nappy changes a nightmare!

Ciara - posted on 11/06/2012

Hi, I am a 3rd year product design university student in Belfast and I am planning to design a product to help distract babies and toddlers when getting nappies or clothes changed. To aid the process I would really appreciate if parents would take time to complete the survey on surveymonkey:





Click here to take survey



It will only take a minute.

Thank you in advance,

Ciara

Caroline - posted on 07/11/2010

Hey everyone, since my original post i've been to see the Health Visitor (not sure if you have those in the US) for my sons 8 month check and i asked her about this problem, She said it is a common phase at this age and that he's obviously a very determined little chap. She suggested gently pinning him with one arm from shoulder across to hip just to keep him on his back whilst i change nappy or clothes and then to reward him for staying on his back by playing with him or reading a quick story together, She thought that he would eventually realise that the change happens a lot more quickly if he stays still then if he rolls around and begin to stay still a bit more. I too get my hubby to help if he's around but you just have to get on with it when on your own. Going back to work next month so I wonder what he's be like for the nursery staff, bet he's good as gold!!

Kayla - posted on 07/02/2010

My daughter is to that point as well, she refuses to be on the changing tables at malls or stores so i usually just take her a nice fluffy blanket, lay her on the floor and do it with a toy or my cell phone, at malls I usually have my big stroller so sometimes i even just take that to the bathroom and change her right in there, so much cleaner, but it's safety as well as sanitation right now =)

Orly - posted on 07/01/2010

My baby girl is 8.5 months old and sound very similar. It's actually good to read you're experiencing the same thing. It must be a growth spirt or some sort of transitional faze.
Not only does my baby cry and try to flip over when being changed, her naps are like 30 minutes long and she's refusing food after 3 or 4 bites!

Aleigha - posted on 07/01/2010

My daughter also does this drives me nuts sometimes!!

Amity - posted on 07/01/2010

I have had the same problem with my son when we go places. (ex mall of america, and etc) He would just roll around and do all he can so that the diaper changes are impossible for me. But with my husband he is a perfect angel for him. But if I sing to him or give him a toy that will distract him. It usually helps.

Crystelle - posted on 07/01/2010

My son does the same thing all i do it try to distract him and change him a quick as possilble.

Kylie - posted on 07/01/2010

My son does this. He is also very good at taking his nappy off by himself too. He just loves to be naked. Just laugh it off. As long as u watch ur child they will be fine.

Jannah - posted on 06/30/2010

Mine's doing the same....he just dosent want to be lying down for too long...even if its just for two minutes! I've just been holding the back of the diaper against his back when he's standing up and then lay him down just to get them done up. Seems to be helping a lil bit :)

Geneviève - posted on 06/30/2010

Both my daugthers did the same. I found out, to bring a small toy that they can hold while I change them and since then I rarely have a problem with changing clothes or diapers. (My daugthers are 25 months and almost 9 months).

Alicia - posted on 06/30/2010

Yep, me too. I have to ask DH to help all the time. With so many of us going through it, it's surely a phase! Hopefully...it will be over soon. :-) Until then, you just have to laugh and go on...

Nicola - posted on 06/28/2010

Hi. I change mine on the bed as she is so quick to roll off the changing table and I really dont want her to fall too far. It is better for my back too as I can go on my knees while keeping a good posture rather than hunching over to do it on the floor. It has now reached the stage where it is really a two man/woman job. I just wish my hubby was home during the day too!

Caroline - posted on 06/28/2010

Thanks everyone for you tips, i will def try the singing and different unusual toys, trying to keep him on changing mat for as long as poss as i have problems with my back and shoulders so not keen to start changing on the floor just yet but i know i'll have to eventually, it's good to know it's not just my son that is a nightmare to change, i know it's just that he's full of energy and wants to explore not lie down but it does make nappy changing so stressful, plus he's had a upset tum lately so really trying to avoid the mess!!

Jessica - posted on 06/27/2010

haha looks like we are all on the same boat! I also give him something which he just bangs on the wall then drops and tries to escape again! he has special "toys" that he only gets on the change table so they are not boring. (like a bottle of soap, a shiny metal tub of cream, a rattle thats really brite)

Katherine - posted on 06/27/2010

My little guy does the same thing!! I have found I have to give him something to distract him. I small toy or even just his baby brush works well. I have to be quick though the distractions don't last forever but usually long enough to be able to change a diaper.

Tabitha - posted on 06/27/2010

yes! my son cries every time he gets his diaper changed or his clothes changed or getting out of the bathtub. i think it's because he is so active now that to lay still for a minute seems like torture. I usually have a special toy that he doesnt usually play with by the changing area so when i change him hes occupied by a new toy, seems to help him not roll over half way through. hope that helps!

Coley - posted on 06/27/2010

I don't remember the last time my son let me change him without a fight. Distractions don't last more than a few seconds at best. Usually, if I keep catching him and laying him back in the same spot he'll give up and lay still after a few times. When all else failed, I've changed his diaper while he was standing.

Amanda - posted on 06/25/2010

OMG my daughter is soo bad for this!! the only thing that works for me is distracting her with something she doesn't normally get to play with like the tv remote lol. Also I have given up on the change table and change her on the floor it's much safer!!

Lauren - posted on 06/25/2010

My son does the same thing. He flips over and tries to crawl right off the changing table. I can press on one shoulder to hold him down, but then he'll scream and thrash like I'm killing him. If I sing and jump around while changing him, I can sometimes do it w/ out him flipping around, but it's rare. Sometimes he'll pretend to be good until I get the diaper unfastened, then he'll go crazy and make a big mess. He makes the process so difficult and unpleasent. You could try singing, as it works for me sometimes. No lullabies, keep it really fun and happy- make silly faces and hop around a little. It doesn't always work for me, but it's worth a try...