1st time with baby on plane

[Luv4Dis]

In just a couple of days we will be leaving for disney Yeah!!!! I am wondering how to handle diaper changes on the plane. I'm hoping that we won't have to go there....I think he could wait the 3 hours or so for the ride from NY to Orlando. Is there a place to change babies should they need to be? I just keep thinking of past trips when it was just my husband and I and how it seems like every time we've been seated near a baby they seem to reek of poop!!! That has led me to believe that maybe there just isn't a place to change them......Any advice thoughts is appreciated....

 

[Veals_Family]

Most airlines will have a changing table in the bathroom, it's usually above the toilet, you just pull it down.....But hold on if there is turbulence!

Good Luck!

 

[*Seanaci*]

As the previous poster mentioned though, most airlines have a changing table (most of the time it's in the bathroom at the front of the plane, just be sure to ask) that pulls down.

When we flew with our son in 2008 (he was 14 months old) he ended up with a poopy diaper just before landing. There were 4 of us traveling together so the three of us in the row together stood up and I changed him on the seats. Then put his diaper in the nifty diaper disposal bags we found at Target (same aisle as the bath stuff I believe) and tossed it when we got off the plane.

 

[taitai]

All the bathrooms should have changing tables. They just pull down as the previous poster suggested.

Do NOT change the baby in the seat. That is just rude and nasty and very unfair to the other passengers. You wouldn't poop in your seat, would you? Yikes!

 

[CLR4321]

I agree with the pp's...use the fold down one. Now, there is a chance that you will have a restroom without one. Be sure to bring a blanket or large changing pad to lay down on the toilet lid just in case. TBH, everytime I changed my son on the plane when he was little, I had to do this. It was awkward, but I just did it as quickly as possible. As long as the clean diaper gets on there straight, it's all good! LOL! Also, a tip I always give to new parents who fly...bring a bottle or pacifier to have your baby suck on during take-off, landing, and at any time during the flight that you change elevation and you can feel your ears popping. A lot of people think their babies are crying simply because they don't want to fly...but 90% of the time it is just because their ears and head hurt from the pressure! The sucking will help keep the ears from getting clogged up, just like if you swallow when your ears are getting clogged, it helps them to pop. Most babies will sleep peacefully during a flight simply because the sound from the engine lulls them off to sleep. I suggest sitting towards the back of the plane for this reason. So if you feel your ears popping, stick a bottle or paci in your little one's mouth, and it will save you the embarrassment and save your neighbors peace.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I would use an overnight diaper and just hope he doesn't poop. At least with the overnight diaper if it's just pee, you should be okay to wait till you land.

 

[carolinagirl121]

Ask the flight attendant where the changing table is, sometimes they only have the changing table in one bathroom. Also, when we fly, I make sure I have the bags to wrap the diaper in. I don't want to punish other users of the bathroom with his stinkiness (it's bad!). Also, my son has flown several times in his first year and we have found the best way to keep him calm is to have lots of distracting things. Rattles, books, cheerios. We also found that feeding him on take off/landing could help his ears stay clear. Good luck!

 

[Luv4Dis]

Thanks everyone for the advice! We already planned on having him drink a bottle for take off and landing. I will also bring a pacifier...that's a good idea! He has never really taken to it, but perhaps on the plane he might? We're already bringing his fav movie...Elmo in Grouchland....LOL it works like magic to get him to rest and sometimes fall asleep!

 

[luckyfin]

I'm late to the game here but felt the need to chime in. I was pleasantly surprised by the changing table on the jetblue planes. The height was perfect and it filled up the entire width of the bathroom. I felt it was a lot safer than a typical changing station in a public restroom. I took a couple extra minutes to let dd roll around and stretch out, under my supervision of course. Being enclosed on 3 sides and me standing in front of the fourth. I chose to change diapers on the plane over in the airport.

 

[mjkacmom]

I'm late to the game here but felt the need to chime in. I was pleasantly surprised by the changing table on the jetblue planes. The height was perfect and it filled up the entire width of the bathroom. I felt it was a lot safer than a typical changing station in a public restroom. I took a couple extra minutes to let dd roll around and stretch out, under my supervision of course. Being enclosed on 3 sides and me standing in front of the fourth. I chose to change diapers on the plane over in the airport.

I don't know if that's the norm. I remember flying across the country with a 1 year old, and the changing table was so small, I chose to wait and change her on arrival, and she was soaked!

 

[pooh4brains]

What I would do is change the baby into overnight diapers right at the gate just before we board and then immediately upon landing. For 3 hours you should be fine with that method - unless you have a poo-poo issue.

In that case I've done both the in-seat method and the changing table in the restroom on the plane. I felt much better doing it in the seat - it felt safer. I did put down a big pad so that nothing nasty would touch the baby from the plane's seat and vice-versa!

 

[*Seanaci*]

All the bathrooms should have changing tables. They just pull down as the previous poster suggested.

Do NOT change the baby in the seat. That is just rude and nasty and very unfair to the other passengers. You wouldn't poop in your seat, would you? Yikes!

I don't see what the problem is changing the child in the seat. Especially if there is a long line for the bathroom (which often times, on a full flight there is).

I think what's even more rude is people who use the tray table in front of them to change a baby. Yes. I have seen someone do that. I don't think I'll ever be flying again without my handi-wipes.

 

[taitai]

I don't see what the problem is changing the child in the seat. Especially if there is a long line for the bathroom (which often times, on a full flight there is).

Would you feel the same way if it was an adult diaper being changed?

It is unsanitary, smelly and rude. Go to the bathroom. Just because as a parent you are immune does not mean the other passengers are.

 

[barnaby1]

Would you feel the same way if it was an adult diaper being changed?

It is unsanitary, smelly and rude. Go to the bathroom. Just because as a parent you are immune does not mean the other passengers are.

I couldn't have said it better.
I cannot even begin to understand why anyone would think it is acceptable to change a nappy (number 1 or number 2) in the aeroplane seat.

 

[dis-happy]

We were in final descent one time, so the seat belt signs were on. My infant had a horrible exploding diaper. It was better to change him quickly in my lap and get it done with then let everything sit there and reek and leak for 30 or 40 minutes. Of course I apoligized to the person sitting next to me but she totally understood.

OP: make sure you pack several quart size ziplock baggies---they are great for dirty diapers and dirty clothing too.