2 1/2 Yr Old Afraid of Diaper Changing Table?!

My daughter is the same age and same thing! It was only until I started pulling a wrapped sucker out of my bag and let her hold it through the change was I able to get it done without her almost wriggling off the table. She still gets kicky, but now that she knows she'll get some kind of treat or get to hold something that she likes while I'm changing her we manage. Good luck. It is a phase. I have to tell myself that for a lot of different things but it's the truth! Good luck!

This might be a sign that he is ready for pullups now as opposed to a diaper. This way he can remain standing while you transition into potty training.

Those things are gross too.
Have you ever tried a standing change? We'd been to several restaurants and gas stations on cross-country drives that didn't have changing tables, and we had to do them standing on the floor. A little easier once we switched to pull-ups, but after those trips, that's how my daughter wanted to do all of her changes.
As far as potty training, my SIL waited until her son was almost 3 since he showed no interest, and then he was finished in 1 week. So don't let anyone bully you into it.

Hi J.,

Just wondering whether this is limited to public change rooms or does he also react like this to diaper changes at home?

my son did the same thing at an earlier age and I realized it was the noise in there that terrified him. One option is to bring a small blanket that you roll to put under his head so it's more cushioning, thus more reassuring of his "own" surroundings. Once my son was a little older I just started changing him in the car or standing up in the bathroom if he was only wet.

I would say he is just scared. It is a cold, hard, plastic thing that to him is suspended in mid-air. He probably feels like he is going to fall off, and at that age he doesn't have the problem solving skills to figure out that you won't let him fall. Not to mention public restrooms are scary to begin with. They stink, they are strange looking, there is the echo and the loud hand dryers and the horrible sounding industrial flushes. I could see how this would not be a good experience. If I were you, just to save sanity, I would avoid the changing table. Doesn't sound like a battle you are going to win, and you know what "they" say..."Pick your battles"!

Good luck! :-)

Sounds strange, but kids can have some odd fears. Practice changing him standing up. You could put him in pull ups to make the changing easier.

He probably doesn't like the cold plastic. (Think about it, if someone put you on a cold piece of plastic naked, how would you feel?) Most kids don't like to be uncomfortable.

You can change his diaper while he is standing up. (I do this all the time and have mastered it.) With practice it will become easier and easier to do. Or you can change his diaper in his stroller if you bring it. (I changed both of my little ones is their stroller because I am a germaphobe.) :)

I hope this helps. Good luck.

He should be in pull-ups by that age, and you can take him into "handicap" stall. Yes, he's afraid he'll fall off, even though he never has.

My daughter was the same way but I cant remember at which age. If you can get to your car that might be helpful or a more secluded bench depending on where you are. I now its gross but you could use the ground if you have a mat to put down just be sure to clean it at home. Pull ups are nice when you have started the potty training but honestly they are a pain and more expensive if you havent b/c you then have to completely remove the pants and sometimes shoes to get a new one on after the change. They are really glorified diapers. If its just pee you can put a diaper on standing up most toddlers like this. It's a phase you'll have to deal with.

I sympathize with you! As the mom of a big 20 mth. old that weighs 31 lbs and is 35" tall, I had to give up public changing tables at 9 mo.! It only took one fold-down table that 'gave' a little to scare my son. He won't go near one and I can't blame him! To top it off, we travel alot to visit relatives, so I often have to change diapers on the go. My solutions aren't ideal, but it's how I survive. When traveling, I keep the backseat empty and park in an empty area at a rest stop, to change him on the seat. Without any other cars nearby I can see if anyone may be approaching(think safety!). My 2nd solution- if I'm sure he's just wet- is take him in the biggest bathroom stall and change him standing up. Open the diaper completely and place it between his legs, and standing behind him you can back him up to your knees to 'hold' the diaper as you secure the tabs and make sure its all straight. Hope this helps. Good luck with the potty!

J.,
I am the mother of two girls who have way passed this stage, but I have an excellent memory. Children have the same emotions that adults do. Something that bothers one person may not even affect someone else. Remember that children are still discovering things in this world. If you ever look at a public diaper changing table, it just folds out with nothing underneth as support. Children are very observant and he may have noticed that and thus the fear of falling. This may be a sign that he really is ready to start potty training. Make the process fun and self esteam building for the child. Find what works for your child and go from there.

He may be ready for pull-ups or even potty training! Maybe he doesn't like being treated like a "baby" anymore, and wants to move on to the next step??

Good luck! You'll figure it out soon!