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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really struggle changing DS’s nappy

68 replies

Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:30

I feel like a complete failure, my DS is so so strong and he won’t lie down for his nappy to be changed. I put him on my knee and did it that way but he is so strong I really struggle to hold him still, it’s so hard sometimes it takes me a good 5 minutes to recover from it. I know this is AIBU but any mums had this challenge? Any resolutions? Not long until I can toilet train him I suppose. I get really frustrated and hate it if he does a poo if we are our because of how resistant he is and it looks like I can’t manage.

OP posts:
WTF475878237NC · 04/05/2022 13:32

Can you change standing up?

MichelleScarn · 04/05/2022 13:32

Are you using pull ups? Much easier!

Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:33

Yes I do when it’s just a wee.

OP posts:
Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:34

Yes I use pull ups too. It’s ok when he has a wee as like you said I will just let him stand but I dread him having a poo! Why is he so strong?

OP posts:
BlueBeeSpots · 04/05/2022 13:36

My 1 year old won’t like still for a nappy change so I have her lying in front of me, sideways on. I put my left leg over her to pin her down and change her nappy with my right side. It sounds bad but she giggles about it and starts playing with my knees (if I’m wearing holey jeans). She is very strong in the legs so by doing this she can’t use them to twist.

Ohmych · 04/05/2022 13:37

Lay him on the floor and sit with your legs across his torso while you change him. He won't be able to move as much.

Babyboomtastic · 04/05/2022 13:39

Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:34

Yes I use pull ups too. It’s ok when he has a wee as like you said I will just let him stand but I dread him having a poo! Why is he so strong?

Why is a poo a problem standing up? Rip the sides, make sure as much as possible end up in the nappy, and then wipe.

DinoRock · 04/05/2022 13:41

Nightmare isn't it. Have you tried giving him something to look at while you change him? A book?

emmakenny · 04/05/2022 13:42

Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:30

I feel like a complete failure, my DS is so so strong and he won’t lie down for his nappy to be changed. I put him on my knee and did it that way but he is so strong I really struggle to hold him still, it’s so hard sometimes it takes me a good 5 minutes to recover from it. I know this is AIBU but any mums had this challenge? Any resolutions? Not long until I can toilet train him I suppose. I get really frustrated and hate it if he does a poo if we are our because of how resistant he is and it looks like I can’t manage.

Why does it matter that "you look like you aren't managing?" Who is watching? Why do you care? Everyone struggles with Bally changes as they get older. You don't have to impress anyone with your nappy changing skills.

Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:42

I was using most of my of arm strength to hold him down, I’ll try the leg thing. I feel guilty afterwards for having to hold him still, he literally hates it and I can feel myself sweating and getting overwhelmed, it’s such an ordeal

OP posts:
Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:44

I wouldn’t judge anybody for this so yes your right it’s probably just me. Nobody really sees anyway only family

OP posts:
Yotrotro · 04/05/2022 13:45

Pull ups and get used to changing poos standing up. If you aren't far off potty training then you'll need to get used to doing it anyway.

WTF475878237NC · 04/05/2022 13:50

I used reusable Terry nappies and did them standing and just got used to it really as PP says. I also recommend distraction, making a game up, singing silly songs or something to hold "to help Mummy" etc.

CoastalWave · 04/05/2022 13:51

How old is he?

Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 13:51

Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
maddiemookins16mum · 04/05/2022 13:54

How old is he? 14 months is very different to 3.5.

Original poster
Holl90 · 04/05/2022 14:10

21 months

OP posts:
ThreeFeetTall · 04/05/2022 14:18

I used to stand mine in the bath (and then give him a little wash with the shower head after Grin)

Louise0701 · 04/05/2022 14:20

How old is he?

nearlyspringyay · 04/05/2022 14:21

Changing poo standing up depends a lot on the consistency of it! Mine had toddler diarreah...

I had to sit on the floor, head in my crotch, leg over chest and give them a high value item like keys, phone or a pack of wipes.

AliasGrape · 04/05/2022 14:25

Mine is the same age. It’s a while since she’s done a poo whilst out (tend to be after breakfast or helpfully in the bath in the evening here!) but I’d really struggle to change her standing up for a poo - hers are pretty loose often and get everywhere.

We do use pull ups though I don’t find them all that much easier to be honest, especially when out as I have to get her shoes/ leggings etc fully off so just seems like more work.

The best thing I’ve found at home is offering to let he watch bing on tv whilst I do her nappy, amazing how fast all my no screen time ideals crumbled really. Out and about I have a couple of ‘special’ toys I can sometimes distract her with long enough to do the nappy (one of those fidget popper things, a highly annoying vtech noisy thing that I don’t usually give her but will break out in emergencies, a decoy purse with a load of old loyalty cards and stuff in she can empty out). It’s still a real battle though.

southlondoner02 · 04/05/2022 14:29

Try distracting? Lots of kids seem to stay still if you give them something different to hold/ look at while nappy changing- preferably something they don't usually get to play with

Lou98 · 04/05/2022 14:32

BlueBeeSpots · 04/05/2022 13:36

My 1 year old won’t like still for a nappy change so I have her lying in front of me, sideways on. I put my left leg over her to pin her down and change her nappy with my right side. It sounds bad but she giggles about it and starts playing with my knees (if I’m wearing holey jeans). She is very strong in the legs so by doing this she can’t use them to twist.

I second this! My little boy is 1 and he's became a nightmare for nappy changes so I put my leg over him to change. He hates it but it only takes 2mins then he's happily moving about again

SNAFU247 · 04/05/2022 14:37

I used to put one foot gently but firmly on either of DS's armpits - my legs would then sort of be along his body and the pressure in armpit area meant he couldn't pivot his body easily to twist and crawl off. It worked quite well.... though looked really quite a picture if anyone happened to pass by!

HollyBollyBooBoo · 04/05/2022 14:40

Honestly I had to pin my DD down, people didn't believe me and thought they could do better until they had a go.