Did I ever say there was no hand washing? What I said was that it was akin to a guest not washing their hands after using the restroom.

Neither did I say it was anyone's responsibility as a hostess to change the baby's diaper.

PS... you have, as usual, assumed the absolute worst in my post, as you often do in posts with which you take umbrage. Geesh, get over it.

I offered my perspective as you offered yours, but STOP ASSUMING. This isn't a matter of right versus wrong, contrary to what you might believe.

OP~ it is YOUR house. As I said before....

I think I'll pick some up to have on hand for when she visits.

Usually the changeing pads that are sold in the baby department are really too small to be very useful. The Harriet Carter or Lillian Vernon catologs sell bed pads that are a bit larger and laundry really great.

If you want to make a temporary changeing station for your guests you might do what I did when I had a number of moms and diapered kids in for exceptional parent conferences. Buy a flannel backed water proof table cloth and a box or gallon ziplocks and put it on the bed. Usually the seasonal ones are really cheap after the holidays.

Sometimes you can find waterproof fabric in home decor stores. This is my favorite because you can decorate them with Iron on transfers colored in with Sharpie indelible washable markers. Or make it cribsize and put a growth charth on it. Maybe the Baby's name, weight, DOB ect. Very personal. I traced my childrens hands on their's until I took them out of their youth beds. They are great later to throw across the car seat for little sandy beach bums.

Great idea! Thanks.

just tell her not to do it on the table or bed..its your house !!!!

Absolutely. I've got to put my foot down on that....in the nicest way I possibly can, lol. She's been a friend for years. I don't want her to think I'm calling her a bad mother, cuz she's not. I think she's just new to all this & hopefully I can communicate that when I talk to her about using the designated diaper changing spot.

I really appreciate the responses letting me know that it's not an unreasonable thing to ask of her, and I love most of the ideas given so far. Absolutely love the combined ideas of a designated changing spot with the waterproof table cloth and pads & bags nearby.

SweetnFunny,

Another issue with the diapers. When the stinky ones happen and we're not at home, we put them in plastic trash bags like the ones you get at the store. It doesn't hurt to double bag them. Then...put them outside on the porch. I never put a stinky one in somebody's inside trash can. That stinks their house up! At home I had a container called a Diaper Genie. They are awesome.

I am new to all this, but instead of changing pads or all this fuss, how about towels. easy, washable, and handy.

Thanks Winx! I'm gonna check & see if she has something like a Diaper Genie in her house. If she doesn't, that would be another good gift idea.
At my place...I would love it if she took the really stinky ones out to the dumpster rather than throw them in my trash can. Hopefully it's something she's open to talking about.

Changing pads have a water repellent layer. It stops any wetness from going all the way through. Towels won't do that. You never know when babies will spring a leak.

If the baby pees during a diaper change, it will leak through the towel. Then, depending on where the baby's being changed, there's extra clean up. On the bed...then I have to rewash the bedding. On the kitchen table...then I have to get out the clorox. On the floor...then out comes the carpet cleaner.
(At least that's what I've seen in my limited experience. )
I love PacificStar48's suggestion of a waterproof table cloth.

No odors leak from Diaper Genie. It's an incredible item.

If you're uncomfortable talking to her about it, you might have to be ready with the plastic bags and offer to take care of it and get it outside. I really don't like them in the inside trash cans. That smell takes awhile to dissipate.

I agree with Winx. Do you think you could buy her a changing pad as a gift? Hint hint? Im not sure what they cost but that would be nice of you to do for her. Shes probably a new mom and doesnt know about all of these things. If you get her the pad and she STILL doesnt use it and soils your towels, then a chat is in order.

Yes, I plan on buying her some changing pads.

People behave as you allow them .......


If nothing is said to your friend....why would you expect her behavior to change...

I would try getting her the pad first but if she ignores that and doesn’t use it, then you must speak with her. If she takes offense, oh well. The world is not going to stop because she gave birth.

Good points both, ddn122 & Krimsa. Thank you.

I used to buy these little bags at Wal-Mart, they sold them nar the diapers. They are blue and scented, with little ties built in. Made especially for diapers... I carried them in my diaper bag and they were great. Cheap too!

Update:

Woohoo!
She agreed to the designated changing spot.

She agreed to at least tie the smelly diapers up in a bag before throwing them in the trash.

It turned out to be a really, nice talk. She was not offended at all. She thanked me for the changing pads & thought the waterproof table cloth was a great idea.

You're still friends.

You were even thanked.

I'm glad that it all worked out for you.

Now...inquiring minds want to know....where is the designated
changing spot?!