to think there has to be a better way to change a toddlers nappy...please help!

[ICBINEG]

We are still using a change table which we should have stopped using about 6 months ago.

We also have a technique that seems to use around 200mls of water, 10 cotton wool squares, around 15 sheets of kitchen roll, and more patience than we apparently can muster. The location is our bedroom which means we have a shit covered toddler roaming over the bed while things get made ready and basically the room is full of non toddler friendly things and it sucks and I'm fed up.

Please tell me how you go about changing your toddlers nappy and where, for the sake of the environment if nothig else....

[BraaaaaainsButterfield]

Pampers Easy-Up are the future! Stand toddler up holding onto e.g. coffee table, edge of bath, step out of trousers (DS only too happy to do this), tear off nappy, wipe like hell as quickly as possible, step into nappy and trousers. As a bonus they have Bob the Builder on them so you can get distraction value out of a clean one - "BOBBOB!"

[KristinaM]

If your baby objects to nails being cut, do them while they are asleep

[ceeveebee]

DH bites fingernails and toenails!

[amarylisnightandday]

Plus if you have a v sensitive skinned child you can either use pampers sensitive wipes - self explanatory OR cheeky wipes reusable ones which are v non toxic.

If its your dh objecting to baby wipes I suggest he does all the nappy changes

[Bananapickle]

In reference to whether wipes cause more nappy rash, they are like anything else you put on your DC's skin, some makes might cause a rash and others won't. For my DD Lidl wipes are the best...

[MadderHat]

Thinking back to the difficult period...
A change table with a mat with straps (when she was in a very movey mood). I'd have used the floor, but my back didn't like it too often.
Flip lid packet of baby wipes near foot end, but not in kicking range. If I knew in advance that she was pooey, then I hung an open bag for the dirty wipes on the door handle which was nearby (in my reach, but not hers). We have a shelf above the changing table with pictures on the underside and toys dangling down for her to bat. On the shelf is cream and spare nappies, and the bag of nappy bags. I also did lots of singing - she's stiller for singing, especially action songs which make her do stuff with just her hands and head.

Alternatively, such as when away, a very large waterproof mat (cut up bed protector) on whatever surface was available, be it floor or bed or sofa.

[ICBINEG]

ahh another misconception going on....it is my DH that does the massive bulk of the changing...he is the SAHP so it is far more important to find a better less stressful way for him to change nappies than for me (who has been known just to get the hell on with the baby wipes).

[Iceaddict]

You need wipes. i change her on knee/ floor whatever. Just wipe excess off with nappy as you fold it under and wipe with wipes. Bobs your uncle

[Devora]

Ah, toenails I can help with. There's fascinating things hiding under them (fairies, dinosaurs, jungle animals - take your pick). It is very, very exciting to approach each nail wondering what is under it, and only by cutting can you both find out... (caveat: don't make it so exciting that your toddler is shrieking and writhing).

Shitty toddler: at that age I found it easier to change nappies with them standing up, maybe holding onto the edge of the bed and getting engrossed with something on it (e.g. book, lego) while you do the business. Am amazed and impressed you have got to 18 months without baby wipes - give yourself a break and buy some! Buy the gentle ones, avoid Johnson & Johnson (I think they put paint stripper in them) and the Tesco value ones. Pampers sensitive a good place to start if you're worried about nappy rash.

[amarylisnightandday]

To cut their nails give them something to okay with thru army usually allowed. I give dd1 the little wash bag next to her may that has nappy cream etc in it. She is only ever allowed to top it out when I am cutting her nails. It has fascinating delights such as sachets of sun cream and some anti bac lotion in it. I have always done this - works brilliantly but god help me if I try to cut her nails in any other location without the sacred item handed over

[FrustratedSycamoreBonks]

Neither of my DCs have ever had nappy rash and I've always used wipes. ps if DH has the problem with wipes get him to change all the nappies

Also you need to master the technique of changing nappy on standing/running child.

Nails are easy, get the whilst they're asleep.

[larks35]

Ahh nail cutting. I found it impossible with DS but am finding it surprisingly easy with DD. I think I realise now that a bit of forceful restraint won't harm her but also I only do it when she seems in a relaxed frame of mind, often after a bottle, she is only 7mo atm though, it'll all change.

With DS I just had to hide the clippers and we would do several rounds of this little piggy and then I would just grab and clip really. I never got all nails done at one time, usually had to be done over several days.

[bonkersLFDT20]

I'm pretty sure all that water (v. drying) and kitchen roll (harsh) is going to worse for a baby's bum than a sensitive baby wipe.

As others have said, get down on the floor. I've been known to put my legs on top of arms to pin a toddler down - just long enough for the poo to be cleaned up.

Get a basket of interesting things to look at. Since you're right there, it can be things they can't normally play with e.g little matchbox cars.

