Holidays bring travel for lots of families. Even if you’re not going over the river or through the woods, holiday travel takes even more time with the diaper-wearing set in tow. Don’t let diaper rash get you down this holiday travel season.
Diaper rash is caused by prolonged exposure to moisture in the diaper area. All that time sitting in terminals, flying on planes or cruising in cars means babies might go longer between changes.
Here are six tips to help avoid diaper rash while traveling with kids in diapers:
Set yourself up for success: Start with a fresh diaper before boarding. It seems obvious, but time in the terminal can be crowded and stressful. It might seem easier to let it ride until you get through the flight, but it’s best to start your trip with a completely dry diaper to reduce the chance of irritation. Also, pack plenty of diapers in case you have a delay or cancellation.
Changing tables are at the front: If you had a change at the airport, there might not be any reason to fuss on the plane. However, complications happen. Bathrooms on airplanes are notoriously tiny, so handling a squirmy baby in there at 30,000 feet takes some skill. Many airplane bathrooms have changing tables, but they’re almost always located only at the front of the plane (if at all).
Square things away with the flight attendant early: The bathroom at the front of the plane is typically reserved for people in the front cabin. You don’t want to deal with any side-eye or denied access on your way to handle an urgent diaper issue. Instead, let the flight attendants know ahead of time that you might need to change a diaper at some point. If you’re proactive, they almost always will be glad to accommodate you.
Suit up with overnights: Overnight diapers are more absorbent than their daytime counterparts. They can stay drier longer, which is reassuring when you’re stuck in an airport or on a long drive. Plus, a dry baby is usually more comfortable and less fussy.
Stop to change: If you’re driving a long way, be sure to stop often to change that diaper. Kids (and grown-ups for that matter) like to stretch their legs a little. Plus, there’s no way that making good time is worth a case of diaper rash. Don’t chance it.
Carry and use diaper ointment: Even if your diaper-wearer doesn’t have a diaper rash, use a zinc-oxide-based diaper ointment like Dr. Smith’s® to prevent diaper rash from cropping up in the first place. It’s a proven added layer of protection to keep moisture off baby’s skin. If you’re on a road trip, go hands-free with Dr. Smith’s Diaper Rash Spray. If you’re flying, grab a security-friendly 3-ounce tube.
Rachel Bell is a military spouse and mom of two girls with their own airline mileage account numbers. She’s traveled a lot with her family and knows about diapering on the go.
Dr. Smith's is a Macaroni Kid sponsor.
