Travel with Children - Changing a Diaper in First Class

12hour flight 2 weeks ago, the couple sitting across from me breast fed their screaming baby and then changed its diaper... Twice. FA's said nothing. This was my last straw with UA.

Had to vent...

Did you say anything?

My opinion:

Breastfeeding is fine, as long as the woman was even a little discreet. Don't stare and it shouldn't bother you at all.

I think diapers should be changed in the lav, but I think on the seat is fairly common.


Not sure FAs should be spending their time telling women when and where to breastfeed. So hardly UAs fault here.

I have no problem with breast feeding BUT the changing thing should have been done in the toilet!!

My problem was with the diaper changing. It should have been done in the lav. Actually more than that I think anyone who brings a baby in to the F cabin is a real *******.

Well-discussed topic. Some airframes have changing tables in the lavs. Others do not. Which frankly leaves one with no choice.
Thankfully those days are behind me, but I remember them well.

My problem was with the diaper changing. It should have been done in the lav. Actually more than that I think anyone who brings a baby in to the F cabin is a real *******.

Sure. And I think business colleagues who spend the whole flight having a loud conversation that the rest of the cabin can follow, are also real $&*+#~. And people who recline their seats all the way in domestic F for the entire flight even when they are working and eating. And men who urinate all over the bathroom and don't clean it up. And the idiots who keep their phones on during critical flight phases, doing emails on the descent. And....

not UA's fault at all. Get over it.

My problem was with the diaper changing.

You should have asked FA whether it's more hygienic to change diapers in the lav, she would probably politely ask the mom to do the next change in the lav. For occasions like these, it's good to carry a jar with feces, so you can show the parents what other people's feces smell like.

This is a topic most suitable for the Travel With Children Forum.
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

San 1k The smell of your awful child's **** is much worse. It's disgusting and inconsiderate. Don't be trash, use the lav.

My problem was with the diaper changing. It should have been done in the lav. Actually more than that I think anyone who brings a baby in to the F cabin is a real *******.

If the PAX can pay for the ticket (with cash, miles, or other form of airline currency), then what's to stop them unless they fly one of the airlines that prohibit children in F :D

When UA has Saver F and only Standard C/Y awards, and Saver F is cheaper than Standard C and only a little more than Y, well... what would a parent and child want to do?

But I agree about the Lav, unless the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign was lit...

Oh look at this toxic thread they sent us from TravelBuzz!

I can't believe someone complained about a baby being breastfed (in First but complaining about breastfeeding at all). A Flight Attendant would get in trouble for telling a passenger to not breastfeed OR to cover up. Where a baby can be bottlefed, they can be breastfed. I personally prefer seeing breastfed babies, anywhere! It should be encouraged.

The diapers though should be changed in the lav.

If you've paid for your child to be in First, your child can sit in First. The only seating restrictions for children on airplanes are emergency exits (and that's just for safety).

Well aren't we cheerful.

My problem was with the diaper changing. It should have been done in the lav. Actually more than that I think anyone who brings a baby in to the F cabin is a real *******.

Then why mention the breastfeeding at all? If they had bottle fed their child, would you have mentioned that in your post?

This thread should be merged into one of the many other threads discussing the same topic. There's really nothing new to discuss and these threads tend to go downhill fast.

12hour flight 2 weeks ago, the couple sitting across from me breast fed their screaming baby and then changed its diaper... Twice. FA's said nothing. This was my last straw with UA.

Had to vent...
What type of car are you going to be spending all your travel time in??? Cause this happens on every airline.

duplicate

The breastfeeding is fine and quite frankly, none of your beeswax. You don't like it, don't look. But I agree with you 100% on the diaper changing. That is disgusting, rude and totally inconsiderate. It's parents like these that give us sane and considerate parents a bad name. I would've said something to the FA.

Since there are a couple of issues here (and, actually, the second issue may itself possess some duality of perspective), I'll take them separately...

