Very wiggly 10-month-old and changing time...

[Athena's Mommy]

Our baby girl is 10 months old and has become a very wiggly baby on the changing table. It's hard enough to change disposables with her antics (used for daycare only). At home, we use prefolds with snappis, flushable liners, and Gerber plastic pants - we've gone through many other types of diaper covers and these work the best for us - no leaks, period.

However, with all of the steps involved in the prefold, it makes diaper changing even more challenging as she wiggles, flips over, and literally tries to climb out of the changing table. Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping baby's attention and keeping her on her back so we can get the job done?

TIA :

[LittleLlama]

I know it's harsh, but honestly, I used my feet. I put the mat on the floor (it's in my room and slides under the bed) and when she'd get too wiggly, I just sit on my butt with my legs out, her between my legs and hold her with my feet, usually at her shoulders or head. At almost 17 months, she's a much better sport about diaper changes, so know that it DOES get better.

As for actual items to keep her entertained, consider an old cell phone, remote or set of real car keys... they know when they're fake! Only have them at changing time so they stay exciting.

ETA: If it gets really bad, put her on her stomach and just snappi the PF in the back!

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by LittleLlama

I know it's harsh, but honestly, I used my feet. I put the mat on the floor (it's in my room and slides under the bed) and when she'd get too wiggly, I just sit on my butt with my legs out, her between my legs and hold her with my feet, usually at her shoulders or head. At almost 17 months, she's a much better sport about diaper changes, so know that it DOES get better.

As for actual items to keep her entertained, consider an old cell phone, remote or set of real car keys... they know when they're fake! Only have them at changing time so they stay exciting.

ETA: If it gets really bad, put her on her stomach and just snappi the PF in the back!

This is exactly what I do if I'm alone. If my boys or dh are here, I get them to sing to her. It's a stage. It will pass.

[chely7425]

My son is doing this right now... has been for a couple months. It is getting better though!! I have resorted to giving him things he isn't supposed to be playing with to keep him amused while I change him... things like my cell phone and his excezema cream bottle!!

[LittleLlama]

Originally Posted by chely7425

My son is doing this right now... has been for a couple months. It is getting better though!! I have resorted to giving him things he isn't supposed to be playing with to keep him amused while I change him... things like my cell phone and his excezema cream bottle!!

The most coveted item is the diaper ointment. She figured out how to work the flip-top on Burt's Bees and will put it in her hair like gel or on her arms like lotion. I save it for the worst of times.

[AmandaClare]

Oh, that stage was awful! I would get everyone in the house to come sing, wiggle toys in his face, or help hold him down while I worked as fast as I could. Or sometimes turning cartoons on and changing him on the couch worked.