How to Change a Diaper on a Plane

It is almost inevitable that your baby will need his or her diaper changed at the worst time, in the worst location--10,000 feet in the air is no exception. Following these steps can make changing a diaper on a plane less challenging.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic bags
• Diapers
• Diaper bag
• Baby clothes
• Baby wipes

1. Collect the necessary supplies to change the diaper, such as wipes, changing pad, a fresh diaper, plastic bags and clean clothes if needed.
2. Place the gathered supplies where you can easily reach them. Perhaps the person next to you would be willing to hold the supplies and hand them to you. Better yet, they might be willing to offer their seat to you while you change the diaper.
3. Make as much space in your lap as possible by sitting up straight, stretching out your legs and pressing them close together. Lay the baby on your lap. If the person beside you is willing to move, you can place your baby there. Be sure to use a portable changing pad to cover the seat, and confirm that the passenger is OK with you changing a diaper in their chair. They might prefer that you just lay your supplies in their seat instead.
4. If the clothes are soiled, remove them from the baby and set aside. You can attend to them after you are finished changing the diaper.
5. Remove the diaper from the baby and fold it closed. Place the folded diaper out of the baby's reach.
6. Use wet wipes to clean the baby's skin.
7. Place a clean diaper on the baby.
8. If clean clothes are necessary, quickly put them on the baby to prevent the baby from getting cold.
9. Once the baby is clean and comforted, then you can place any soiled clothes in a plastic bag and put them in the diaper bag.
10. Place disposable soiled items, like diapers and wipes, in a separate bag. Ask a flight attendant if they have a place to discard these items.
11. Return all remaining supplies to the diaper bag and check your area so that nothing is left behind.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the baby is finished soiling the diaper before you start to clean him.
• If you are traveling with someone, ask for their help. If they stand up, you can lift the armrest and utilize both seats to change the diaper.
• You may be limited on time, so don't worry about cleaning the baby perfectly. You can usually give the baby a bath when the flight is over.
• Be sure to place enough diapers, wipes and clothes in the diaper bag for multiple clean-up emergencies.
• Don't forget to take a change of clothes for yourself, as babies often leak onto your clothes as well.