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What's the etiquette for (public) diaper changing?

BabyMommy2009BabyMommy2009
in D.C. Area Babies
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So, when you are out and about...what's the etiquette for diaper changing?

I was Downtown today and DS has what I knew was a serious situation going on...so, I ran to about 6 different places until I found a public restroom with a diaper changing table...then, just so happened right on the way out, I see some lady changing her kid on a park bench!

Now, I would have done that, but it seemed somehow wrong to me...not that it would offend me if I saw it, but I was worried other people might be offended. From what I could tell, the lady had a changing pad underneath...so my question is, next time I am out...can I just change DS on any hard, flat surface (OK, obviously not a table top, but a park bench? It just occurred to me today that I had no idea what, if any, rules there are here.

 Thanks

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Re: What's the etiquette for (public) diaper changing?

  • AgrippaAgrippa
    I have changed on park benches, in the stroller, and in various other places.  I try to go a little bit out of the way so that I'm not just changing him in plain sight.  Now that DS is a little older, I typically try to find a bathroom, because it seems less appropriate to be changing a toddler out in public.  As long as you have a changing pad and aren't changing him on a table or on the Metro or something, I don't know that many people would have problems with it.
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  • babypuplovebabypuplove
    If we don't have a changing table/restroom nearby, I will change on a park bench, but I try to get out of the way a little.  I would not, however, change her at a table in a restaurant.  :)
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  • JARbabyJARbaby member

    imageAgrippa:
    I try to go a little bit out of the way so that I'm not just changing him in plain sight. 

    I try to be respectful of the general public but with 2, going to a public restroom is not easy, esp with my double stroller. I would rather find a corner on the floor where I can keep a handle on both kids.

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  • kcita_234kcita_234

    Good question- Only if I absolutely could not find a restroom would I resort to changing DS in public. I would try my best to find a private corner some where and do it as quickly and *hopefully* as discreetly as possible. I don't think I could change him on a park bench in public like that, but sometimes motherhood is about doing what you gotta do.

     

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  • Hey JellisyHey Jellisy
    I've changed DD outside on benches with the changing pad.  Heck, I think I've done it on the grass on a changing pad.  I wouldn't change in the middle of a store or restaurant - but most of those have appropriate facilities so it is prolly a moot point.     
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  • CandKmommaCandKmomma
    I always change DS in the back of our CRV.  It has a shelf that I swear was made to be a changing table. LOL! 
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  • vtmezzovtmezzo
    I have changed DS on a bench, in the back of my car, in the trunk of DH's car, on the ground, etc. The only place I would not change him would be on a table or where people are eating.
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  • MrsKLSMrsKLS
    Honestly, I have never, ever used a bathroom changing station - i think they are disgusting! I have always changed DD in her stroller, the back of the car, or somewhere where I could lay her down on the changing pad. I would never do it in a place where people are eating - that is just unsanitary.
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