Problems with Diaper Changes

My daugher went through the same and it got totally better by switching to pull up dipers!
She stands up while I change it and so doesn't get upset about laying down. It is harder when she has a poop, so I would change her in the bathroom when there are tiles and if she accidentaly sits down it is easier to clean tiles than carpet.
What moms have to go through!!!

Hi My son is only 8 months old, but I had the same problem with trying to get him to hold still and worrying about him falling off the table, so I moved the operation down to the floor. After watching me chase after him with wipes as he was gleefully crawling away after the cat one morning with #2 threatening the white carpet, my nanny showed me her trick. She lays him on his back and places her right leg over his chest and gives him a toy to play with his hands, She applies light pressure to restrain him as needed with her leg, and has 2 hands free to get the job done quickly. He fussed at first, but now that the whole family is using the technique he has accepted it and diaper changing is so much quicker easier, and more pleasant. It also helps that he is still young and for the most part a pretty mellow guy. Good Luck!

My toddler did this since she was about 12 months old, and as she got older, the diaper change tantrums just intensified. She will be 2 in December, but occasionally throws a diapering fit just for the heck of it to test me. We are very DEEP into the terrible 2's, and she is a tantrum thrower in general - but barely ever throws a fit about the diapers.

I've found the key is to stay completely and totally unmoved and calm in the face of the tantrum: while she is kicking and screaming and throwing her fit, talk to her in a normal voice at tell her that (this is waht I said anyway) "you are getting your diaper changed wether you like it or not, you can cry and scream, but you are still having your diaper changed". She'd try to get away bare bottomed, and sometimes I would let her - but after a few minutes when she had calmed herself by removing herself from the situation, I'd put the diaper on her anyway. There is nothing about the diaper changing routine that causes this behavior, it is just your 1.5 year old testing your limits - which she will continue to do, wether it be because of diaper changing or not. The point is to set your limits and stick to them: dont let her make you angry or frustrated, and don't feed into her tantrum. NEVER hold her down to change her, that can cause escalation of the tantrums - when she starts kicking and screaming, try tickling her, or wrestling her playfully in order to manuver the diaper onto her. There is nothing wrong with exerting a little force to keep her still, but holding her down wont help anything. Do the distraction thing - but not to an excess, and know that LOTS AND LOTS of mommies go through this with their toddlers and their newly found independence.

I change my son on the floor, I lay down two fluffy pillows together and put a thin blanket over them. I think he was scared of the height off the ground. Now he just runs to the pillow and he takes a flying leap, face first into the pillows. Its a game?? I give him one of his favorite books and change him. My son is 16 months old. When were out shopping or at a resturaunt and I have to change him high, he doesnt like it ??Hope this helps.

It's totally common. They will wiggle, squirm, protest, run away, and yell, when it's time to change a diaper and while changing a diaper. They won't stay still. Lots of kids do that. It's not easy, especially when having to change #2 and they are squirming around at the same time. It is frustrating. But each child is different. My 1st child, was pretty good about it. My second is the complete opposite.... he really dislikes diaper changing time. I basically put him on the floor, hold his arms/torso down with both my feet as I too am sitting on the floor...and change his diaper amid tons of screaming protests and non-stop wiggling to get loose. No toys will distract him. The only thing that may keep him busy while I change his diaper is giving him his bottle or something to eat. LOL. But, it will pass. Phases and stages all part of development. Also, your girl is very close to approaching the "terrible two's".... and actually, it starts before they are
2 years old. So, this may all be a factor in it. Good luck!
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo

My son started with the diaper resistance as soon as he could roll over. He is almost two and is now pretty patient. Two tactics that really helped us are: changing him while he stands up and leaving him diaper-free. With regard to being diaper-free: he does pee on the floor sometimes, but he usually uses his potty he has become very aware of his functions in a way that would not happen if he was in diapers all the time. He started on the potty as an infant and as long as you're not forcing the issue - just offering it as an option - it's never too soon to introduce it.

My daughter has NEVER been a fan of diaper changes. We started using "pull-ups" when she was about 10mo. She tollerates changing much better if we do it standing up!

I am on my 3rd and every kid goes through some form of this. The best thing I have found ( besides another adult to help) is distraction. The remote control, the phone, some food, a watch, whatever it is but know this too, IT WILL PASS. Be it a few days or 4 months I promise it will pass, because soon the baby will aske you to remove the "poop" and then potty training starts.
Good luck and hang in there because potty training is just as much fun.