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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU nappy changing - how to make it less of a fight?

15 replies

christmasid2 · 03/09/2016 22:19

babba is 10 months and is winning the war
I know that if you chill and make it into a game, it's easier, but sometimes i'm so tired that my entertainment skills aren't that great
using old-fashioned terry towelling nappies (couldn't afford reusable all-in-ones, and allegedly they leak more?) doesn't help.
I do funny voices, wear hats etc etc but baby is coming on leaps and bounds with crawling etc which I think makes it worse.
Any tips gratefully received x

OP posts:

sentia · 03/09/2016 22:21

I used to sing to DD while I was changing her nappy. And give her something to hold on to while we were doing it.

QuiteLikely5 · 03/09/2016 22:22

Put fav tv show on? As in record it and then play the theme tune for a few mins whilst you get it over with

maddening · 03/09/2016 22:22

My ds was distracted by ben and holly - i just had to put it on tv and change him in a position he could see the tv and he zoned out - i downloaded it to my phone for when we were out - is there anything on tv which your dc zones out to?

vimtoqueen1 · 03/09/2016 22:23

Something to hold and singing nursery rhymes help a lot but even now we have to tag team sometimes if both of us are home.
my son bloody loves Peppa pig so I will put it on while he needs changing so he doesn't wriggle as much.

stiffstink · 03/09/2016 22:24

DD is almost crawling at 6 months, just as the weaning poos have started, yum! I hand her a pack of baby wipes to crinkle and hold her feet whilst she flips around like a mackerel.

Scruffles · 03/09/2016 22:25

I've always thought that some kind of Velcro attachment on a changing mat would be really useful!

A friend swore by putting a toy in her mouth to entertain them with so that she had both hands for catching them and doing the nappy change but that's not worked for me. You have my sympathies, it's a nightmare!

ZippyNeedsFeeding · 03/09/2016 22:26

We had a little rhyme and I'd do stretching exercises with their legs. Beforehand we'd sing a nappy song. It was silly but it did help.
Is there a toy that the baby could only get once the old nappy was off, and play with while you put the new one on?

gamerchick · 03/09/2016 22:27

I laid them down and put a foot gently on each shoulder with pressure.

Worked pretty good, I'm sure someone will hoik their boosums though

AnchorPyjamas · 03/09/2016 22:27

I am going through similar - DC is 7 months and immediately flips onto his tummy as soon as you put him down. My suggestions would be

a toy or book to distract them and hold in their hands
possibly pull ups? this might not work with terry towelling but I find it easier to wrestle DC into pull ups than ordinary nappies
just teaching DC not to roll, or least attempting to. I think at 10 months they can understand a firm 'NO rolling/crawling whatever until Mummy has finished' and doing it consistently every time might eventually hammer home the message!

I think they eventually get better, my DN was dreadful during nappy changes for ages but since about 13 months is much calmer, and happy to lie back and chat or look at a book.

Sleeplessinmybedroom · 03/09/2016 22:32

I have to pin my just turned one year old down. I lie her on the mat on the floor and then I sit with my leg across her chest and change her sideways if that makes sense. She can't move then. She's a nightmare otherwise, will not stay still long enough.

HSMMaCM · 03/09/2016 22:34

Something hanging above the changing table, a toy to hold, songs, wedged under your legs, whatever works.

BathshebaDarkstone · 03/09/2016 22:36

Pull Ups and a baby gym.

JohnLapsleyParlabane · 03/09/2016 22:39

We use cloth too. I've been following tips in this article and others by this lady. It took a while but definitely getting easier. www.janetlansbury.com/2010/05/how-to-love-a-diaper-change/

BlurtonOnKites4eva · 03/09/2016 22:42

Nothing works for me really apart from pinning my daughter down by her shoulders with my feet, but she's getting too big and strong for that now. Sometimes I can distract her with my phone or something that she isn't normally allowed to have. Even when there's two of us changing her it's a nightmare. I got poo in my hair and DP got poo on his trouser leg in the same changing session earlier today. Getting a was of wipes out prior to getting the nappy off is helpful.

Original poster

christmasid2 · 03/09/2016 22:57

thanks, i'll check out that link
thanks very much everyone, I am doing some of the things suggested, but some of the other things could be worth giving a go
I could try putting the laptop where she can see it maybe (no telly here).
oh the joys.
I want to avoid pinning babba down...I definitely found it was easier when I approached it as a game and a chance to connect with the little wriggler, pinning them down was the only thing left on the list in the direction I was going. I really do need to approach it as a chance to give them some proper attention and bond, as opposed to another thing on my task list that I need to get crossed off asap so I can get on with all the other stuff I need to do.

OP posts:

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