Odd Question

[SonCatcher]

The restroom floor at our parish is not sanitary at all. That is defiantly not an option in my case.

Neither is a soiled diaper.

The changing pad in this case provides two purposes: to protect the surface from the diaper and to protect the child from the surface. You can use an additional pad for your knees.

When the child is old enough, you can learn to change him/her standing up. It’s even less of a problem than kneeling in a cramped bathroom. (Yes, I’ve done this, too)

 

[Topaz1128]

Your car would be the best place.

 

[Bruised_Reed]

If I may add the church was nearly empty. It wasn’t during mass it was afterwards and there was just practice in the way front of the church. I was using a thin changing pad that I have. And it was raining(parking was far). I guess I didn’t think I was in a wrong at that time but I guess I live and learn. This wasn’t our parish so I wasn’t familiar with the priest. Thanks for all your comments.

Since this isn’t your parish you could write a short, pleasant letter to the pastor of that church, describing what happened and suggest the installation of a changing table.

 

[underacloud]

The restroom floor at our parish is not sanitary at all. That is defiantly not an option in my case.

I cannot imagine ever changing a baby on the bathroom floor.

Me, either. And our parish keeps our building very clean. But after 200 people have walk in and out of the bathroom, it isn’t clean for long.

Yuck.

To clarify, I mean with a change mat as per SonCatcher’s suggestion.

Changing a baby on your own change mat will always be a more sanitary option than whatever surface you place that mat on. Keep in mind that even if they install a change table (which I think is a missuse of funds) that table would hardly be a sanitary surface either.

And there’s one great benefit to changing a baby on the floor…they will never fall off it.

 

[rayne89]

To clarify, I mean with a change mat as per SonCatcher’s suggestion.

Changing a baby on your own change mat will always be a more sanitary option than whatever surface you place that mat on. Keep in mind that even if they install a change table (which I think is a missuse of funds) that table would hardly be a sanitary surface either.

And there’s one great benefit to changing a baby on the floor…they will never fall off it.

A changing table is a misuse of funds? From a church where we are supposed to be open to life. I have actually never been in a parish that does not have a changing table. I’m sure they could pick one up at yard sale or some family may have one that no longer have small children that could donate one. How the heck is a changing table a misuse of funds?

 

[underacloud]

A changing table is a misuse of funds? From a church where we are supposed to be open to life. I have actually never been in a parish that does not have a changing table. I’m sure they could pick one up at yard sale or some family may have one that no longer have small children that could donate one. How the heck is a changing table a misuse of funds?

What did parents ever do before there were change tables?

It’s simply my opinion that there are much better things that money can be spent on. Buying a change table may not be wrong per se, but I just think with so many needs of the poor the world over, this is very much a first world problem and sometimes I think those of us in the first world can just suck it up and not be so precious about such things. If a family wishes to donate one, then that’s great.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

What did parents ever do before there were change tables?

What did people do before they had running water?

They had worse sanitation and people got sick. That’s what. Same thing here.

 

[underacloud]

What did people do before they had running water?

They had worse sanitation and people got sick. That’s what. Same thing here.

Same thing? You liken the lack of change tables with one of the greatest health risks in the world? We’ll stop spending money on providing running water in third world countries because local parishes need change tables?

Change tables are often going to be less sanitary than almost any other surface you could name…except perhaps food preparation areas that haven’t been cleaned. Wherever you change your baby, using your own change mat will be the best option, and/or wiping the surface with hygienic wipes. Change tables merely help parents not have to bend down - like I said, a first world problem.

 

[Country_Gal]

Is it wrong to change a baby in church. I have a 1 year old daughter and after a rosary and mass she had needed a diaper change. It was raining really hard and there was a function going on outside of church (people everywhere). And of course the bathrooms did not have a changing pad or anyplace to change my baby. So the only option that I could think of at that moment was the back pew of the church. While I was changing my baby our priest comes up to me and lectures me about this not being the place and that this isn’t the place to change her. I thought the priest had left by then and didn’t think about hunting him down. Was I wrong here? I understand that church is a sacred place but changing an innocent baby where I had run out of options I thought was harmless. Just wanted to hear some opinions.

Thanks in advance.

It may not be wrong, but it’s tacky. I know life is one big hassle when you have a baby, but there is a time and place for changing a dirty diaper, and I don’t think a church is one of them.