Whether in First, Business or Steerage, the OP's umbrage at a breast feeding says far more about the OP's narrow and unrealistic perspective than it does about the young mother's feeding her infant. Maybe it's the First Class bit...Is breast feeding OK in the back of the bus, but "lese majesty" up front among the tycoons, moguls, nobles and officers of flag rank?

As for diapering....In front or back of the plane, the two elements involved seem to me to differ a bit, one, pee, barely pushing the envelope, while poop does seem to offend against good order and discipline. It's been a long time since I underwent the travails of traveling fatherhood, but were it I changing an infant within the spectrum barely hatched thru about oneish, I'd really not give a tinker's damn about offense to Prince Philip of Tender Sensibilities or Princess Pat the Pretentious, when it comes to a wet diaper (although lap is a venue preferable to tray table, and wise parents always carry a plastic bag to preserve such items for proper disposal).

WHat kind of diaper change was that? ;)
I would probably draw the line between two ahem common scenarios. And a couple times i had to change diaper in the seat (the less offensive kind :D) because seatbelt sign was on in one case and there was a loooong line in another and current diaper leaked.

The choice was to essentially slowly soak myself, kids clothes and eventually the seat while waiting or make a quick change - i opted for the latter. Would definitely prefer doing it in a lav given an option.

I was wondering if we were going to parse the different type of diaper changings, because that certainly occurred to me as well (especially assuming we're talking an infant).

It also occurred to me that if the tyke was being noisy, perhaps the parents hoped a diaper change (even if the seatbelt light was on) would quiet things down. It's possible that under the circumstances they were trying their best to be considerate of other pax.

Since there are a couple of issues here (and, actually, the second issue may itself possess some duality of perspective), I'll take them separately...

Whether in First, Business or Steerage, the OP's umbrage at a breast feeding says far more about the OP's narrow and unrealistic perspective than it does about the young mother's feeding her infant. Maybe it's the First Class bit...Is breast feeding OK in the back of the bus, but "lese majesty" up front among the tycoons, moguls, nobles and officers of flag rank?

As for diapering....In front or back of the plane, the two elements involved seem to me to differ a bit, one, pee, barely pushing the envelope, while poop does seem to offend against good order and discipline. It's been a long time since I underwent the travails of traveling fatherhood, but were it I changing an infant within the spectrum barely hatched thru about oneish, I'd really not give a tinker's damn about offense to Prince Philip of Tender Sensibilities or Princess Pat the Pretentious, when it comes to a wet diaper (although lap is a venue preferable to tray table, and wise parents always carry a plastic bag to preserve such items for proper disposal).


OK, aside from the fact that I do believe diapers should be done in the lav (if there is actually even a changing table on board, that is...), I vote this best post ever on the topic of diaper changing in aircraft.

Wait, we're complaining about a nonsexual act involving the exposure of a woman's breast? Prude Americans (yes I am an American also).
Complaining about the diaper change is completely acceptable. It's not proper to do so. If the bathroom doesn't have a fold down for it don't most parents these days have those foam flaps to put a kid on? From my friends that have kids they can change a kid in under 60 seconds. Hell I even have done it a few times and didn't make a mess. I did walk out of the bathroom looking like I had been hanging out with Pablo Escobar (the baby powder) but it can be done in a confined space safely and cleanly.

Wait, we're complaining about a nonsexual act involving the exposure of a woman's breast? Prude Americans (yes I am an American also).
Complaining about the diaper change is completely acceptable. It's not proper to do so. If the bathroom doesn't have a fold down for it don't most parents these days have those foam flaps to put a kid on? From my friends that have kids they can change a kid in under 60 seconds. Hell I even have done it a few times and didn't make a mess. I did walk out of the bathroom looking like I had been hanging out with Pablo Escobar (the baby powder) but it can be done in a confined space safely and cleanly.

