Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Flip

Original poster

Terrible two's at 1 ! Nappy nightmares and other issues for you to solve, please help!

12 replies

felicity10 · 23/02/2011 22:51

My DD is 1 and something happened in the last ten days when she went from easy going child to a wild monster!!

nappy change has become a wrestling match - seriously she screams her head off and we have a battle to change - someone knocked on the door of the change room and asked if we were ok the other day. How can I distract her?

food - has always eaten well with her fingers or from a spoon, now, refuses spoon, picks up food chews it and then spits it out - even her favourites - is she eating enough?!

car seat and pram - turns rigid and fights to get out - I literally have to force her in.

Is this normal at this age, will it pass, I am shattered! She is very determined and walked early and has just got more determined to do everything her own way. Any tips appreciated!!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

lorisparkle · 23/02/2011 23:06

Sounds like fun at 1 !

Nappy change - when you are at home my cousin who has 6 children recommended the 'leg over' technique! This involves sitting to the side of DC and then putting one leg over the tummy. This means that you still have two hands free for the nappy change and are not doing so much wrestling. I also find giving them something they are not usually allowed - mobile phone, wallet, keys, etc can help but it is a common battle

Food - Don't worry I would give just a small amount at a time. If it gets eaten brill, if not the not too much is covering the walls / floor. Small children rarely starve themselves so just offer a variety without fuss and try not to show any anxiety.

Car seat and pram - oh yes another fun one. I had double harness for DS1 and Ds2 so I am sure it wil be the same for DS3! I put on the harness you use for reins first and connected the straps to the harness then once they are in click in the harness then put on the straps. DS2 would often be literally hanging out of the pushchair. I also remember feeling as if I was sitting on them to get them strapped in the car

At this age you have to try and stay as chilled as possible and distract and praise.

I have heard that if the start early then they finish early so keep that in mind.

TragicallyHip · 24/02/2011 09:11

Can you give her something to play with when you change her nappy? Ds turned into a nightmare too and now I give him a book and he happily reads that.

Don't worry to much about the food, she will eat if she is hungry.

No advice re the car/pram I'm afraid.

Tigresswoods · 24/02/2011 09:50

I agree with the something to play with at nappy time. Toys are not interesting enough but my watch at DH's blackberry are interesting (and forbidden noirmally!) enough to keep him amused for 2 minutes

nannyl · 24/02/2011 10:06

yes

sounds completely normal.... "its just a phase"

agree distract, have things to hold / look at, donr worrry about not eating, if hungry they will eat and grin and bear it!

Original poster

felicity10 · 24/02/2011 10:16

Thanks for the advice of food, one less thing to worry about!

Will be trying the "leg over" pinning down later, sounds good to me. I've tried books, rattles, even the packet of wet wipes - but that gets ridiculous! Hopefully this will work and will give her my phone!

lorisparkle your cousin has six!!! I bow to her experience! On the reins front - so do you attach the reins to the actual car seat straps? Sounds like that could be a great plan.

Many thanks all!

OP posts:

TheSpook · 24/02/2011 17:31

Leg pin down used here for two runners.

lorisparkle · 24/02/2011 19:06

we only used the harness in the pushchair as it had little bits to attach it too. my cousin is very down to earth does not take messing and a trained nurse. great for advice

ReadingTeaLeaves · 24/02/2011 22:18

I wrote a similar post a couple of months ago - we had (actually, still have) major tantrums - DS is 14 months. He is a breatholder as well which is interesting so you get the silent cry for up to a minute (yes, really) before he gives in and hollers at the top of his voice. Nice.

On the nappy changing front, my best tip (best not done in public), is to put a (clean) nappy on your head. My DS thinks it is HILARIOUS, even when he's having a paddy, and even after a couple of months of doing it. I suppose he's probably right !

ReadingTeaLeaves · 24/02/2011 22:18

Actually a minute is a lie. 30 seconds though!!

tryingtoleave · 25/02/2011 10:08

Yup, just a phase. She will probably become more reasonable at around three. Sigh.

tryingtoleave · 25/02/2011 10:12

Some more (hopefully) useful advice. Can you change her nappy standing up? I had to do ds standing up for ages.

Sometimes you do just have to force them into a car seat, or clothes or a nappy change. It is not worth getting upset or angry about it - it just has to be done.

Lollypolly · 25/02/2011 10:28

A development specialist once told me that the terrible twos start as soon as they blow out the candle on their first birthday cake.... DD1 was very placid, DD2 is 2.6 and has been "challenging" for a year and a half. I have a friend with a DD who is very similar in temperament and personality to my DD2 and says she's just getting out of being difficult now that she's 4.

Settling in for the long haul...

PS Switched to pull up nappies as soon as we could to do standup changes

Flip