# Diaper Changing on a table ... in a lunch room. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 15, 2011, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698 "2011-10-15T01:28:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/41 "2011-10-16T16:50:18Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > K, if by “dumbasses” you meant “persons rightfully overreacting to a perceived unhygenic act on an eating surface”, and by “clothing clad” you meant “sporting only a baggy diaper”, then you got me. Is your argument that the thread went on for 11 pages because of what the OP said? Really? Welcome to online message boards. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/42 "2011-10-16T17:23:53Z")
> [@Jenaroph](#): > > Reading the first page and a half or so, it’s pretty clear it got derailed early by certain assertions by a poster who will remain unnamed: > > [ul] > [li]nobody ever really would change a baby on a lunch table or food counter[/li][li]if they did, the health department wouldn’t care[/li][li]nobody ever dresses their baby in a diaper and nothing else[/li][li]he never actually said any of those things he had just asserted.[/li][/ul]And as I recall, I didn’t read that far, he later asserted that diaper blowouts are rare. And that’s why that page ran to 11 pages. I don’t remember the thread, but I know precisely, with 100% certainty, and not the teeniest flicker of a shadow of doubt, who said that. Also, I’d say something about being a parent of a toddler and being desensitized to diaper changes and baby feces, but it’d be bullshit. Changing a diaper on a table in a lunch room where people are eating fucking gross and totally unacceptable. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/43 "2011-10-16T17:42:29Z")
How about a compromise? Sterilize the baby and it’s shit in the lunchroom microwave before changing it on the table. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/44 "2011-10-16T17:49:00Z")
That won’t work. Remember? They took out all the microwaves because of all those popcorn fires. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/45 "2011-10-16T18:04:01Z")
😃 ---
**Author:** ![nashiitashii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7c8e57/32.png) [@nashiitashii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nashiitashii)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/46 "2011-10-16T18:11:58Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > I’m having a hard time imagining that anyone is going to march in and declare their right to change a baby on the lunch room table at work. Trust me, there are [moms who think this is a totally okay thing to do](http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/blog/141581/10/04/03/someone-changes-baby%E2%80%99s-diaper-restaurant-table-would-you-say-anything), and [some do it out of spite](http://www.stfuparentsblog.com/post/150233237/ageism-pure-and-simple-im-so-glad-to-have).\* They’re just not the majority of moms out there. > [@Troppus](#): > > The CDC and health department have determined that the open air of a food service environment is no place for exposed feces. This is the major reason why I would find the whole practice of changing a baby’s diaper (even when on a diaper changing mat) to be disgusting if done in an area where food is served or eaten. \*If the restaurant/foodservice location doesn’t have a changing table, high chairs, or children’s menus, they’re subtly trying to tell customers that it is not a child-friendly place. Baby is not entitled to go absolutely everywhere, but there are many places where babies and children are welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/47 "2011-10-16T18:55:19Z")
Is the diaper changing mom a hipster? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/48 "2011-10-16T19:16:46Z")
Or maybe a hippie - thinks that anything natural is just fine anywhere, including baby feces? ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/49 "2011-10-17T03:03:14Z")
> [@Otara](#): > > The table bit is gross, no argument. > > Your ‘do it at home’ suggestion Im not so impressed with. You’re not so special either. > > Otara If a parent is so self centered and entitled that they think nothing of changing a diaper on a table in restaurant, they need to say home or at the very least always be home when a diaper needs changing. Being a mommy doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want where ever you want. ---
**Author:** ![LavenderBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e95f7d/32.png) [@LavenderBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LavenderBlue)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/50 "2011-10-17T03:57:08Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > If a parent is so self centered and entitled that they think nothing of changing a diaper on a table in restaurant, they need to say home or at the very least always be home when a diaper needs changing. Being a mommy doesn’t mean you get to do whatever you want where ever you want. Oh shut the fuck up on this subject. We’ve heard your stupid rants about moms a few dozen times before. You remain as ridiculous as ever. I usually take my baby out to a fast food place or sit down restaurant like Panera or Friendly’s about once a week or so. She stays in her carriage while at the restaurant or in my arms and walked around outside if she’s fussing. When she needs to be changed she gets changed on the restaurant’s changing table. If they don’t have one I change her by placing her on the diaper bag on the bathroom floor or in the car. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/51 "2011-10-17T04:01:29Z")
I can say now, having a thirteen month old baby who has been in many restaurants with me, that not once have I found it necessary or desirable to sit him on the table. Nor have I seen anyone of any age sitting on a table. I don’t know where all this sitting baby on tables (on the previous thread) came from. There’s no need to do it, and there’s no epidemic of other people doing it. We might as well be arguing about whether pet otters belong at the public swimming pool. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/52 "2011-10-17T04:02:29Z")
