OMG! I Can't Get the Diaper On!

Updated on February 13, 2008
K.D. asks from Lake Zurich, IL
11 answers

My 8 mos. son, all of the sudden, is rolling and sitting up which is wonderful! But not on the changing table. I have given up and gone to the floor for safety measures, but I still CANNOT get him to sit still to get the diaper on. He also needs triple paste so you can imagine trying to add that in there! I have tried to distract him and give him a toy, I have tried to keep one toy aside so it is special only for diaper changes, I have tried to work with him and put the diaper on while he is sitting up (which is what this all stems from, he just wants to get to the sitting position)and that is impossible when Triple Paste comes into play. I mean, obviously the job gets done eventually, but diaper changes shouldn't take 20 minutes!!! Any thoughts?

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E.A.

answers from Chicago on

I have the same problem! They are just so active and into exploring things that they can't sit still for a diaper change :)
I also have found that giving him a toy to play with or something "new" to discover has helped. He enjoys finding new things so anything that he may not have seen for a while may help... I know you said you have one set aside for diaper changes, but a new "something" each time could possibly help. I know how you feel, and I wanted to say good luck to you!

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L.G.

answers from Chicago on

My son is going to be 2 next month and he still does this. And he kicks and writhes and does everything possible to make it difficult to clean his butt, put on the paste, and get a new diaper on without me getting covered in poop, paste, or pulling my hair out. When it gets really bad, I use those straps that are attached to the changing pad to hold him in place. He can still wriggle around but he hates the straps so often all I have to do is pull them up and he'll behave. I do the leg across his body when I have to change him on the floor, but I do that as little as possible because it hurts my back.

Good luck, try to remain sane!

L.

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M.T.

answers from Chicago on

The toy is a great idea so try a toy that he really likes and give it to him am when he tries to get up tell him mommy is almost done jus a lillte bit to go and tell him each step.You will be surprise how much little ones comprehends

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

My son does this and it is frustrating!

Some people suggest having him stand and doing it that way. Yeah right. I tried that and my kid wants to walk on the changing table, the floor, the bed, whatever. Like making him vertical will make him want to be any more still than when he is horizontal.

Keep several toys or even household items nearby. I keep his hairbrush, a water bottle with beans in it, a washcloth, anything different in the diaper drawer. When I go to change him, I give him the new and interesting item and he is so enthralled by it that I can get the job done (with Triple Paste too!). It's weird how they think their hairbrush is the coolest thing ever - he'll sit there and examine it, turn it over, you name it...but guess what he isn't doing? Rolling over, sitting up, or fighting with me.

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F.J.

answers from Chicago on

This stage is so hard!!! The best thing I have found is to either hand baby a compact mirror or put a mirror next to the changing station so they can look at themselves. You woudl be amazed at the difference a little mirror can make!! Good Luck!!

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A.D.

answers from Chicago on

This is kinda funny but I had to do it. I have pictures of me trying to change my son around the same age. I literally had to change him on the couch and put my leg on this chest/belly to hold him down. It was crazy but it worked and finally he settled down. Good Luck!
A.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter started doing that at about 9months. I tried just about everything you mentioned. The only thing I ended up being successful with was a small bottle. Whether it be bm, water or formula. But, that was the only thing that did and still does (at 12 months) distract her enough to put her diaper on.
~J.~

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A.K.

answers from Milwaukee on

My 14 month old still does this and it gets worse! Now he kicks his legs like crazy and anything else he can do. I do the new toy idea to distract him, he especially loves to have a cell phone (we let him have our old ones) or something else he can't normally play with. I just keep doing the diaper change and try not to say no, no, no all the time. Eventually he realizes if he just holds still I will be done sooner, but not nearly every time! Oh also tickling his thighs works to get him laughing instead of crying and singing to him.

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

You need a good distraction and a speedy diaper changing routine. I changed mine while he was trying to crawl away for several months so I know how you are feeling.

Could you try distracting him with the TV? Maybe he would lay on his tummy (you could still do the paste) with his favorite toy in front of him?

Good luck and remember that it's temporary....in a few weeks he'll be trying something new!

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S.W.

answers from Chicago on

My youngest son is also 8 months old and does the same exact thing! I also try distracting with a toy, however, I just end up placing my leg over his stomach to keep him from rolling. It's a little challenging, however, it does the trick! Good Luck!

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter, now 7 1/2 months, loves to play with a balloon that we have from her brother's birthday. I keep it by the changing table, and let her pull on it while changing her. It keeps her focused up. (I don't let her play with it any other time.)

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