Anyone else have this much trouble changing a one year olds diaper?

Question

I have a 14 month old son who freaks when i change his diaper. He tries to roll over, get up, cries, kicks, I have even lowered myself to bribing him with marshmallows to keep him calm while I struggle to quickly get it over, and if its a poopy one then the fights really on because he'll kick and fuss so that he gets his feet and legs in it, how do I make diaper changing a normal thing?

Answer 1

It does seem like out of the blue, you no longer know how to change a diaper when your infant transitions to a toddler, I know bc that's how I felt. I give my little boy a diaper and ask him to hold this for mommy and he loves it because he feels like he is helping and it keeps him still long enough to get the diaper changed. This teaches him allot of other things too, like resposibilities and thanking etc. Another mom told me this, so I will pass it on, bc it works!

Answer 2

Ok, it's one thing for them to wiggle and squirm, but if your son is "freaking" that's a different matter. Crying and kicking when you are just trying to change a diaper (a daily thing) is open defiance against you.

Here's how you confront his defying you. Look at him sternly and deliver a loud and firm "No!" and then tell them to "be still" and gently hold him still as you say this. If he just whimpers and pouts but otherwise stops fighting then that's all you need to do and just repeat this whenever he acts out during a diaper change.

However, if he cries/screams, fights or kicks when you say no and gently hold him still, then pop him soundly on the side of his bare leg. It should be swift but it should hurt. Naturally, your son will cry but be mindful why he is crying now. He's not crying to defy you anymore. Rather, he is crying because he was justly punished for being obnoxious and trying to thwart your efforts.

Be forewarned, if your son will defy you for simply trying to clean him up, image what lies ahead if you do not nip this in the bud now. That's why a swift and strong reaction is warranted.

And as far as spanking goes, sometimes it's the only resort when other methods fail. It should never be used all them time though, or for every situation. It's just one tool that a parent can use, but it always works best whenever a child is openly defying you.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I'm working on this with my 13 month old daughter. She is QUICK to turn, squirm and try to get away.

One thing is helping....the fact that she knows what the word "NO" means when spoken in a loud, deep, authoritive voice. When she tries to flip over, I put my open hand on her belly, and hold her down and look her in the eye and say "No Leah...stay down". It catches her attention...and yes, she freezes, then begins the little whimper cry. But she does stop wrestling and lays there. After the diaper change is done, I cuddle her and tell her how good she was.

She is catching on. Although she doesn't like it. It's not something I expect her to like. Just something she needs to accept.

Answer 4

we had this problem, too. we tried every distraction tecnique we could. we tried having him work at opening the fresh diaper while we cleaned up the dirty one, toys, snacks, music, you name it.

we had been changing him on the floor and went back to the changing table with the strap. he hated the strap which is why we were using the floor. the strapped helped with most of the problem. we laid him down, told him to settle down or we would strap him down and counted backwards 3-2-1. it felt so mean because he would cry so hard once the strap was on, his whole body was tense but we could at least clean him up. we even had to go so far as to have one of us hold him down so the other could clean him.

it's a horrid phase. it lasted about 2 months. just be consistent in what you do - that's the best way to help him through it.

Answer 5

Its normal for a 1 year old to squirm and not wnat there diaper change they are disovering they like the freedom and they dont want to have to sit around doing nothing while you change them when they could be off playing or something else. you may want to start trying to potty train maybe he is ready...or you could let him run around for a couple minutes before putting his new diaper on. i know a lot of people that allow naked time for their kids. You could also try explaining that hey we gotta put this on so we can go (insert activity) and have fun.

Answer 6

I have experience with changing diapers, and when the baby's especially squirmy, I usually get one of there favourite toys or a little storybook and give it to them; it usually keeps them entertained for a few moments.

Answer 7

well, when i used to go to the doctor, when i would get a shot as a a little 4 yr old, he would sing his alphabet backwards. just do something they have never heard of befroe, or tell them a story about the,m how there was this little boy who wouldn't let me change his diaper..., it works. take care, and congrats a year late.

Answer 8

gosh, i know for my nephew, he gets like that, but he doesn't act up when i change him

i just give him a toy, or something, (like the marshmallow) to redirect his attention, and i talk to him the whole time.

maybe asking him to get the diaper, or talking to him, telling him what you are doing as you do it may make him feel more involved in the process, rather than feeling that you are doing something to him

Answer 9

I found ways to distract my girls. Told them stories, sang them songs. Course this turns you into a clown, performing to keep them amused, but it seemed worth it for the peace it brought.

Granted I was dealing with two daughters. Boys , generally speaking, are more active and more of a hassle.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Having a three year previous is puzzling - not to show having a 2d newborn, too. I understand that. I additionally understand that it is impossible to maintain a watch on a newborn continually. the key is consistency. He giggles, variations the subject, etc. because of fact it is a tactic that seems to have worked till now (and better than as quickly as). in basic terms like adults, little ones discover "what works" and that they use it as terrific they are able to as many times as they are able to. he's old sufficient to understand once you warn him. My son is two and he knows when I warn him. many times threatening day out works, yet from time to time (inspite of the incontrovertible fact that not often) do I could desire to definitely positioned him in day out. If he gets out till now I enable him out I positioned him returned in. I try this till he remains. I in basic terms make him stay 2 minutes (one min. for each year he's previous). at last he will see that he gets it - that his unique strategies now not artwork. this could take in basic terms slightly artwork on your area, yet in the long-term, it is going to pay off. when you get him listening to you returned you could start up a clean tactic (which i at present found out approximately). it is referred to as "The 5." once you bypass someplace clarify to him which you assume him to act (use info the place appropriate). Use 5 keywords with your 5 hands. "i do in comparison to THAT." in case you and your newborn at the instant are not jointly and you notice him performing up, call his call to get his interest, postpone your hand and positioned up one finger at a time. this is telling them, "i do in comparison to THAT" and that as quickly as you go away, he would be punished. fidelity is fundamental. sturdy good fortune in this adventure referred to as parenting!