Diapering a Toddler

Updated on November 27, 2007
D.P. asks from Dublin, OH
11 answers

I have a wonderful 2-year old son who does not like having his diaper changed. He doesn't like a dirty diaper, but when the actual changing is going on, he starts kicking his legs and fighting the whole cleaning up process. This is especially hard when he's dirty. His ankles are big enough that it is hard for me to hold his legs up in one hand when he's kicking. Sooo, I'm not sure what to do. I've tried giving him things to distract him, singing, etc. but nothing seems to work. Help ladies!

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W.M.

answers from Toledo on

It is just the age I have had 3 kids and everyone has done that I compare it to aligator wrestleing. It is a phase they go thru I have mastered diapering on the run it's the only way I could get it on Good Luck

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M.L.

answers from Cleveland on

Try taking him to the bathroom and changing him as if he had gone on the potty. Maybe he resents the baby inplication and is about ready for potty training.

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T.E.

answers from Columbus on

When my son was that age I started cleaning him up with him standing as opposed to lying down. I actually found it easier as he was in pull-ups at the time. I unfastened the sides, then used the back as a sort of first wipe as I took it off. Then I had the box of wipes in the bathroom where I cleaned off the rest of him (this helped with potty training too as we now did pull-up changes right next to the potty in the bathroom). I found it easier to control him as I could hold his body even if he was wiggling with my left arm as I used my right arm to clean him up and get the new pull-up on.

Don't know if this will help you - but it was great for us as he took quite a while to potty train.

T.

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S.R.

answers from Toledo on

Most moms suggested the pull-ups (which are really expensive but wonderful products), but I prefer the tub. An idea might be to give him a bath when he is dirty. If he is your only child it will give you a few minutes to yourself (which all moms need) and he would have fun playing and getting clean sitting in the water. What I do with my daughter when she gets the tub dirty from pooing in there is after she is out and dressed I just spray the tub down with a bleach cleaner and leave. Go back in in 10-15 min and turn the shower on to rinse it all away and the baby is clean, I had a few min to myself, and my tub is cleaned. Best of Luck!

K.K.

answers from Columbus on

Hi D.,

I went through the same thing with my son when he turned two. We noticed a difference when we decided to stand him up to change him. I think it helped with the potty training process as well.
Good Luck!

~K.

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M.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

Huggies has a "convertible" diaper that you can put on laying down or standing up like a pull-up.

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M.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

i have to sit on the floor and lay my sons down and put my leg over there hip bones to change them.so at least they cannot turn on me. and i hold up there legs.

M.D.

answers from Lexington on

An option that worked for me... Place your forearm across the crook of both knees to hold his legs up. In this position, you can also hold onto one of his legs for extra security against "the toddler flail." Then, if he attempts to kick and fight, use your forearm to push his legs up higher, which will also push his knees further into his tummy or chest, making it much more difficult (if not impossible) to squirm his way out of position. This position won't hurt him, but will immobilize him long enough for you to get your clean-up job done (without getting hurt yourself). Good luck!

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K.C.

answers from Columbus on

It is a phase that almost all toddlers go through. Do you think that he would repond or understand a reward system? Before you change him, remind him that if he cooperates and helps mommy, he will get to pick a treat. Have a jar of M&Ms handy to follow through with his good behavior. Make it a special jar that he is proud of, only for "good boy diaper changes". Make sure you lay down the ground rules...no kicking, no fussing and no wiggling!
Hope this can be of use...for anyone with a wiggly toddler!

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A.B.

answers from Cleveland on

I had the same problem with my girl and now use the pampers easy ups. They are great and I almost always get a coupon in the bag so that helps too.

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M.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I always diapered my toddlers with them standing up. They seem to do okay with that. Another option would be to take off the diaper, put the poop into the toilet, set the child on the toilet, and wipe them there.

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