OP again.
I never said I wouldn't use a public changer. Some of you are jumping to that conclusion because I'm asking about a stroller as an alternative. I simply said it isn't appealing to me, and if you roll in a bathroom with a stroller (specifically the Cruz), I didn't understand why it WOULDNT WORK as an alternative to just change there. It appears more hygienic and a comparable effort (though maybe cramped, maybe not, pending on stroller and baby size). Cleanup w blowouts are going to suck anywhere: Home, changer, diaper table, car. It may or may not be more private/messy in a stroller depending on circumstance.
So, for the 3rd time, I'll say again, I will use a public changer if necessary. I really just wanted to know if other moms commonly use strollers alternatively. Im not judging those who don't. Just asking for those who do.
FWIW, I'm a proud NICU mom, but sadly, I lost my first born daughter in the NICU to a sudden infection she caught while there, after a month of growing healthily. It was difficult, she passed away in my and Dh's arms at only 58 days old. I don't expect (or need) everyone to fully comprehend how that shapes you as a mother. After weeks there, we never got to take her home, or hold her in our own beds. But we were preparing to -- and Drs CONSTANTLY warned us while there and once we got home to prepare to avoid germs, visitors, public travel, baby gyms, daycare, air particles w purifiers,etc. We were preparing for operation sterile baby lock down. So some mommy things are still foreign/new to me. Some are not.
Now with this one, it is and will be a COMPLETELY different scenario, thank the Lord. Overthinker? Perhaps. I have a tendency to be analytical. But of course my thinking is going to be impacted!! Both me and DH are admittedly a bit more cautious about some things than we were before our loss. However, we ARE NOT fear driven. Sometimes I scrub my hands like a surgeon, up to my elbows, but I like it that way now. Sometimes I est a dropped m&t off the floor. I don't mind that. Yes, my kid will be exposed to germs, like all humans. But I don't have to throw all caution to the wind because of it. Experiences do shape us. For example, I imagine someone who lost their child to SIDS might "overthink" mattress types and off-gassing as a possibility, while other moms not exposed to such a tragedy wouldn't give it a second thought as a cause for concern. It's like any other difference parents have on methods and ways to skin cats. I have my reasons, you have yours, can't adult women discuss the differences without criticism? I didn't intend for my naive questions to be an invitation to challenge my reasoning, and judge my thoughts.
Of course, germs are everywhere. And there are SERIOUS germs on those changers.
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http://video.app.msn.com/watch/video/target-7-swabs-diaper-changing-tables/1d00pdkjv)
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http://cuddlesmart.com/are-public-restroom-changing-tables-really-dangerous)
I'll prob use a reusable diaper pad/blanket for places that aren't amongst the masses (stroller, lap, car, house). I like the convenience of the ones recommended here for that.
For public changes, on a plastic germ ridden plastic porous surface, I like the idea of a disposable cover pad, coupled w/ clorox wipes, to help prevent cross contamination in a diaper bag that could occur.
Even still, every establishment doesn't have a changer anyway so you have to improvise in that scenario. And I'm sure when Dad has baby out, he won't have a changing table in the male bathrooms. And I would never use a public floor, even with a pad. I don't even set my purse on bathroom floors, I hold or hang it whole I go. Nor would I change a diaper in a restaurant chair or booth -- others eat there. That's just me, not judging others that do it's your choice. But I guess my alternative in that scenario will be to do what I asked about: go somewhere discretely, and use my pad to change in my stroller, or if I get the Cruz, sounds like ill perhaps need to change on my lap in a bathroom stall, or even go back to my car and do it there. If I'm in a park or beach the ground would be ok for me w a blanket.
Bottom line, like all other moms, I will ultimately do what works best for me and baby in the situation. Still don't know which stroller I'm getting though.
Anyway, I was just curious to know what other moms do! I appreciate the responses and considerations for those who provided helpful feedback. So thanks! I'm good.
OP, out.