My 10 month old squirms and thrashes every time I change his diaper, change his clothes, bathe him. I've tried everything to get him to settle down like singing to him or distracting him visually but those only work for a few seconds. These things have become such a battle! I understand he wants the freedom to move and explore but these are necesities that i can't just avoid.
He's not experiencing any pain or discomfort and it has nothing to do with his private area because he also struggles when we put on his socks or even a bib!
Helpful suggestions are greatly appreciated!
2006-12-13 04:13:32 · 11 answers · asked by mamabunny 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Try giving him a toy to play with while you change his diaper or changing his clothes..or give him something to hold and keep himself busy for a little while...i let my daughter have fun in the tub i let her splash around and just enjoy her bath...i also put toys in her bath that keeps her busy while i wash her hair and body...it works wonders...when i change my daughters diaper i even let her play with the clean diaper b4 i use it...do what ever keeps him busy for that little while and good luck...
2006-12-13 04:19:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get some things that he can only play with when you are changing his diaper. Things that are "dangerous" like a really big christmas bell. Which he *could* get the ball out of if you left him alone with it for days, but you will be right there. These non-baby safe toys are much more fun to babies. Don't let him have these things any other time, they will loose their magic power!
That won't help for getting dressed as much because you need his hands empty. Maybe try doing it in front of the TV...baby einstein dvd maybe?(shhhhh I didn't say that, TV is evil, blah blah)
Bath time: If you are still using an infant bath or a reclining seat, time to stop. Either get an inflatable tub (my favourite) or a bath ring seat. This allows him to sit up. Then teach him to kick and splash.... ummm well at least he will stay in the tub. I like the inflatable tub because it takes less time to fill than the whole tub, has a non slip bottom and discourages standing. Here is a pic of what I am talking about. I just have a store brand one.
http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/9d/43/kifmHealthDiapering_and_BathingBathtubsAllKids_II_Soft_and_Safe_Inflatable_Baby_Bath_Tub-resized200.jpg
hehehe and he should out grow it....by the time he is 30!
2006-12-13 12:21:25 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 8 month old is very squirmy too. During diaper changes, I give her another new diaper to look at and play peek-a-boo with. If that doesn't work, you can try changing him while he's standing up. It's a trick that takes some practice, but might be a better bet later on.
For baths, try giving him bath toys and bath books, or even just little squirt bottles. You may have to take longer to give him his bath so that he can play, but it's good mommy-n-me time.
For socks and bibs, I entertain my daughter by singing a silly song and doing a silly dance. Fold the socks over and over until just the toe of the sock is below the roll. Once you get the toes in the sock, it's easier to unroll the rest of the sock over the foot.
Good luck!
2006-12-13 12:19:56 · answer #3 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yay! Your baby is doing EXACTLY what he is supposed to be doing. He's figuring out that he can move and squirm and take on the world. Soon, he will be walking and then you'll be chasing him all over the place!
Diaper changing is going to be a battle. Babies don't like having their diapers changed. One thing I did with my baby (a squirmer) is I changed her diaper with her standing up (for non-poops). Just changing the way I did it intrigued her enough to stand still.
Sounds to me like your baby might be ready to start trying to dress himself. It will take some patience and some time (plan accordingly), but you might want to let him put on his own socks, and help when need be. Sit on the floor with him, give him his socks, and put some on your feet as well, talking him through the process. He might just be ready to do it, and if he does it, you won't have to battle with him.
Pick and choose your battles, too. With the bib, if he won't wear one, let him eat bare-chested, or put on a shirt that can get dirty. No sense in fighting him on the little things.
www.sanemommy.com
2006-12-13 12:24:30 · answer #4 · answered by chdsgrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not the only one. They like to move especially during diaper changings. They are starting to understand how to move so that is what they want to do. I just try to cope with the moving although it is frustrated at times, really there is nothing you can do. Hold his legs and hope for the best. During bath time since my son was about 9 months I just put him in the tub (no seat or little tub) with some toys and it has made it easier. Putting clothes on might become easier later on, they will like to help like lifting their arms.
2006-12-13 12:20:34 · answer #5 · answered by The Invisible Woman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might be uncomfortable in clothes. If it's warm enough, try putting him on the floor in just a diaper, and see what he does. Also, check his clothes for tags. Sometimes they put huge, long tags on little bitty articles of clothing, and they itch. Good luck--
2006-12-13 12:24:59 · answer #6 · answered by KD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you give him a toy to play with while you change him. Maybe your cell phone or something that he don't usually play with. It will keep him occupied and be less stressful for the both of you!
2006-12-13 12:18:23 · answer #7 · answered by BOOTS! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son does the exact same thing.. it started when he was about 9 months and he is 15 months now.. i just now figured out a way to get him to stop... i stare right into his eyes and talk... usually about nothing just babble on and on to him but he gets so engrossed in my one sided conversation that he stops fidgeting long enough for me to finish --- i dont know that it will work for you but i hope it does. good luck!
2006-12-13 12:20:08 · answer #8 · answered by vickie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Captain Morgan and a spash of coke.
2006-12-13 13:53:37 · answer #9 · answered by Karaoke Preacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its just part of his age. Tell him no, and start teaching him that you want him to be still.
You just have to be quick and effective and change him/dress him as fast as possible.
I think its easier when they have a bottle in their mouth.
2006-12-13 12:16:46 · answer #10 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