Are you going to fly for the first time with your baby and you are worried about how to handle the whole diaper changing situation, especially when baby is having a diaper explosion?
I feel you because that’s exactly how I felt the first time, but after many flights with my daughter (national & international) I can tell you that after a little bit of practice you will get the hang of it quickly and manage every diaper change like a PRO.
Here are the 6 most important facts and tips you should know about changing your babies diaper on a plane.
And if you would like to see some more visual tips and tricks on how to make traveling with babies and toddlers easier, make sure to follow us on Instagram @ellafamilytravel
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1. Do a pre-boarding diaper change
Plan to change your babies diaper as close as possible prior to boarding at the airport restrooms or dedicated family rooms. Those are much more spacious and makes it a lot easier to operate. This way, if you have a short flight you might not even need to change your little ones diaper at all or at least minimize the quantities of diaper changes.
2. Locate the lavatories with changing table
During boarding or once seated, ask the flight attendant where the closest lavatories with a changing table are located. That gives you peace of mind as you will know exactly where to go in case of any diaper change emergency.
Please remember that there are actually airplanes that do NOT have changing tables at all. In that case I recommend asking the flight attendant for advice where the best location would be to change your babies diaper, like at your seat, on the airplane floor or inside the lavatories on the closed toilet seat.
3. Use a diaper clutch
As airplane lavatories are very small there is simply no space to take your big diaper bag with you. I recommend bringing a diaper clutch or a small “to go” diaper bag. Most of them come with an integrated or portable changing pad like the one we use (LINK).
4. Correct clothing
Because space is limited it makes sense to dress your baby in clothes that gives you fast and easy access to the diaper area. Another thing to consider is having your baby wear clothes that can simply be taken off and on without having to pull it over your babies head in case of any accident. This also leads to another tip, which is always packing an extra set of clothes. We like to dress Ella in Onesies or rompers on our travel days. For long haul flights we also like PJs with zipper.
5. Overnight diapers
A good way to prevent having a leaking diaper is using overnight diapers, because they are thicker and more absorbent than normal diapers.
6. Practice stand-up diaper changes
As already mentioned before, the airplane changing tables are absolutely small and especially for tall babies that can be very challenging. A good alternative to the traditional diaper change would be practicing a stand-up diaper change (if baby is able to stand on its own yet). It takes a little bit of practice, but comes in really handy.
All in all, changing your babies diaper on a plane is just a matter of practice. Will there be some challenges? Definitely yes, but I am confident that you got this! In no time you will handle your babies diaper changes like a PRO.
Let me know in the comments if this post was helpful to you or if you have any more questions. Please share your experience changing your babies diaper on a plane. And I also love to connect with other travel passionate parents over on Instagram @ellafamilytravel
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