How to Change a Diaper in a Car

Co-authored by Jami Yaeger and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 7, 2022

You’re enjoying a pleasant road trip with your little one when a distinct smell suddenly hits you. There’s no need to worry—car diaper changes are a lot more common than you may think. Within a few minutes, you can get your child freshened up and ready to go.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Ready

1
Park your car in a flat, safe area. Even if your child’s diaper is smelling a bit ripe, you don’t need to rush, or park along the side of the road to change it. Instead, take your time and park your car into a nearby parking lot or another safe area where you can safely park and focus on your child’s needs.
- For instance, you should never change your child’s diaper along the side of the road, even if you’re on a long stretch of highway. Try looking for a rest stop or other open area where you can safely park.
2
Find a flat, clean space in the trunk where you can change the diaper. Your main goal is to create a temporary replacement for your diaper changing table at home. The trunk of your car is a great option, as long as there’s plenty of space and no items lying around that could be dangerous to a baby.^{[1]
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Research source} If you don’t have a lot of space back there, don’t worry—the base of a passenger seat is flat enough to get the job done.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Double-check that there’s nothing sharp or dangerous in your trunk that your child can grab onto or hurt themselves with. If there’s a lot of stuff lying around that can shift, or that your baby can grab onto, change the diaper on a passenger seat instead.
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3
Lay a waterproof pad down. Waterproof pads are a big lifesaver, especially when it comes to on-the-go diaper changes. Set the pad down on a flat surface, so you’ll have an easier time changing your child’s diaper.^{[3]
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Research source}
4
Place your diaper-changing supplies next to the pad. Grab your clean diapers, wipes, a small trash bag, and any other supplies that you usually use when replacing your baby’s diaper. It’s best to keep extra outfits on hand in case the diaper change gets messy.^{[4]
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Research source} You may also want to pack diaper cream, disposable gloves, and anything else you typically use to change diapers.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- If you go for car rides with your baby frequently, it can help to have a stash of clean diapers and wipes somewhere in your car.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Replacing the Diaper

1
Arrange your baby on the pad. Remove the baby from the car seat and take them to your impromptu diaper changing set-up. Place your baby on the center of the pad so you won’t get any stinky messes in the car trunk or on your upholstery.^{[6]
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Research source}
2
Slide the clean diaper beneath your child’s rear. Don’t remove the dirty diaper immediately—instead, grab a clean diaper and place it beneath the existing one. This helps prevent messes from collecting on the pad.^{[7]
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Research source}
3
Change the diaper as quickly as you can. Remove the old diaper and wipe off any messes with a fresh diaper wipe. Place the used items in a plastic bag, so you can toss them out easily in a trash bin. Secure a clean diaper onto your baby, making sure that it’s snug. If you have the supplies on hand, wipe down your baby’s hands in case they picked up any germs from their old diaper.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- If needed, apply diaper cream along with the diaper.
- If there’s a trash can nearby, discard the old diaper and wipes there. If not, you can toss them out when you get home.
4
Clean up and put your supplies away. Sanitize or wipe off your hands and secure your baby back into their car seat. Grab a disinfectant wipe and clean off the surface of the pad so it’s ready to use next time.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.} At this point, store your diaper changing supplies in their usual place in your car. You’re now ready to hit the road!^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
- Add the disinfectant wipe to your mini trash bag if you haven’t thrown it out already.
- Double-check the disinfectant label to ensure that it’s safe to use on your waterproof pad.

Expert Q&A

Question

Should I bring a diaper bag on every car trip?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

If that's the only option, yes. I'd actually recommend keeping a second diaper bag in the car. If you only have one diaper bag, I'd buy a new bag and pack it with everything you'd typically need. Just leave it in the car; you never know when you're going to need it!