Getting Dressed Tantrums

[Motherofone]

I know this sounds like 'par for the course' for a (nearly) two-year old, but I am having TERRIBLE problems getting my 22 month old to get dressed/ have his nappy changed in the morning.It's becoming a positive wrestling match. I've tried games/ negotiating/ trying to get him to help etc all to no avail - he always has a complete screaming fit, writhing around the floor, and taking them off again.
We have an au pair, and now she's getting too nervous of his tantrums to help (when he's throwing his 35lb around he's physically quite hard to control!)
I work, and we need to get him off to nursery at 8.30 so we don't have loads of time for coaxing etc.
(Incidently, as soon as he's dressed, he's the picture of innocence and calm again!)
Can anyone share any tips/ experience - PLEASE!

[Joe]

Hi, I am starting to have this problem with my ds who is 13 months. If distracting him with toys or anything else that is lying around doesnt work I get him to tickle me. If that doesnt work I try and do what I can with him either standing or sitting up which seems to be alot better than getting him to lie down. I have found that trying to ignore it and get the job done as quick as possible which ever which way you can has worked the best. Good luck.

[Bloss]

Message withdrawn

[Alli]

My 17 month old son and I have battles on the nappy front. Has anyone tried the Pampers nappies that "pull up" so you can get them on while they're standing? They're more money (no surprise there!) then the "normal" nappy and, if so, did it make for an easier nappy experience?

[Robbie]

You've probably already given this a go but if not it helped with mine - get 2 complete outfits out and get him to choose which trousers, which socks, which top etc. Say if he doesn't choose each one by the time you count to 10 - you'll chose (and if he has favorite clothes make sure that they're one of the options). Otherwise just remember it doesn't last forever and try and allow as much time as possible for getting dressed even if it means waking 15 mins earlier.
Good luck

[Bugsy]

Motherofone, our son (just over two) sometimes does what you describe and I tried all sorts of remedies. Obviously forceful pinning down will work but it is far from pleasant for both parties. What I do now is play a game with him where I literally chase him from one end of the house to the other until he is puffed out. I laugh and say "Mummy's coming to get you" and make him run. He thinks it is hilarious, it is good exercise for me and it always works. After a few minutes or hard chasing he is ready to stop for a breather and I have no problems getting the nappy and clothes on.
Alli, why not keep using the ordinary nappies but just do it standing up. It doesn't take long to get the hang of it. It seems such a shame to be handing money over to nappy manufacturers for a bit of stretchy stuff.

[Wornout]

Alli, I have the roll over situation at nappy changing time. I just let him play with the nappy box on his stomach, and this tends to hold his attention for long enough to clean & sudacream him! It may help to distract him with his favourite toy.

[Lizp]

I'm using the pampers pull up and they do make things easier. with boys you just need to check they are dressing 'down' otherwise they get wet over the top. As we are half potty training they work quite well for him deciding he wants the potty once i've got the nappy on as well.