Diaper Changes in The Backcountry

I’m assuming most parents can agree with me that changing diapers is one of the worst parts of the job (along with dealing with sick kids). The stink, the mess, the blowouts, the timing, the difficulty of finding a place to do the change are all factors that contribute to the displeasure of diapering. Although the thought of diaper changes in the backcountry may seem quite intimidating, I have found that many of these factors are actually less intense when living in the outdoors. First of all, there are no change tables or any sort of public washroom, therefore the ground becomes your change table. Thus, taking out the stress of having to find a change table in a public setting, all while experiencing frustration and “flustration.” Next, because you are in such close proximity and are way more attentive to your children while camping (or at least I feel I am), I have found that changes happen at a more timely fashion, reducing the chance of diaper rashes. I often use my lap (baby’s feet towards my stomach) as my change spot and have used this diapering position in the car, in the canoe, outside on the ground, in a hammock, etc. Along this same train of thought, it is very easy to do some nudey time outside and allow your babies’ bums some time to breathe, also helping reduce chances of diaper rash. As for mess and stink, you’re camping- so who cares! But we have developed a few methods that help reduce the overall stink and contribute to good backcountry etiquette as well. As all of the backcountry camping we have done has involved canoeing, we have the ability to bring in an extra small (30L) canoe barrel which we have designated to diaper stuff (which would not be the case if you are hiking in). In this canoe barrel we have the correct amount of diapers needed for the trip (plus a few extras), a diaper genie bag to seal in the smell of used diapers, a bag of wipes, a small bum rash cream, and a travel change pad. Both clean and dirty diapers are kept in this barrel (with dirty ones inside the diaper genie bag and tied shut after every change). The barrel stays outside of the tent and in the bear cache with our food barrel at night. Don’t get me wrong, the smell of this barrel at the end of a trip (especially a week long canoe trip) is the grossest thing I’ve ever smelled. But, it does keep it contained to one barrel and allows us to easily carry our garbage out and dispose of diapers when we get to a garbage can.

As for diapering on backcountry hiking trips- that’s a whole new ball game. And we would love to hear what has worked for you!