Dirty Diapers, Public Places, and A Secluded Booth!

I recently read an article about a couple in Seattle who got into an argument with the establishment they were in, when they changed their child's diaper in the seating area, as the restroom did not have a changing table. I can absolutely relate to this, as I have encountered this issue before. And it does bring up a very interesting debate. Is it okay to change your kids diaper in the seating area of a restaurant/food establishment?

Well I think there are a lot of factors that can determine this. Is there a changing table in the restroom? Are you alone with your child? How old is the child? Is it a #1 or #2? Do you have your food already? Is your car close?

Different answers to these questions could have a huge impact on whether this action is acceptable or not. But for me, its all about the situation at the time.

Have I done this? Why yes, yes I have. And I'm not afraid to share it.

It was a drizzly summer day during the week, and I was dying for some sushi! So my mother and I went to Sakura (check them out here--> https://www.sakuracanandaigua.com ), our local Japanese Steakhouse. Of course little Carson tagged along. So we sat down and ordered our drinks, and low and behold, Carson peed his diaper and was FREAKING OUT.

Incase you didn't know, Carson is an absolute monster when he has a dirty diaper, pee or poop. I must change him immediately or he was insight a tantrum like no other. So as he is screaming, the realization hits me....there is no changing table in the restroom and I do not plan on standing in the rain to change him in my car. What is a mom to do? (FYI in my panic I didn't see the table but there is one, this was my mistake, I blame sleep deprivation!)

I could try to balance him on my lap while I sit on the toilet to try to change him, but this wiggly baby would take that as a challenge. I could brave my disgusting fear and set him on the bathroom floor on top of what would be a trees worth of paper towels, or I could change him in the booth we are sitting at.

Since my mom is with me, who takes no lip from no one, I decide I am going to do it, and change him right there!

Now comes the planning, I am going to try to do this as discreetly as possible, in between the servers frequent stops at the table. So I prep everything. Pull out 2 wipes, because I know its just a pee diaper that's the max I'll need, the diaper, unfolding it for maximum efficiency, and mentally prep myself for the speed necessary for this excursion. I lay Carson down on the changing pad and its GO TIME!

Quickly I undo this adorable little outfit, check over my shoulder, and change the diaper. During this whole time I feel like I'm disabling a bomb, speed and efficiency escape me, and I'm clumsily trying to handle the diaper with Carson's feet in the air, his little giggles filling the restaurant. I panic and drop the dirty diaper under the table, sweating now because I really don't want anyone to yell at me for doing this here. (And if you are grossed out for the other diners, don't, the place was empty as they had just opened. And shame on you for judging a mom!) I finally get the clean diaper on and secure, dressing him back up, and hiding the evidence of my shady act.

I give Carson back over to my mom, and open up the drink menu. Sake is fine at 11:00AM right??