the closed toilet seat as a changing table or turn your airplane seat into a changing area, although this is generally discouraged unless the baby only has a wet diaper. If you choose to change your baby at your seat, use a changing pad to protect the seat and your lap. You can also ask the flight attendant for advice on the best spot for a diaper change; they may suggest using the galley floor or offer a sheet to cover the jump seat. Remember to dispose of dirty diapers in the bathroom garbage, as flight attendants are prohibited from handling them.
Timing
Try to change your baby's diaper before boarding the plane, and if possible, close to boarding time to buy yourself more time before the next change. If your baby's diaper needs changing during the flight, don't worry about tying up the lavatory. Commercial planes usually have multiple restrooms, and changing a diaper is a legitimate use of the space. However, be mindful of your fellow passengers and try to be as quick as possible.
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At your seat: Change your baby at your seat if you can't get up
Changing a diaper in an airport or on a plane can be challenging. If you can't get up from your seat, you may have no choice but to change your baby there. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
Firstly, if you're still at the airport, try to find a bathroom with a changing table. Airport bathrooms usually have more space and larger changing stations. This will be more comfortable for you and your baby. If you're already on the plane, changing your baby at your seat may be your only option if you can't get up due to seatbelt signs or limited space in the lavatories. While it's not ideal, sometimes it's necessary.
Before you begin, make sure you have all your supplies ready. This includes a diaper, wipes, and a disposal bag. If possible, undress your baby down to the diaper at your seat first to avoid struggling in the cramped space. You may also want to ask a flight attendant for assistance. They can provide guidance on the best spot for a diaper change and may offer a sheet to cover the jump seat or suggest changing the baby on a closed toilet seat in the galley.
When changing your baby at your seat, try to be as courteous as possible to your fellow passengers. If possible, change a dirty diaper closer to the window to avoid disrupting the aisle passengers. Use a plastic disposal bag to contain the smell and prevent any mess. Place the dirty diaper in the bag and tie it securely before disposing of it in the aircraft's trash receptacle.
Changing a diaper at your seat can be challenging, but with preparation and flexibility, it can be done. Remember to remain calm and take your time. Most people on the plane will understand the challenges of travelling with an infant, so don't be too hard on yourself.
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Ask for help: Ask the flight attendant for the best spot to change a diaper
Changing a diaper on a plane can be challenging, especially if the flight does not have a diaper-changing table. The two main options for changing a diaper on a plane are in the lavatory or at your seat. While changing a diaper in your seat is not ideal, it may be your only option if you are not permitted to get up and move about the cabin.
If you are hoping to use the plane's lavatory to change your baby's diaper, it is a good idea to check whether the plane has a changing table before you board. Some airlines, like JetBlue and Southwest, have changing tables on every flight. However, not all airlines and airplanes are created equal when it comes to ease of diaper changing. Older and smaller planes may not have changing tables, and some larger planes may only have one changing table in one of the lavatories. To avoid heading for the wrong bathroom in a time of need, ask a flight attendant for help as soon as you board. They will be able to tell you the location of the changing table(s) and whether you should put a particularly offensive diaper in the plane's rear trash receptacle.
If the plane does not have a changing table, ask the flight attendant for the best spot for a diaper change. They may offer a sheet to cover the jump seat or suggest you change your baby on the back galley floor. Another option is to change your baby on a closed toilet seat in the cramped lavatory. To do this, you will need to wipe down the toilet seat cover and lie your baby across the seat while doing a deep squat to create a place for your baby's head to rest on your knee. This option requires muscle endurance and can be challenging to pull off for more than a few seconds.
To make the diaper-changing process a little easier, try to change your baby in an airport bathroom before boarding. Airport lavatories have much larger changing stations and more room to operate. You can also ask the flight attendants which airplane bathroom, if any, has a changing table.
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Preparation: Pack a small diaper kit with wipes, diapers, and a disposal bag
Preparation is key when it comes to travelling with a baby, and packing a small diaper kit with wipes, diapers, and a disposal bag is an essential part of this. This kit will be your go-to during the flight, so it's important to pack it thoughtfully and include all the necessary items.
Firstly, diapers. It is recommended to pack 1.5-2 diapers for every hour of your trip, plus a few extra for good measure. You don't want to be caught short, especially if your checked baggage is delayed or lost. It's also a good idea to pack a travel-changing pad that folds up into a small kit, as this will be easier to carry to the airplane bathroom than a full diaper bag.
Next, wipes. These are a staple in any diaper bag and can be used for a multitude of purposes, from cleaning dirty hands and faces to wiping down surfaces. Again, it's a good idea to pack extra wipes, as you may go through them quickly. A large pack of wipes is ideal, as you don't want to run out mid-flight.
Now, the disposal bag. This is an important item to have on hand when changing diapers in an airplane bathroom, as it helps to contain the smell and keep the small space odour-free for fellow passengers. You can purchase specific diaper disposal bags, or simply use a plastic bag. It's also a good idea to pack a few extra disposal bags, just in case.
In addition to these essentials, there are a few other items you may want to include in your diaper kit. Diaper cream or ointment is always useful to have on hand, and a change of clothes for both you and your baby can be a lifesaver in the event of a blowout. Hand sanitizer is another must-have, especially when travelling, as it helps protect you and your baby from germs.
By packing this small diaper kit, you'll be well-prepared for any diaper changes that may arise during your time at the airport and on the flight. It's always better to be over-prepared, and with this kit, you'll have everything you need to keep your baby clean, dry, and comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport bathrooms usually have more space and larger changing stations than airplane bathrooms. It is recommended to change your baby's diaper in an airport bathroom just before boarding.
If possible, change your baby's diaper in the plane's lavatory. While airplane bathrooms are small, they usually have a changing table. If there is no changing table, you can use the closed toilet seat as a changing table. Ask a flight attendant for help to locate the changing table.
Change your baby's diaper as close to boarding time as possible to buy more time before they soil themselves on the plane. Dress your baby in easy-to-remove clothes. Pack a small changing kit with diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and disposal bags.
