So you’ve booked the tickets, made it through security with a baby and boarded the plane. You’ve ignored a few side eye glares as you found your seat and now you settle in for the 6 hour flight ahead of you. As you start thinking about the next few hours you realize you are going to have to change a diaper on the plane. There is no avoiding it for six whole hours. So where do you start?
Changing diapers on a plane does take a little practice to get used to, mostly due to the tight cramped spaces and random bits of turbulence but it isn’t anything revolutionary.
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Supplies for Changing Diapers on a Plane
- Changing Pad
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Doggie Poop Bags
Perform a Pre-Boarding Diaper Change
Before boarding any plane, about 10-15 minutes before boarding starts, run to the restroom and do a diaper change. For a short flight this may eliminate the need to do any diaper changes on board.
For a longer flight it will cut out one diaper change you would have had to do. The plane restrooms are so small and cramped, the less time you have to spend in there the better.
This is also helpful in case there are any delays for takeoff or turbulence at the beginning of a flight when you aren’t supposed to leave your seat.
Have a To-Go Diaper Changing Kit
It is extremely helpful to keep all the diaper changing supplies really easy to reach and grouped together. This way you can grab what you need and go to the restroom quickly and easily. You won’t want to take the whole diaper bag into the plane bathroom because to be honest, they are the size of a loaf of bread.
I love this changing pad because it is large and has pockets to hold several diapers and wipes all in one convenient bag that you can grab. However, a ziplock bag or keeping it all in the same pocket works well too.
More on Traveling with a Baby:
- How to Travel with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
- 17+ Baby Travel Essentials to Simplify Family Travel
- How to Take Baby Passport Photos at Home
Find the Changing Table on Board
I have no idea why but not every bathroom on a plane has a changing table so first thing’s first, you are going to want to look for this symbol. That means that the restroom has a changing table. There may be a changing table in only one restroom on the whole plane so I recommend looking ahead of time or asking a flight attendant.
If There’s No Changing Table, Use the Closed Toilet Seat
In even worse news, not all planes have a changing table at all. So what are you supposed to do then there is no changing table on an airplane? Well, my first go-to is the closed toilet seat. If your baby is small enough you can lay out your changing pad and lay them down to change their diaper.
If your kiddo is too big to fit laying down then it is time to do a standing diaper change. The standing diaper change is not as hard as it first appears but it does take a little practice. We actually use standing diaper changes a lot after spending time at the beach or the pool. If you haven’t tried one before, practice at home before you leave.
Simply have your kiddo stand on the toilet seat, take off the old diaper, wipe, put on the new diaper and check that the frills and wings are all pulled out.
Ask the Flight Attendant
Another option if you really don’t want to use the top of the toilet seat is to ask the flight attendant for another location. Sometimes, though not always, they will recommend a galleyway floor spot that is out of the way from heavy foot traffic. This way you can change your baby’s diaper without a lot of people around and while laying the baby down.
You may also be able to use the aisle floor if there isn’t much foot traffic or meal services happening at the time.
In Lap Diaper Changes on a Plane
If you really can’t find a good place to change a diaper and you need to, then it is time for the lap diaper change. This is best reserved for pee diapers only because of the risk of messes plus being surrounded by other passengers that really don’t want to see/smell a poopy diaper if it can be avoided.
Lay a blanket or the changing mat across your lap. Then lay your baby on your legs with their head near your knees. Slide the clean diaper under their bum BEFORE you remove the dirty diaper. Then undo and slide out the dirty diaper, then you can quickly wipe and finish up the diaper change. This way the changes of a mess are minimal.
This type of diaper change will be easier for little babies. If you are flying with a spouse, family member or friend and have a bigger baby or toddler then you can lay their head in the other person’s lap so that you have more room.
Disposing of Diapers on a Plane
So now that you’ve gotten the diaper change over and done with what do you do with dirty diapers on an airplane? You can just throw them away in the restroom trash cans or talk to a flight attendant about throwing them away in their trash cans.
If it was a really stinky diaper you can bag up the diaper in a plastic bag before throwing it out to contain the smell. This is not a requirement by any means, just an extra level of consideration if you have a moment. Just skip over this if the baby is fussy or there is turbulence etc.
Doggie poop bags work really well for this as well as plastic ziplock bags.
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How Many Diapers to Bring on a Flight
The number of diapers you should bring on a flight will vary based on how long your flight is.
You should bring one diaper for every 2-3 hours of travel time plus a couple extras just in case there is an accident. These diapers should be in your diaper bag or personal item and kept in an accessible area that you can easily access throughout the flight. Then I would also bring extra diapers in your carry-on just in case there are travel delays such as weather delays or canceled flights.
Be Prepared for Leaks
Unfortunately leaks are a real possibility and you need to be prepared for them.
For babies I recommend you bring a spare outfit, plenty of wipes and an extra diaper. You will also probably want a ziplock bag to put any soiled clothes in so that nothing else in your bags gets dirty.
I also highly recommend that you bring an extra shirt for you, the parent, just in case it’s a really bad leak.
Can I use the Tray Table for Diaper Changes?
Under no circumstances should you change a diaper on the tray table in an airplane. It is unsanitary and extremely inconsiderate of the other guests that will be flying on the plane. Those trays are used to eat off of, work at and play on, let’s keep them clean spaces.
Changing Diapers on a Plane
Changing diapers on a plane is not really that different from changing them anywhere else. It is just a cramped space, surrounded by lots of people and sometimes no changing table is available. It makes no sense but it shouldn’t stop you from traveling or from taking care of your child. There are solutions to every problem.
What tricks have you used to change diapers in weird places? Let me know below and share this post with a new mom that will be flying on a plane soon!
