As a soon-to-be first time parent, I have spent many a weekend wandering the aisles at Babies 'R' Us and Buy Buy Baby getting all the things we need in preparation for the arrival of the new boss. Last Saturday was another fun-filled day trying to make the most informed decisions when picking out diapers, diaper bags, and of course the changing pad we’ll spend hunched over for hours, days and months. In an effort at full disclosure, the one and only time I’ve ever changed a diaper was a year ago, and I had to stuff tissue in both nostrils before entering my nephew’s bedroom. It was that bad. Oy.
Anyway, obviously, I am thrilled to death about becoming a father, and I’m sure holding my new son or daughter for the first time will be an experience like no other. But there are still a couple of new daily tasks I’m a little worried about – changing a dirty diaper is one of them. But those fears have been subsiding, and I was just coming to grips with the dirty job, feeling a bit more confident I won’t put my child at risk as the latest rookie to be sent into the big game.
Then I read that they've found unlawful levels of lead in changing pads, diaper bags and other baby care products.
They took it out of gas, paint and pencils but I guess when it comes to the mattress a naked newborn rolls around on 10 times a day – ahhhh, no biggie.