 

[Country_Gal]

Sounds like an occasion to suggest to the pastor or the parish council or whoever would be best that a changing table be made available in the restrooms or some other appropriate place.

Amen to that! The church needs to be more user friendly to hard pressed families.

 

[Country_Gal]

A changing table is a misuse of funds? From a church where we are supposed to be open to life. I have actually never been in a parish that does not have a changing table. I’m sure they could pick one up at yard sale or some family may have one that no longer have small children that could donate one. How the heck is a changing table a misuse of funds?

My thoughts precisely.

 

[underacloud]

A changing table is a misuse of funds? From a church where we are supposed to be open to life. I have actually never been in a parish that does not have a changing table. I’m sure they could pick one up at yard sale or some family may have one that no longer have small children that could donate one. How the heck is a changing table a misuse of funds?

PS when I say misuse of funds, I put it in parentheses to minimise the comment. I do think there are better things to spend the money on, but it’s hardly a big deal either way and I certainly wouldn’t strongly object to any parish buying a change table.

Anyway, I’ve offered my 2c worth and happy to keep changing my children’s nappies on the floor while others choose other methods/locations/etc. When it comes to parenting, it helps to share experiences, but you’ve got to handle things your own way in the end.

 

[Viki63]

I have changed babies in some desperate places.
Worst case, I would change him on the bathroom floor, on top of my coat. Of course then I’d have to wash my coat before wearing it again…
I would never change him in a church, though. It doesn’t seem respectful.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

Same thing? You liken the lack of change tables with one of the greatest health risks in the world? We’ll stop spending money on providing running water in third world countries because local parishes need change tables?

Change tables are often going to be less sanitary than almost any other surface you could name…except perhaps food preparation areas that haven’t been cleaned. Wherever you change your baby, using your own change mat will be the best option, and/or wiping the surface with hygienic wipes. Change tables merely help parents not have to bend down - like I said, a first world problem.

Hahah, fair enough. You do still need mats. But at least your knees won’t hurt!

As for it being a “first world problem,” I don’t know… it’s probably also a first world problem to complain about it!

But in all seriousness, we’re not talking about 55 inch TV’s or luxury sedans or top of the line sneakers, we’re talking about a pretty basic thing that helps care for young, new life. I think that’s different!

 

[Bruised_Reed]

A baby changing station that attaches to a wall is about $200. Considering how many people it would help it seems like a bargain.

 

[underacloud]

As for it being a “first world problem,” I don’t know… it’s probably also a first world problem to complain about it!

But in all seriousness, we’re not talking about 55 inch TV’s or luxury sedans or top of the line sneakers, we’re talking about a pretty basic thing that helps care for young, new life. I think that’s different!

yes, I think my ramblings here definitely make me guilty of indulging in first world problems! I will retreat now.

 

[Sneaux]

I don’t really think it’s appropriate. I wouldn’t have taken the baby to the car.

 

[LilyM]

Why would it be inappropriate? I’m sure God would not be offended - He was once a babe Himself and must have soiled many a diaper. As was everybody else who might be witnessing the process. Those who don’t like the sight or smell can easily move out of eye and nose range

 

[maryjk]

To clarify, I mean with a change mat as per SonCatcher’s suggestion.

Changing a baby on your own change mat will always be a more sanitary option than whatever surface you place that mat on. Keep in mind that even if they install a change table (which I think is a missuse of funds) that table would hardly be a sanitary surface either.

And there’s one great benefit to changing a baby on the floor…they will never fall off it.

True a baby will never fall from the floor. They will just roll or reach out. Heck maybe they can touch the toilet.

Sorry, you cannot convince me that changing your baby on a public restroom’s floor is anything but nasty, mat or no mat.

And if that makes me a “first world” problem person. So be it.

 

[Country_Gal]

Why would it be inappropriate? I’m sure God would not be offended - He was once a babe Himself and must have soiled many a diaper. As was everybody else who might be witnessing the process. Those who don’t like the sight or smell can easily move out of eye and nose range

If enough people are bothered by it, then it’s socially unacceptable. I’m pretty laid back person, had 6 kids, breastfed them all, was definitely an Earth Mom. But I never would have changed a diaper in a church.