Changing Diapers while at the parks

[C.Ann]

I seriously skeeve changing tables...do you think it would be rude of me to change my DS's diapers in his stroller if I take him off to the side where there isn't much pedestrian traffic? Just asking, please no flaming if you don't agree I'm sure we'll be using the changing tables, but just wanted to see other's opinions and if anyone else has ever done this. DS is 22 months

As long as you're discreet, and considerate of other visitors, I don't see where you change the kid matters. And I'm with you, those fold-down, e-coli laden baby smasher thingys give me the willies, too..

I am with you! I also skeeve changing tables. I myself do not see a problem with changing the diaper in the stroller. It is your stroller. As a mother of 3 (1 plus a set of twins) we did diaper changes in the stroller all the time.

I agree.. No changing tables!! I once went into a rest room in WDW and the changing table was covered with feces.. How can people be so disgusting??

Take him to the side and do what you need to do..

 

[LilGMom]

If you don't like changing tables use either a changing pad, use paper towels (there is 9 times out of 10 a towel dispenser right there by the changing table) to line the table, get disposable changing pads from a store or wipe it down with a wipe prior to putting your child on the table.

I'm not a fan of public changing table because too many people don't clean up after themselves but I'd wipe the area down with a wet wipe, put down the changing pad, put paper towels under the rump, change the diaper and then wipe the table down again. I have yet to ever see a really disgusting changing table in a WDW restroom. The Baby Care Centers are great and very clean, plus they have multiple changing tables and an attendant on hand if needed. I changed one diaper in the stroller because I was waiting for the rest of our party and didn't want them to wander off - not too easy with a big toddler.

Ultimately it comes down to what you are comfortable with. If you can change your child's diaper in the stroller and it isn't being offensive to other guests, by all means do so.

 

[planitdad]

We've all encountered dirty public restrooms and such, and an occasional expedient change is certainly understandable. However, not everyone will be conscientious about it, using appropriate discretion and hygiene. Thus, rules.

Upon reading, I see some discount entirely the idea of using the proper facilities. Imagine if everyone opted to change diapers in this manner.

I'm remembering my own experience of witnessing a mom change her baby at a table at Cosmic Ray's, then chuck the diaper in the trash with their food wrappers. I know this shows no courtesy, etc. but is what we would see more of if their were simply an acceptance of changing baby outside of the proper setting.

 

[adventure_woman]

What kind of potty do you haul around the parks with you all day? I can't imagine my DD's little potty fitting in our stroller...

I did buy one of those foldable potty seats that go on the big potty (not this exact one, but almost http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=150774&cmSource=Search ), and it never fit right on public pottys that have the gap in the seat at the front.

I have this one:

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=361755&cmSource=Search

I got a vinyl bag that I put it in and I will just hang it right from the stroller. I got it at first because DD was petrified of the big pottys. Now it is just easier than trying to keep her hands off the potty. I just buy cheap gallon size baggies (75 for $2) and she goes right in the bags, I empty into the big toilet and throw the baggie away. It is especially helpful if she has to go #2 and it takes a little longer than #1. At the end of the day I use my lysol wipes and wipe it down, but she only ever touches the part that DOESN'T touch the floor.

It is also priceless to leave in the car, and to take places where there is no restroom (since she can't really just 'go find a tree!')

 

[bdiddy]

Unless you go to Disney World during a seriously slow time of year, there will always be one or two people around you.

See, I disagree with this. We were there last year during free dining so it was definitely not slow. Those parks are so full of nooks and crannies and out of the corner private spots I think most people don't notice unless they are looking for one. I changed our son in the stroller every time (except once in the baby care center at Epcot) and never once did I have someone even remotely close to us. One of the times at MK I was in this little alcove between where two buildings came together and my DH couldn't even find us!! LOL...He went to the bathroom himself and I said I was going to find somewhere around there to change our son and I look up after I was done changing him to see DH wandering around looking for us!

I have major issues with public restrooms though and never use the changers in there and I would never consider pushing a stroller in to change him but that is just me. The baby care centers while great aren't always convenient, it seemed like everytime we needed to change a diaper we were across the park from it.

 

[erinworth]

have to agree with the changing pad advice. just can't count on other circumstances. recommend going with one of the slightly bigger pads like the round ones from patemm pads. particularly for parks they work well because you could just bring that with wipes and diapers and the pad can serve as the diaper bag. plenty of others like that out there but the round shape is the key thing for me. bigger and better for squirmy ones.

best,

erin

 

[marciemi]

Since according to this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2252707

most guests are apparently just using the Counter Service restaurant tables instead of the changing tables, you should be safe using the ones in the restroom since they should be sparkling clean!

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

Ok, I have a gross story to tell you, so if you don't think you can handle it, please pass this post and read the next one.





In January 2008 my husband and I took my 9 month old son to Disney World. The first day we got there, my son caught some stomach virus and ended up vomiting the first day and having diarrhea the next 2 days. We were not aware of the diarrhea situtation until we were having dinner at the Brown Derby restaurant. My son was giggling and laughing and having a blast, then all of a sudden my husband noticed a puddle on the floor underneath my son's highchair. Yes, it was exactly what you are thinking. My son's bowel movement was pure liquid. I had to scoop him up and run to the bathroom, while my poor husband had to get our waiter to get a mop and bleach and disinfect the floor and high chair. It was a horrible experience, but I was not embarrassed at all, because the wait staff was so kind and understanding. A lot of them were parents themselves and understood my situation. We got our food to go and headed back to the resort. After a day or two my son felt better and we were able to enjoy the rest of our trip.

During that trip I ended up using all 3 options...I used the wonderful Baby Centers, I used my stroller and pulled off to the side so I could get some privacy and I used the regular rest rooms. I had disposable changing pads with me and I also had little dirty diaper baggies, so that I could wrap the stinky diaper up and throw it away without the trash can stinking.

I think in any situation as long as you try to be considerate of others, you will do fine.

We had such a similar experience with my son last year at LeCellier. We still joke about our "crappy" time in Canada!!

Yep, I do the stroller change. The changing tables in the bathrooms are dirty and he's too big and heavy for them. He lays still in his stroller, at least. We go to the baby stations, but sometimes there's no time to walk across the park when baby is a mess!

 

[pampam]

Use the stroller if you must, but please use the restroom when you change your child. That way, you can properly dispose of the diaper and wash your hands after. People won't be assaulted with the smells, and you will be fresher and won't offend anyone with germs. The worst I ever saw was a man changing his child on the table at Tusker House in AK's Africa. I imediately told a CM so they could properly wash the table. He was about 20 feet away from a restroom.

 

[RMmom]

I must say that when we were down there this past May, I would change my son's wet diapers anywhere. I have never changed a diaper in a bathroom. We laid him down on our blanket in secluded grassy places, in his stroller and on secluded benches with our blanket under him. The changes were all wet. He sits still. No one even noticed us. I used purell when I was done. Where we live there are always babies being changed in public (when it is just pee). No one thinks twice about it. Both of my children are preemies and we stay far away from cooties!!

 

[stitchgal]

We just got back and I used many of the parks changing tables for my 9 month old and never had a problem of one actually looking dirty. I would just recommend using a portable changing pad on the changing table if you are concerned.