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Behaviour/development

My baby detests having nappy changed.

8 replies

SLP93 · 28/09/2016 20:15

My baby is a week and a half old and becomes so distressed when I change her nappy. From the minute I lay her down on the changing mat, start unbuttoning her baby grow she screams and struggles, goes bright red, holds her breath etc. I've never seen or heard anything quite like it. It breaks my heart that I have to do something so many times a day, when it's clearly upsetting her so much. I've tried playing music to her and that doesn't help. I don't know what to do. It must have taken me nearly an hour to change her nappy earlier on due to how much she was struggling :(

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Just2MoreSeasons · 28/09/2016 20:18

Poor you. It's usually because they feel cold and vulnerable. Try laying her on a warm towel and putting a muslin on her tummy. Warm water on some cotton wool will help too. Flowers

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JassyRadlett · 28/09/2016 20:18

Both mine were like this when tiny. It's an early entree into doing something they hate to do them good. You'll get faster with practice, but in the meantime remember they aren't quite as fragile as they look. If you can secure both feet in one hand, you both minimise squirming/struggling and make it easier to wipe with your free hand. And with practice you'll be able to put the nappy on with one hand while your other holds the baby in place.

Congratulations on your little girl!

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Just2MoreSeasons · 28/09/2016 20:20

It's really early days for you. Your dd will get used to it and you'll get much quicker. And the poos will get much less frequent.

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CobsAhoy · 28/09/2016 20:25

My DD was like this too as a newborn, then she grew out of it, now at 1yo she hates it again! I think they go through cycles with it, it's awful when they are newborns though because you are changing them so much. When you LO starts being able to focus on things you will be able to distracts her with singing/toys etc.

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albertcampionscat · 28/09/2016 20:25

Both of mine did that. It passes.

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jessplussomeonenew · 28/09/2016 20:57

Would it help to lie her on your lap to change her? It's quite easy for wees, less so for dirty nappies but you could use a travel changing mat on your lap.

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Kariana · 29/09/2016 05:18

It's very normal. I saw my friend's baby doing this at about three weeks old for nappy and clothes changes. Next time I saw him having his clothes changed he was around 7 or 8 weeks and having his vest lifted over his head was the most hilarious fun ever. Your baby is just getting used to a new experience and feeling cold and vulnerable after spending so long in your nice cosy tummy. You need to not show your distress, just make soothing noise, chat away like it's fine and do a bit of peekaboo if you have to lift any clothes over her head, she will soon pick up the cues and get used to the experience. Please don't worry, it's very normal!

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Jaggythistle · 29/09/2016 05:36

All 3 of mine were like this at first.

It's awful but I just got them changed as fast as I could, because they always seemed to have decided they were hungry. Nightmare when you get a change where they keep pooping as soon as you get the clean nappy on!

It does pass thankfully. :)

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