Diaper changes at home are routine. Changes at the park, the mall or the side of the road are another story. A small kit and a few tricks make them quick and calm, wherever you are.
Pack a changing kit
Keep a small kit you can grab without unpacking the whole bag:
- 2 or 3 diapers
- A travel pack of wipes
- A small tube of diaper cream
- A portable changing pad
- A spare outfit
- Bags for dirty diapers and wet clothes
- Hand sanitizer
A portable pad makes any surface cleaner and easier. The Robin changing pad has a changing area about 21.5 inches long, for babies up to about 24 months, and a wipes pocket with a pull-through window. It folds to 11.8 by 7.9 inches and straps onto a stroller, a bag or your wrist.
For quick trips, a small pouch is often enough. The Posy pouch holds a couple of diapers and wipes and clips onto a stroller handle.
Many diaper bags include a changing pad too. The Lark messenger bag and the Swift backpack each come with one.
Where to change
- Baby changing stations in restrooms. Many stores, restaurants and public buildings have them, and US federal buildings with public restrooms are required to have one.
- Family restrooms in malls, airports and larger stores.
- Your car. The back seat or trunk area, with the car parked, is often the cleanest option.
- A bench or the floor, on your changing pad, when there's nowhere else.
The floor is always safer than a high surface without sides.
Keep baby safe
- Always keep one hand on your baby. Babies can roll in a split second.
- Use the safety strap on changing stations, but don't rely on it alone.
- Never leave baby alone on any raised surface.
- Get everything ready first, so you don't have to reach away.
Make it quick
- Lay out the pad, open a clean diaper under the dirty one and have wipes ready.
- Clean, wipe front to back, and fasten the new diaper.
- Bag the dirty diaper and wipes.
- Wipe the pad clean and let it dry before folding.
- Clean your hands and your baby's.
Distract a wiggly baby
A small toy only for changes, a song or a silly face buys you a few calm seconds.
Restock when you get home
The best habit of all: refill the kit as soon as you walk in the door.
Questions parents ask
Where can I change my baby when I'm out?
Baby changing stations, family restrooms, your car or on a portable pad on a bench or floor.
Is it safe to change a baby in the car?
Yes, with the car parked, on a clean pad, with a hand on your baby.
What do I need for a diaper change on the go?
Diapers, wipes, cream, a portable pad, a spare outfit and bags for dirty items.
Choosing a bag? See diaper bag vs. diaper backpack.
