If you’re like me, it’s not like you go out into public looking to spend a lot of time undressing, changing, and redressing a squirming baby on a plastic tray in a dirty bathroom. That said, a baby’s bowels wait for no man, and their little bums will be mad if you wait too long.
Some people prefer to haul baby out to the car for the change, but as I live in a climate where winter still exists, I gotta tell you, that’s not happening in December, or when there’s any kind of precipitation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjHg_ldFTn2
If that sums up your opinions on baby changing stations in bathrooms, well, then you – like me – are about to get very wary about using them in the future.
The warning comes from mother and recovering addict Jessica Wayman, who told parents in a Facebook post last week to check the changing table for the black marks like the one she posted before laying your baby down. It turns out it could be residue left from burnt spoons placed there by heroin users.
Basically, drugs and other harmful substances could be lingering. Here’s the post…
The post starts…
“PSA: Before putting your babies anywhere near these things, ALWAYS wipe them down first. Even if you are in a hurry, even if you have a blanket to lay down.
See the black marks? Those are from burnt spoons. Addicts use these as tables when they shoot up.
There could be residue from the heroin/meth whatever, and other harmful bodily fluids. If someone doesn’t care about themselves, I can promise you, they aren’t thinking about your kids.
Be cautious.”
Wow, the more you know right?
She adds…
“I am a recovering addict myself, which is why I made this post in the first place, to warn all the unsuspecting parents who would never think something like this when looking at a changing table.
Along with people using them as tables while they shoot up, they are also OFTEN used by addicts to bust drugs out and crush them up upon.
So again, be cautious.”
And yes, even if you use a blanket or other changing pad, wiping the table down first with one of your wipes – an antibacterial one if you have it, or hot water and soap from the sink if you don’t – will ensure that nothing untoward on the table comes home in your diaper bag or on your kid.
Thank you, Jessica, for educating those of us who have spent our lives following the rules. We really appreciate it!