Make Diaper Changes Easier with these TEN Tips!
As babies grow into infants and infants develop into toddlers, diaper changes can become more and more challenging. Babies with new-found mobility don’t want to lie down and be still for a diaper change. Toddlers are always on the move, exploring and playing, which can make keeping them in one place for diaper changes a struggle. Anyone who has tried putting a clean diaper on a toddler who is doing a crocodile roll away from you knows that! Here are 10 tips that will hopefully make diaper changes a little easier for you and your baby!
- Make sure your supplies are standing by before you bring your child into the equation – diaper opened, wipes accessible, diaper cream ready to dispense.
- Position a mobile or interesting toy above your changing table or diapering area to hold your baby’s attention. Placing your infant on a play mat with dangling toys is also an option.
- Make it fun! Sing a song, make funny faces, or tell a story – anything to draw the focus towards you and away from the task at hand.
- Give them a fun toy or object to hold that they are only allowed to play with during diaper changes. A flashlight is a great option– as long as it isn’t shining in your face or theirs!
- Try a different location. If you always do diaper changes on the bed, changing table, floor, etc, try switching it up for a new spot. The novelty may be enough to keep them still long enough for you to get the job done.
- Give you child some control over the situation. Let them help pick out a diaper or pull out a few wipes (what kid doesn’t love to do that???).
- Offer an incentive! “The faster we can get your clean diaper on, the more time we will have to play at the park when we get there.”
- Let them know a diaper change is about to happen. It is frustrating and upsetting for a child to have their playtime interrupted without warning. For older children, tell them it is time for a clean diaper and offer to let them pick their favorite toy to bring with them.
- Be patient and gentle. Your child can sense your emotions and will react accordingly. The more worked up you become about the situation, the more likely they are to resist.
- Try a different position. Some toddlers may prefer to be changed while standing. Warning – this works best for wet diapers!!
Resisting diaper changes is often a phase that is eventually grown out of, however, keep in mind that for older children, it may be a readiness indicator for beginning potty training!
Do you have any strategies not listed here for a struggle-free diaper change? Share them in the comments!
I'm Julie, a former cloth diaper retailer who discovered a passion for the industry. Now, instead of selling cloth diapers, I advocate them and promote small businesses I love who sell and manufacture them.
I'm the wife of a fireman and mother of three. I have a daughter and identical twin sons.
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