There are no comments up to now.
By Stacy DeBroff
Dealing with a squirming baby during diaper changes is no easy task. If you're tired of watching your baby wiggle and wail as you grope for the baby powder, use these strategies to keep him entertained. These are some creative ways to use toys (or yourself!) to keep your baby's interest and distract him from the change. All will be going smoothly in no time!
Come up with an ever-changing set of toys and games to keep your wriggling baby occupied during a change. Reserve some toys and games only for diaper changing to hold your baby's interest.
Keep one hand firmly on your baby at all times and use the diaper table security strap, even you think he's not mobile enough to squirm off the table. Never leave him unattended on the table.
Place a soft rug or carpet beside your changing table in case of a fall.
If your baby squirms so much that you fear you cannot keep him on the changing table, use the floor.
If your child has become completely uncooperative at diaper changing times, try these creative distractions:
Walk your fingers up and down your baby's legs and stomach.
Put on festive music and dance to it, moving your baby's arms to the rhythm.
Hang a large non-breakable mirror on the wall next to your baby's changing table. Looking in the mirror at himself and at you will entertain your baby, and if he rolls, it will be safely towards the wall instead of off the table.
Dangle a toy from a mobile or from your mouth, letting let him grab for it and catch it to play with it. Change the toy every few days.
Hand your child baby-safe toys and objects that he can check out, play with, and chew on.
Keep a bottle of bubbles next to the changing table. Blow some into the air before removing the diaper.
Have your child point to or name his belly button, eyes, nose, ears, and mouth to keep him from grabbing his soiled diaper or himself before you've cleaned him.
Make funny faces and grimaces, drawing your baby's attention to your face rather than the bottom cleaning.
Hang a balloon over the changing table for a couple of days until it loses its air.
Give your toddler a little board book and ask him to find specific pictures.
Put hand puppets on one or each of your child's hands, or use them yourself while changing the diaper.
Let him pick out his diaper, undo the tapes, pull the diaper down himself, or any other minor task that makes him feel more in charge of the diaper change.
Eventually, save yourself tons of aggravation by learning to change your toddler's diaper while he stands, and before he runs off.
Image From: Real Diaper Association