It really depends on the lav. I now have eight flights under my belt with my three month old. Most of those flights had changing tables, but two did not (a CRJ and a Horizon turboprop). When she was just six pounds it wasn't so hard to change her in the RJ lav, just by putting the toilet seat down and throwing a disposable pad on it. Now, however, she's really too long to change on the lav seat, so it's become much more difficult. I suspect when she starts rolling it will be nearly impossible to change in such a small space.

This thread should be merged into one of the many other threads discussing the same topic. There's really nothing new to discuss and these threads tend to go downhill fast.^

Or maybe the OP could just go to one mega diaper rant thread and add a "+1" at the end? :p

I did walk out of the bathroom looking like I had been hanging out with Pablo Escobar (the baby powder) but it can be done in a confined space safely and cleanly.

You use babypowder? I thought that was out because of the cancer risk... Even if that's not true, I really don't recommend it for travel for obvious reasons. One less item to drag (and we have enough stuff with babies!!!)

But anyway, no, it's not acceptable to do any kind of diaper change in the seat. It should be done in the lav, where there's a sink to wash and trash right there... Of course there are parents will will still but just be aware that this is not cool. Sometimes you are desperate but please don't routinely plan on doing the changes in the seat! Get up and use the lav when it's at all possible (and don't let long lines dissuade you, they usually let those with little one in first).

It was in a cafe's tiny bathroom that wasn't much bigger than an Lav on a plane. I day baby powder but I'm pretty sure it was some baby safe organic powder of some sort considering the kid's mother.

Actually, the danger is in the child breathing it and something about cervical cancer in women? I didn't bother to look it up. I simply don't use it and didn't on my kids.

I'll merge this with the other thread on this subject. Too busy packing to do that now! Sorry!

Actually, the danger is in the child breathing it and something about cervical cancer in women? I didn't bother to look it up. I simply don't use it and didn't on my kids.

I'll merge this with the other thread on this subject. Too busy packing to do that now! Sorry!

I believe 'talc' is out from a safety perspective for babies, but what you buy as baby powder these days is often actually 'corn starch' instead. Although my J&J powder in my purse is actually talc, I believe they do a cornstarch version as well.

My friend who uses cloth diapers never uses anything, but as I understand it, plastic coated diapers (Huggies, Pampers etc) can cause issues if you change the baby without thorough cleansing and drying first (which one imagines you cannot do in a airplane loo). The powder absorbs the extra moisture from the skin, and prevents nappy rash. As someone highly allergic to nappy / diaper rash cream (sudocreme, zincofax etc etc) corn starch is certainly my preference!

I believe 'talc' is out from a safety perspective for babies, but what you buy as baby powder these days is often actually 'corn starch' instead. Although my J&J powder in my purse is actually talc, I believe they do a cornstarch version as well.

My friend who uses cloth diapers never uses anything, but as I understand it, plastic coated diapers (Huggies, Pampers etc) can cause issues if you change the baby without thorough cleansing and drying first (which one imagines you cannot do in a airplane loo). The powder absorbs the extra moisture from the skin, and prevents nappy rash. As someone highly allergic to nappy / diaper rash cream (sudocreme, zincofax etc etc) corn starch is certainly my preference!

I believe my pediatrician mentioned that the danger from talc is to women generally, and not just babies, but I could be misremembering that. We don't use it in our house (or any baby powder at all).

I believe my pediatrician mentioned that the danger from talc is to women generally, and not just babies, but I could be misremembering that. We don't use it in our house (or any baby powder at all).

Yes, they do advise women not to use it in the genital area (or indeed, in addition to powder, any of the 'feminie hygine' products, or deodorants, or even creams, many of which contain talc). The only place I use talc is on my feet (I am terribly prone to blisters) so it is neither near my face (inhalation risk) or my lady bits (risk of transference to internal genital organs). The one in my purse was purchased as an 'emergency one', somewhere not in Canada (lack of dual language is a giveaway!), I suspect Ireland. The ones I buy here are cornstarch.