[WorraLiberty]

Babywipes have never caused mine to have nappy rash...and you can get 'sensitive skin' ones.

I remember having DS2 in hospital and the Midwife looking at my pack of babywipes. She chirpily said, "We don't use babywipes here as we don't like them"

To which I chirpily replied, "Well I do because I love them".

Silly cow, I still have no idea what her problem was.

[OxfordBags]

You can get all sorts of natural, eco wipes that are perfect for the most sensitive of skin, just a quick go on Google will show you. If DH insists that they will cause nappy rash (most won't, honest), then go for Water Wipes, which are what they say they are. Marvellous things. And tell him to stop being such a bloody martyr about it all. At the moment, the only way my Ds will allow me (or DH) to change his nappy is whilst he stands facing me and BFs. Yes, including hideous bumsplosion pooey ones too. My parents are granted the honour of attempting it whilst he dances, ha!

[Idocrazythings]

I agree, pull ups and wipes. I have a bit of a downward facing dog pose my DS does when I wipe his bum- works really well!! (Not joking)

[girlsyearapart]

Carry the nail clippers around and do it when they fall asleep. Dd1 was the one we had to do that with. Everyone else just held their hands out patiently ..

[ICBINEG]

Okay so we DD is not a wriggler she is a total chaos machine. The moment the nappy is off she is trying to stuff hands, books, rattles anything in range into her crotch. I mean what IS the point of a toy if it isn't covered in shit? She watches all moves you make intently so she can take the slightest opportunity to kick nappy, cream or wipes/cotton wool out of your hand. She rolls over in a heartbeat and then starts hauling all the materials out of the cubby holes down the side of the change table. She hooks hands or feet depending on mood over the end of the table so she can shunt herself off. She will thwack you around the head with any toy/book large enough or throw it at your head if she can't reach. She will rake nails down your face/pull your nose off if you are incautious enough to go and try and distract her while the other parent is doing the change.

Right and toenails...so if she feels you even touching her feet she kicks off with the head banging tantrum moves, kicks jumps launches herself off you/bed as appropriate. We tried while she was reading a book and the book is now ex. We tried while feeding, my left nipple is now somewhat ex also. We tried while asleep and an hour of screaming later agreed that this was a Bad Plan. We tried an extensive educational program involving the cutting of mine, Dh's stuffed toys and even characters in books toenails...with much praise and sticker awarding. But if she even suspects you are pulling fast one - let alone actually catches sight of the scissors then it is pretty much game over. We have obviously tried just wrestling her and pinning her down but as per the blood letting incident there simply aren't enough adults for us to win the battle.....

[FunnysInLaJardin]

lie toddler on the floor or changing mat, get them to lift their legs up, take off old nappy straight into awaiting nappy sac, wipe bottom with wipes which you have already pulled out of the packet, tie up nappy sac, put new nappy on. Et Voila. I have used pullups since DS2 could stand up

[Graciescotland]

Standing up in an empty bath with bath crayons. The novelty of being allowed to draw on walls means they ignore you completely :) Bath crayon easily wiped off tile/ bath with babywipe.

[ditziness]

Because baby wipes are really bad for skin and the environment, and are minging to wash with! Which would you prefer if you we're covered in poo? A baby wipe or a wash with soap and water? OP, stand him in shower, take off nappy, wiping off excess and flushing down loo, and then shower down, wash with soap and rinse!

[Gentleness]

Biggest help for me has been teaching them that this is "nappy time" from as early as possible. Can't remember who gave me that tip but may they have perpetual peace and plenty. I lie them down wherever, say that it is nappy time and spend whatever time is possible (even 3 seconds makes a difference) giving a tummy rub and kissing knees and feet (if not filthy!). And I describe what I'm doing when I remember, and when they're old enough, ask what's coming next. And then afterwards it's a thank-you if relevant and a quick kiss before moving on. Making it peaceful keeps me sane as both my boys have a propensity for soft poos which squidge all round their bits and if they aren't calm, all round my house.

I've got friends who did NCT and were told there that baby wipes are evil, terrible and to be avoided at all costs because they have chemicals in them . These chemicals, they get everywhere! It does make a difference changing TEMPORARILY to water while getting over a nasty teething nappy rash, but I just rinse the wipes in the water now and avoid cotton wool altogether. Way too lazy to spend forever cleaning fluffy little remnants off an already sore bum.

[UpYaKilt]

Another vote for pull ups, huggies pure wipes and changing standing up looking out the window at interesting things.

[BillComptonstrousers]

Why is he making life so difficult for himself? Fair enough if you know the baby is going to have a sore bum from being allergic to wipes, that's one thing, but using warm water/cotton wool/kitchen roll would just be a nightmare for any babies over a few months old surely?