As for the OP, I would file a formal complaint against the employee who did it. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/53 "2011-10-17T04:18:58Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > Oh shut the fuck up on this subject. We’ve heard your stupid rants about moms a few dozen times before. You remain as ridiculous as ever. And we hear your stupid rants about how you can do whatever you want. Shrug. > [@](#): > > I usually take my baby out to a fast food place or sit down restaurant like Panera or Friendly’s about once a week or so. She stays in her carriage while at the restaurant or in my arms and walked around outside if she’s fussing. When she needs to be changed she gets changed on the restaurant’s changing table. If they don’t have one I change her by placing her on the diaper bag on the bathroom floor or in the car. Then what the hell is your problem? Do you not believe there are idiot parents out there, or are you really not as rainbow bright as you pretend to be? > [@tnetennba](#): > > ``` > I can say now, having a thirteen month old baby who has been in many restaurants with me, that not once have I found it necessary or desirable to sit him on the table. Nor have I seen anyone of any age sitting on a table. I don't know where all this sitting baby on tables (on the previous thread) came from. There's no need to do it, and there's no epidemic of other people doing it. We might as well be arguing about whether pet otters belong at the public swimming pool. > > ``` Simply because you haven’t seen something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Perhaps you don’t visit enough fast food places, or ones in, er, lower income areas? ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/54 "2011-10-17T04:54:11Z")
I didn’t mean to imply that it didn’t exist because I never saw it, but presumably if it was a widespread problem I would see it once in a while. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/55 "2011-10-17T04:58:20Z")
> [@tnetennba](#): > > I didn’t mean to imply that it didn’t exist because I never saw it, but presumably if it was a widespread problem I would see it once in a while. I really have no idea how widespread it might be, but I’d say I see at least one kid on a table a year. OTOH, I travel by car a lot and so visit fast food places quite often. ---
**Author:** ![Suil\_Dubh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/85f322/32.png) [@Suil\_Dubh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Suil_Dubh)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/56 "2011-10-17T07:02:10Z")
I just read the OP, and haven’t read the entire thread yet, but I just came in here to say that the same kind of uptight people who are complaining about babies in restaurants are the exact same kind of people who raise a ruckus every time I try to bring my pet otter to the local public swimming pool. Quit being so inconsiderate! ---
**Author:** ![anya\_marie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@anya\_marie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anya_marie)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/57 "2011-10-17T07:18:14Z")
For a single childless woman , I like babies. I think that all babies can be adorable, but I agreee with the OP, and i DO NOT want to see the contents of the diaper unless I am actually CHANGING that baby at that moment. Even if it is my baby, we can go to the bathroom and the changing table… anything less is uncivilized. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/58 "2011-10-17T13:42:12Z")
> [@LavenderBlue](#): > > . If they don’t have one I change her by placing her on the diaper bag on the bathroom floor or in the car. You nasty, nasty woman. Other people have to walk on that floor you know. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/59 "2011-10-17T14:18:07Z")
> [@NDP](#): > > I have no problem with the OP or Troppus’ post. In fact, don’t all public restrooms have changing tables installed that enable you to do just that? I know that’s the case where I live. Where you live, yes. I’m still pleasantly surprised when I see bathrooms with changing tables, even more when there are said tables in both the men’s and women’s rooms. Mind you: one of the places I know which have this arrangement is a local mall, and I’ve seen someone in that mall start changing her baby on a bench :smack:. A passerby with faster reflexes than me touched her shoulder and pointed out the existence of changing tables in the bathrooms; it was still early enough in the process that the mother was able to move the operation without further disturbance. ---
**Author:** ![Zeriel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/58956e/32.png) [@Zeriel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeriel)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2011, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698/60 "2011-10-17T18:03:53Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > I really have no idea how widespread it might be, but I’d say I see at least one kid on a table a year. One a YEAR? Oh heavens, you poor put upon woman. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diaper-changing-on-a-table-in-a-lunch-room/599698.md?page=4)