Yes, they do advise women not to use it in the genital area (or indeed, in addition to powder, any of the 'feminie hygine' products, or deodorants, or even creams, many of which contain talc). The only place I use talc is on my feet (I am terribly prone to blisters) so it is neither near my face (inhalation risk) or my lady bits (risk of transference to internal genital organs). The one in my purse was purchased as an 'emergency one', somewhere not in Canada (lack of dual language is a giveaway!), I suspect Ireland. The ones I buy here are cornstarch.

Seriously? TMI and completely OT.

Why hasn't this thread been closed?

My problem was with the diaper changing. It should have been done in the lav. Actually more than that I think anyone who brings a baby in to the F cabin is a real *******.

I guess UA was right about "over-entitled elites", OP can't even tolerate breastfeeding in his cabin.

When the topic of diaper changes arises, I believe that there are some people who differentiate between the urgent need to change a diaper with few options ie when the seatbelt sign is on, and changing a diaper on a seat as a matter of common practice.

The first situation isn't pleasant but could perhaps be understandable in an absolute emergency. The issue is that many people on FT and in real life think that changing a diaper on a seat or a tray table or on a lap next to other passengers is perfectly acceptable and the norm.

Seriously? TMI and completely OT.

Why hasn't this thread been closed?
Well, to be fair, it wasn't the person you quoted who began the talc/cervical cancer discussion (although I agree that we don't need always need to know the intimate personal hygiene habits of posters)

Wow, didn't realize talc was such a hot topic! Just thought I'd mention it so that people don't bring yet-another-thing on airplanes that's not necessary. Anything that can be removed from a diaper bag going on an airplane, should!

Can you guys handle the TMI post or do I need to remove it? Parents and nurses can handle TMI better than most. Up to you!

The point is to let parents know what is cool and what is not with their kids on airplanes. At least someone who changes a diaper in the cabin knows he's going against the "accepted norm" on hygiene grounds. I've been handed diapers in the cabin, wound up but not put in something.

Diapers have to go in the trash bin in the lav so please don't hand them to F/A's in the aisle. They're considered "bodily fluids" and the lav trash is handled differently to the galley trash. Don't think you're helping by putting used diapers in the galley trash yourself. We would get "naughty notes" from the company, reminding us of what can, and can't, go in the trash.

Well, to be fair, it wasn't the person you quoted who began the talc/cervical cancer discussion (although I agree that we don't need always need to know the intimate personal hygiene habits of posters)

I'd have to say "never" knowing works best for me.

I've known parents who think the poop of the first infant is like caviar and thus see nothing wrong changing anywhere - but they usually come around with the second (when they realize it is just poop).

Wow, didn't realize talc was such a hot topic! Just thought I'd mention it so that people don't bring yet-another-thing on airplanes that's not necessary. Anything that can be removed from a diaper bag going on an airplane, should!


Do you realise that many types of baby powder don't contain talc? Even then, talc for personal use hasn't contained asbestos for decades. And the talc scare had nothing to do with cervical cancer. (There was a spurious correlation with ovarian cancer, which has not been proven)

Yoshi mentioned baby powder, which isn't necessarily talc. I don't see any reason for a parent not to bring baby powder on board or to use it if they wish, so long as they clean up after themselves, just as I would expect from anyone using powder in a lav.

One doesn't have to be a parent or a nurse to find a post in poor taste. Not everyone feels the need to share intimate information about their body, or to have that knowledge about other posters. I believe that is why Lost brought it up, but I may be wrong. But so long as a post doesn't violate the ToS of FT, I personally don't see the need for it to be removed. Our posts tend to speak for us and allow people to form perceptions about each of us and since the question was asked, I prefer that posts aren't removed unless they are in violation.

Others are welcome to feel differently.

