How do you keep an 8 month old from rolling over while changing diaper?

Question

The answer is probably obvious...She lets out this ear piercing SHRIEK when I hold her down. She flips over 10 times, and someday, she will slam her foot down into her dirty diaper. HELP!

Answer 1

Your question made me laugh because it's something I struggle with daily. All due respect to the firm parents out there, being firm doesn't get the diaper changed when the baby is writhing around with poop all over. (Maybe I'm just not good at being firm.)

So, we give our baby something "magical" to hold - this week she's pleased holding a tightly closed bottle of nasal spray; last week it was a hairbrush. Toys don't really do the trick because she's always got toys.

I've also found that making a funny noise over and over while changing her makes her focus on me rather than roll around. Good luck!

Answer 2

First and foremost, learn to tune out the shriek, it will only get worse as she becomes more independent and wants to have things her way more often. As for diapering, be fast. Hold her ankles firmly but not hurting her and lift her butt up all the way to her lower back so that she doesn't have the leverage to turn over as easily. Change her quickly and if she fights but can still hear you tell her a firm "NO, it's time to change your diaper" or something similar. If she stands well, you can try that but it is a Pandora's Box, once you start, you will have a hard time getting her to lay down again which will make the really messy diapers hard to change.
As for her foot, save some trouble and strip her bare before you start, then at least she will be easier to clean should she land in the diaper.

Answer 3

I have been blessed with two children exactly the same way as you. The best thing you can do is try to be silly and sing to her or make funny faces. OF course this only works for 2 seconds sometimes. I learned to change diapers quickly and to take out several wipes before I start. I also open the diapers so I can do a quick lift of the tush and stap it on. Sometimes standing up works better although sometimes a little cheecks peeks out. The good thing is that my frist one trained early because she hated diapers so much. I also give my kids some diaper free time, then sometimes it is easier to get the diaper on and get dressed. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 4

You just have to learn to work with it. I have changed the diapers of my own four children and helped change several others, and there's no way to stop it. You can TRY to occupy her attention by giving her a little toy. Keep a hold of her legs, and just learn to change a diaper fast as you can. Don't be surprised at 18 months, you still get the same problem.

Answer 5

Patience.

Patience.

With babies, you'll need lots of

patience.

Try holding the two feet together, still with knees bent so you can clean "down there," put the wet naps or tissues in the messy diaper, CAREFULLY.

Meanwhile, you're murmuring soothing nothings to your precious babykins, and one thing I start teaching the child is "Be still," over and over and over.... Key: patience.

If the foot slips, or she reaches down and touches the excrement, then you patiently wipe the soiled part and continue. Breathe slowly... Relax.

When the bum is clean, bag the diaper as best as possible, dispose, and at this point you're "downhill." So put on the clean diaper, while murmuring words of encouragement (to yourself as much as to the baby).

That done, remove the stinky bag from the house or apartment. (People PLEASE do not leave diapers in the parking lot or by the side of the road, PLEASE!)

Now wash hands (don't leave the baby anywhere she'll fall off) and time to hug baby, kiss, and smile, and say "Yay! Clean baby!"

: )

Answer 6

You may not be able to "prevent" this. But try a mobile overhead with music and hanging toys. Things she can reach for above her rather than something that may be distracting her from either side.

Mobiles with Red, black and white colors are most likely to gain her attention. Place a mobile just above her eye level and right out of reach so she can see the objects, she will work toward touching them rather than move from side to side.

A "sound" mobile will also capture her attention if placed over and just behind her head.

Answer 7

Occupy her with a toy (a mirror works for my 7 1/2 month old) or just strap her down to the changing table.

Sometimes I just keep rolling her back over and say "No" in a stern-but-calm voice as well, just to reinforce the idea :)

Answer 8

Keep her busy with a toy while you change her. If that doesn't work, keep rolling her back to her back while saying "lie still" after time she will understand this "command" and she will listen. Children can understand language long before they can speak. I did this with all my kids and am right now with my 9 month old. He's got it down!

Answer 9

To start with, I think it would be a good idea not do it on a high level (waiste high such as a mat on a table or an adult bed), as a fall from such a hight is very dangerous. Try to get used to do it on the carpet/rug ...etc.
Get all the necessary items (diper/bag/cloth/cream ...etc) near the changing station, so that you do not have to turn your back and spend time trying to get them while she's trying her gymnastic prouess.
Good luck
Yacine a man from Aberdeen, Scotland has answered.

Answer 10

Ewwww. I remember those days. Cleaning them off afterwards is never fun. Just hold her down with your elbow or forearm. (Doesn't that sound brutal?) Ignore the ear piercing shriek and try not to wonder what the neighbors are thinking of you. once she realizes your not going to back down, she'll stop. Have fun!