Help Changing 8 Month Old's Diaper

I am starting to think it is a phase they go through. :) That makes me feel better. Well lo and behold most changing tables have straps. I didn't ever need them before, but now at 8mths we are having to. They work wonderfully. I throw baby the closest safe thing to gnaw on and go to work. The straps don't help with the screaming, but they do help keep them still. If you don't have access to a changing table then try the leg tip. I use to do the leg trick with my first son, that was back in the days before I could afford a changing table. Ahhh college. Well I know it's kinda common sense but try the straps if you got them.

My three year old did the same thing, and my 10 month old wiggles and screams. I pin them with my legs while on the floor, distract, dress them in easy access clothes, but I think the only solution would be to get a nanny. Good luck.

Oh -- I also put her in the tub when its a bm -- much easier than trying to clean up with wipes!

Susan,
I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND! My 8 month old daughter is the same way and I have yet to find a solution except sometimes I give her a toy but it seldom works. I thought you might like to know that someone else is going through the same thing! Good luck and let me know if you find something that works!

Oh my son did the same thing around 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 months old. He is now a few days shy of 10 months and has now stopped that. This is just a stage they go through it will pass. Try giving him a clear bottle full of buttons, or coins, or rocks, something that makes noise it worked for me (thanks to the suggestion from my mom). Also you can try parchment paper (baking paper). I know this can be very difficult I am also a stay at home mom and know the feeling of dreading the fight of diaper changing. And when it is really bad and if your husband is home have him distract him and hold his legs from the top of him. At this age they don't really understand "no", I tried that my son just laughed at me and still does. Well hope this helps, and good luck. And just remember it will pass.

P.S. oh and 1 more thing is I really dread changing him when we go somewhere I have found it is easier to just change him in the car than in a public restroom.

J.

STEP 1: Give a "two-minute warning" before it is time to change the diaper. This way, the baby can conclude his or her play instead of being interrupted. STEP 2: Explain, even if you think you are being ignored, the need to stay still so that mom or dad can change the diaper. This is not a topic for discussion. Be strong and consistent. STEP 3: Have supplies ready and within reach. STEP 4: Allow safe, interesting objects at the diaper table for the baby to hold. STEP 5: Play verbal games ("Where's mommy's nose?") or sing favorite songs to create a diversion while changing the diaper. STEP 6: Try to change the diaper with the baby or toddler standing up, especially if the baby can lean against a wall.

Also, at the daycare my daughter goes to they used to keep a box of wax paper closeby and tear off a piece and give it to the baby each time. They like the crinkling noise.

Try to stay calm, and rest assured this won't last forever. Hang in there.

My 20-month old is the same way, and all I can say is TAG TEAM! Usually, my husband will hold him down while I change his diaper, or vice versa. Since you're a SAHM and don't have that option, I would try a distraction, like a sippy cup or a toy, or sometimes singing or talking to him. Good luck!

Susan:

I had the same issue with my daughter about your age.. my husband actually has pics of me chasing her little naked butt down!!! This may sound bad but I sat with my legs splayed over her arms and sometimes had to exert pressure, it never hurt her, but it worked! She got out of that phase but I completely understand.. it is exhausting and frustrating! And WOW do you change a lot of diapers!!!! :-) :-) I wish I had better advice for you... but just wanted you to know that you are NOT the only one.. we're out here and we understand!
Best of luck to you!

I'm in the same boat. The best thing that I have learned to do is to change my son on a high, narrow surface so he can't go too far ( the kitchen counter, I know it's not clean but that's what 409 is for). This might seem dangerous, but it works, he can't crawl away. Just have everything ready. I normally change him on the floor and if it is a mess it's not a big deal and he can't fall off of anything. I am equally as tired and my son is 13 months. Good Luck!

Wish I knew how to help you.... the only thing that came to mind was changing him while he is sleeping... but that doesn't make much sense.
Is he a busy baby and just doesn't like to stay still? Or does he get bad rashes a lot? Or does he just hate being on his back? Other than a four point harness... I don't know what to say.... I hope someone else has some advice for you!
Good luck!!

Both my kids did the same thing, I think its a stage just before and after they get mobile. You can try really engaging in a game (peekaboo) or "converstation." or you can diaper them standing up (do this on the floor).

Good luck my daughter is extra squirmmy and very strong as well.

Hey Susan!

I have a 16 month old that is the same way!! I try and keep everything within reach and have the wipes, diaper, and creams all open and ready to go. I've found that w/ my son if he can have something he knows hes not supposed to have it helps to distract him. Ex. my cell phone (an old one! The drool can really mess up the new one!!), the diaper rash cream, or even the t.v. remote. Another thing i do is show him the wipes box, ours has Winnie the Pooh on it so i'll show him who they are and ask him to show me which one is which. Some times this works and sometimes it doesnt! There have also been times when I've changed him standing up. But hope this helps and good luck!!

T.

I had the same issue with my little boy when he was that age!!!!!

For starters, you are wonderful to change him 10-12 times/day, but....... it is not the end of the world if you change him less often (unless he has a poopy diaper) - the diapers work great to last more than a couple hours. (I used to work in a Early Headstart program and would change the babies diapers at least every 2 hrs, my poor baby goes 4-5 hours without getting changed sometimes! Sometimes longer unless he's stinky, I would never make him wait for that :) )

My little one is great now for the most part, but I tried everything too to help him stay calm. I finally found things to keep him occupied for a few secs... the remote.. telephone... unused diaper... but it didn't always work...

Hang in there :)

i think janna gave great advice! one thing to remember is that young babies CAN and DO learn the meaning of "no", it just takes much consistency! my daughter is 6 months old and already knows my tone of voice when i say her name if she's doing something she shouldn't. you might have to say "no" many many times but it will be worth it in the end! my oldest is 2 1/2 and no one can believe how well-behaved she is and i always tell them it's because as soon as she was mobile, i began disciplining her.
just make sure when you are changing your son and he flips over or something, don't laugh or even smile. babies will repeat behaviors if they make you laugh. be very stern and make sure he knows you're in charge

i gave my daughter a diaper wipe and the wetness of it seemed to help

Hello my son is 14 months and he has been doing the same thing since he was about 8 or 9 months. So what I do is out of two things one i give him a bath because after the bath he is very relaxed and lets me put on the diaper which takes time but hey hes never dirty. lol but the second thing i do is i let him run around naked about three months ago i did that to my son and i keeped a diaper next to me and after about 20 min. he grabed the diaper and gave it to me like ok mommy now i want it on and he let me. I hope what i have tryed works for you us stay at home moms need to stick together mostly because were frist time moms.

Good luck