Do you realise that many types of baby powder don't contain talc? Even then, talc for personal use hasn't contained asbestos for decades. And the talc scare had nothing to do with cervical cancer. (There was a spurious correlation with ovarian cancer, which has not been proven)

Yoshi mentioned baby powder, which isn't necessarily talc. I don't see any reason for a parent not to bring baby powder on board or to use it if they wish, so long as they clean up after themselves, just as I would expect from anyone using powder in a lav. Not sure how asbestos got in the discussion, but most pediatricians (in the U.S. at least) now recommend against any form of powder on babies because of the risk of the baby inhaling the small particles and developing respiratory problems.

Not sure how asbestos got in the discussion, but most pediatricians (in the U.S. at least) now recommend against any form of powder on babies because of the risk of the baby inhaling the small particles and developing respiratory problems.

The issue seems to be more with powder containing talc (which used to contain asbestos), rather than that containing corn starch. It just seemed to be a rather strong response to Yoshi for using baby powder, when all baby powder isn't inherently bad. Apparently the corn starch version creates less dust.

I was actually surprised that Emma said that Johnson's powder contained talc, as the baby powder I see on the shelf is talc-free. Interesting that the US recommendation is to avoid all powder; in Germany the recommendation is to avoid any powder containing talc.

Whatever powder one uses, and where one uses it on the body, doesn't bother me directly unless one doesn't clean up after oneself as best as one can in the shared space of an airplane lav.

But while I definitely won't judge someone who uses baby powder, I will have strong opinions about diaper changes in the seat. :)

The issue seems to be more with powder containing talc (which used to contain asbestos), rather than that containing corn starch. It just seemed to be a rather strong response to Yoshi for using baby powder, when all baby powder isn't inherently bad. Apparently the corn starch version creates less dust.

I was actually surprised that Emma said that Johnson's powder contained talc, as the baby powder I see on the shelf is talc-free. Interesting that the US recommendation is to avoid all powder; in Germany the recommendation is to avoid any powder containing talc.All forms of powder can become airborn and be inhaled, and all are bad for lungs.

Cornstarch is as bad as any other powder because it can promote the growth of yeast, which is bad for any part of the person, be they infant or adult. I'm not advocating outlawing baby powder, just suggesting that it's important to know the potential problems it can cause.

The Academy of Pediatrics report on deaths due to powder inhalation is subscription only, but here is an exerpt from webMD: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/baby-skin-care-lotions-powders-soaps-sunscreens
Cornstarch-based powders can promote yeast growth. But the key reason to avoid cornstarch or talcum powders is that they're easy to inhale and may damage baby's lungs, causing breathing problems, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Now that we are way off topic :p you've piqued my interest. (And I suspect that the OT stuff will be deleted or moved, but it's interesting)

I went label reading whilst you wrote that. The German Rossmann house brand has talc, the French Johnsons has corn starch (actually listed as the latin zea mays). But the only recommendation I can find from German sources is to avoid powder containing talc, not powder all together.

Fascinating how different countries have different recommendations, ingredients, etc. I always like to compare ingredients in the same product in different countries as they tend to vary quite a bit.

As long as everyone's civilized. i'm on the beach in Cannes... no major editing or merging today folks!

Do I always change my diaper in the lav??? Depends...

Do I always change my diaper in the lav??? Depends...

Depends- clever!

not UA's fault at all. Get over it.

Exactly. Wasted energy on a minor inconvenience.

I personally don't care for diapers, or moms breast feeding their babies but I do understand that boundaries are quite different for every one.

Can't wait for the day till I can buy my own planet and have everything my way!

Feeding a baby it I do not take offense at no matter if its by breast or bottle.

But I take offense at parents who change a #2 diaper in a seat near yours without consideration for others near them that can smell and/or see. I still cannot get over the time I was flying back from NYC, and a mother changed a very small child near me, and the smell was overwhelming. The plane was crowded so I couldn't ask for a seat change. It was bad enough, that her and her husband let their other kids cause lots of noise where I had to take a few Excedrin migraine pills. I was so relieved to get off the plane as the family had sense enough to allow others to go ahead of them.

