Diaper Changing Woes...

[mlm4ncsu]

My 14 mo. old DD just hates to have her diaper changed. She’ll wiggle, twist, turn over or do anything to not get a diaper on her. We have tried everything….a certain toy only at changes, hyping it up like it’s fun, telling her ‘no’ and even a pop on the leg or behind. DH is usually the first to pop her b/c I will take the time to let her wear herself out and then I can get it right on. But last night after supper, I went to change her and she fussed and fought me to the point I was so frustrated with her. I popped her and she got still for a second and as soon as I hooked one side, she rolled over and started up again. I ended up popping her again and finally was able to get it on her. She was crying and I was to the point of tears too (DH was not at home yet). To get her mind off it, we went outside to play. After a few minutes, she had that “pooping face” and cried out a little (sometimes she strains for BMs). I picked her up and comforted her and waited a little while before changing her again. I felt SO bad b/c I had to pop her earlier when she was fighting me bad, and maybe she was just trying to tell me something…..to wait so that she could poop??? I feel terrible, like the “mean mommy” but DH said I did the right thing and he would’ve done the same. I just don’t understand why she’s so difficult sometimes. My MIL keeps her and we have asked her to do the same, but it makes me wonder if she does make her mind. I guess I feel a little guilty b/c I have to work and then when I have to come home and do that, it just frustrates me and I question whether or not I’m a good mom. :?

[MomFromCanada]

Hi,
First of all, you are not a bad mom and I probably would have been frustrated too. We had a time also with our dd (almost 2 yo now) where she also did everything she could not to have her diaper changed. What we do now is if she is really bad we will use the change table strap and that helps a lot. Also we have learned (even driving in the car) to give her a book to look at while we change her and then she is paying attention to the book and not so much the diaper change itself.

[breezykc2]

OH goodness! my son did the SAME thing for several months and it started about that age and ended about 2! It was like an episode of WWF RAW competition trying to get a diaper on a little kid! We finally had to drape one leg over his body cross-wise to keep him still.....it was enough to ruin your day! We tried all the same things and finally he just stopped and diaper changing was fine again! Several of my friends have all had the same phase they've gone through too! Normal, but SOOOO not fun!
Bree

[Geri]

[quote="breezykc2"]It was like an episode of WWF RAW competition trying to get a diaper on a little kid![\quote]

I know how that goes!!!! My daughter also holds her knees together and you have to pry them apart! You are not a bad mom, we all get frustrated. I have been there too.

[hondachic]

Don't feel bad!!!!!! I think every mom gets frustrated. Trust me, I do!!!!! I have an 18-month old ds who is the trial of my life!! He is nothing like our daughter was!

He HATES HATES HATES diaper changes. We have had to swat his leg many times. We have tried every distraction technique under the sun -- toothbrush with toddler-safe toothpaste on it, Elmo stickers, books, different toys, wipes, etc. Sometimes they work. But most of the time, it's just because HE doesn't want to hold still while we change his diaper! So that's usually what works. I have seen a lessening of the crying/fussiness, though, lately -- thankfully!!!!! I'm sure you will too, after she learns that she HAS to. Sometimes it's no fun, this stage.

I just heard from a daycare giver at church that a lot of moms who have to work often feel guilty for disciplining their children after working all day, but the kids suffer for it, she said. So don't give up. You're doing the right thing by disciplining her! Remember, they feel secure in their boundaries, not the other way around... I work part-time, and I know i feel the same way after a day at work, so you're not in this alone.

[Christy+2]

This might not be the best approch, but I plop ds down infront of the TV for diaper changes...otherwise he is all over the place and tries to stick his hand all in his business.

[Jens2Boys]

Have you tried to change her standing up? If she can stand up on her own it's worth a shot. Working in and running a daycare I learned to change standing up, unless they have a poopy diaper, and it's a time saver and tends to be a preference for wiggly kids. You have to practice and probably have to refasten the sides a few times before it's on real good, but I prefer it way more than laying down once kids learn how to walk/stand.

And don't feel bad...I'd be frustrated too. :)

[Iwantmycrown]

My DD sounds the same way. We NEVER had a problem with diaper changing until she was sick and had caths in the hospital. Now you would think we are beating her when we change her. She does not want to lay flat down at all. The only think I have found so far to calm her down that works great...is a tip from above...toothbrush. My parents gave her this dora brush that spins...so she is amazed at it. Then I start telling her to brush her teeth and then praise her while I am changing her. It takes her mind on getting praised and doing something on her own. Also a remote for the t.v. can work wonders as well. Hang in there...just think with diapers and age...comes potty training and NO DIAPERS when they are trianed! :lol: