Help with Meal Time and Diaper Changes When You Have a Back Archer?

If you can avoid the changing table it at least won't be so dangerous. My DS1 used to always get changed on his changing pad on the floor. He loved to flip himself completely over, so I also got pretty good at changing him belly-down. My DS2 does the same, but I've been winning the battle so far. ;)

The high chair is tougher. I guess I'd just try to keep him occupied (hand him a spoon, a piece of food, something) so that he doesn't get upset. And if he does, redirection... or else take him right out of the chair and put him on the floor, so he gets the message that he can't do that in the highchair. It's still a bit early for real discipline, of course, but he'll get the message.

Best of luck!

We've just started hanging a wind chime over the changing table. I knock it a few times everytime he gets squirmy and it seems to helping distract him so far.

My 12 month old is similar. I change him on the floor now and put my legs on either side of him so he can't roll over and run away. Sometimes I have to pin his arms down.

I don't use my high chair right now. I use a booster seat with straps that keep him sitting down. I take it with me to restaurants too. I so love it!!

Mine isn't really a power struggle issue, it's more that he's just a busy boy and he hates to sit still!

When it occurs during feeding, walk away from him. Let him know you will not assist him when he is doing this. Talk calmly but firmly and tell him "you need to eat, when you stop this I will be back".

Put him in the highchair and turn your back on him when he does this. Pretty soon he will see he isn't getting a positive reaction out of you doing this behavior, doesn't take long for it to register with them. If he really hates the high chair, then maybe get a table booster seat so he feels like a big boy. They have small trays,you can strap them to most kitchen chairs.

During diaper changes, they have to happen, so you can forewarn him you are going to change his diaper, but he has to have it done so if he arches, gently push him back down and tell him calmly "I am trying to get this done so you can get down, please calm down". If you have to pin him down, do so, he has to see when you are doing this it has to get done and the sooner he chills the sooner it will be over with. When you are done say very happy "THANK YOU, I appreciate it, now you can go play"... It is the beginning of testing and power struggles when they are frustrated, very normal. How you respond will make or break it.
As hard as it can be, be firm but consistent and it will pay off! :)

My 10 month old son also likes to wiggle on the changing table. I've found that giving him a toy helps. I give him the same toy every time - it's one that he only gets on the changing table so it's new and exciting. When he gets bored of that toy, I change it up. I've also learned to change diapers very fast :)