Just flew United's PS service in business (SFO-JFK) round trip with my four month old daughter. As many here probably know, those PS aircraft do not have changing tables in any class of service. I took the advice I've seen here and elsewhere to change her just before boarding and try to make it through the flight, but I still had to change two #2 diapers on the outbound (she slept the entire flight back).

I managed it by putting a disposable changing pad on the seat and laying her on top of it, but I can tell that this will not work much longer. She is getting bigger and more squirmy by the day, and she was already trying to reach for all kinds of things around her that I would prefer she not touch.

I have to say, that space on the floor between seats was looking pretty convenient. I can understand why people might want to change a baby there rather than deal with a lav with no changing table.

Feeding a baby it I do not take offense at no matter if its by breast or bottle.

But I take offense at parents who change a #2 diaper in a seat near yours without consideration for others near them that can smell and/or see. I still cannot get over the time I was flying back from NYC, and a mother changed a very small child near me, and the smell was overwhelming. The plane was crowded so I couldn't ask for a seat change. It was bad enough, that her and her husband let their other kids cause lots of noise where I had to take a few Excedrin migraine pills. I was so relieved to get off the plane as the family had sense enough to allow others to go ahead of them.

In theory, I agree. In practice, the "reek" of a child clad in unchanged beshat diapers may come close to matching the cloud of foul which accompanies changing them. Tiny lavs with no changing tables on RJs are common, and even "Big Jets" are not always so well equipped, and availability/accessibility issues are neither unknown or avoidable.

If you find the secret to eliminate the potential for noisy and annoying rugrats/ankle biters traveling aboard your flights (short of curare-tipped darts or a tranquilizer gun) please advise. Could we use the TSA? After all, many of the kids are filled with more than 3 ounces of liquid and not place in a Ziplock bag! ;)

In theory, I agree. In practice, the "reek" of a child clad in unchanged beshat diapers may come close to matching the cloud of foul which accompanies changing them. Tiny lavs with no changing tables on RJs are common, and even "Big Jets" are not always so well equipped, and availability/accessibility issues are neither unknown or avoidable.

Not only that, if kids sit in a soiled diaper for too long they can get a very nasty, uncomfortable rash. This will happen to my son in less than 15 minutes and can lead to welts so severe that there is broken skin, even with a thick application of Maximum Strength Desitin before the event.

Some may not realize that it is inconsiderate to change a child in the main cabin. Others may be in a tight spot and have no choice.

We're all just trying to get through the day. And there are certainly more important matters to dedicate energy to than these. Just my opinion.

Just flew United's PS service in business (SFO-JFK) round trip with my four month old daughter. As many here probably know, those PS aircraft do not have changing tables in any class of service. I took the advice I've seen here and elsewhere to change her just before boarding and try to make it through the flight, but I still had to change two #2 diapers on the outbound (she slept the entire flight back).

I managed it by putting a disposable changing pad on the seat and laying her on top of it, but I can tell that this will not work much longer. She is getting bigger and more squirmy by the day, and she was already trying to reach for all kinds of things around her that I would prefer she not touch.

I have to say, that space on the floor between seats was looking pretty convenient. I can understand why people might want to change a baby there rather than deal with a lav with no changing table.

The minute she can stand with support, you need to practice changing her in this position. She doesn't need to stand independently. That way, you can stand her on the toilet seat, facing away. Look for any handicapped lavs which might be larger (not always!)

You'll find this convenient in any public place because it can be tough to fight a toddler to stay lying down in a strange place. You will go through more wipes than you need at home and yes, you need a bit of practice. But with the feet planted, there are two fewer extremities to flail around.

The minute she can stand with support, you need to practice changing her in this position. She doesn't need to stand independently. That way, you can stand her on the toilet seat, facing away. Look for any handicapped lavs which might be larger (not always!)

You'll find this convenient in any public place because it can be tough to fight a toddler to stay lying down in a strange place. You will go through more wipes than you need at home and yes, you need a bit of practice. But with the feet planted, there are two fewer extremities to flail around.

Interesting idea - I'll give it a shot as soon as she is ready.