TikTokker reveals what's REALLY on public baby changing tables
Eloise Hill
Content writerThey shared a video revealing just how dirty public baby changing tables really are, but be warned ... it's not for the faint-hearted!
Changing your baby's nappy when you're out and about is a normal part of every mum's day. (And yes, it usually IS a poonami!).
Which means you're well used to popping your little one on the baby change tables in public loos. But what you might not know is what is lurking on the plastic units ... until now.
A TikTokker has shared a video showing them carrying out swab tests on baby changing tables. And be warned – you do NOT want to be eating while reading this!
FREE NEWBORN NAPPIES
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Here's what the swab tests found ...
Sharing a video on their account, TikTokker @howdirtyis carried out a swab test on a changing table in a public toilet and found it was covered with bacteria.
After swabbing the whole station tray and 2 Petri dishes with the samples, one of which was used to isolate any bacteria, the 'expert' went on to place the dishes in an incubator.
The TikTokker's incubated samples then ended up growing 2 different microbes, probably from microscopic water droplets from flushed toilets. Eww!
While the clip did not say what type of bacteria was found lurking on the tray, previous work on baby changing tables has revealed salmonella, listeria, norovirus, and fecal matter, which can all make little ones really sick.
@howdirtyis regularly shares videos demonstrating how dirty everyday objects are.
''This is why I carry a disinfecting wipes'
The video has received over 1,400 comments and 485.9k views so far, with many parents offering advice on how they clean public changing tables before using them.
'I usually carry a pack of wipes in my diaper bag so I can wipe down the changing table before using it,' said one.
'This is why I carry a disinfecting wipes/spray to wipe it down,' wrote another.
Do THIS before using baby changing tables
If you do need to use a public baby changing table, it's a good idea to spray the tray with sanitary wipes and put down a disposable changing pad before laying your baby down.
While some viewers of the video recommended using changing pads, experts have advised that reusable mats carry your baby's fecal matter as well as bacteria from the table back with you. They recommend only using disposable ones.
Baby changing stations have caused several outbreaks in the past, including one in Florida in 2007 which left 46 children unwell.
Plus, in 2013, an outbreak of norovirus in Oregon was linked back to changing stations.
As well as bacteria, experts have previously also discovered traces of narcotics on changing units.
A test of over 100 units in 2011, which included units in shopping centres, public toilets, police stations, courts and churches, shockingly revealed that 92% of them had traces of cocaine.
'Always wipe them down first'
And, in 2018, a mum from Indiana shared the reality behind innocent looking black marks she found on a baby changing table in a public parents' room.
Sharing a photo of the changing table on social media, Jessica Wayman, 24, explained:
'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. [Drug] addicts use these as tables while they shoot up.
'There could be residue from heroin or 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.'
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