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Behaviour/development

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

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Original poster

Advice re getting baby changed

19 replies

Taler · 21/02/2015 08:08

Recently got rid of changing table. Should've dove it sooner as DD (15 months) been too big for it for a while but it was more convenient for us as on floor is uncomfortable.

So now we are changing her on her mat on the floor and it's been really tough. She's constantly rolling everywhere but just isn't happy either. You go to lay her down and she starts crying.

Have tried giving her things to hold/play with, having music on etc but nothing works.

We HAVE to lie her down. There's no other way. But how can we do it where it isn't such a bloody battle every time???

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ExitStageLeft · 21/02/2015 08:10

I think you'll find that's how it is with changing a 15 month old! Just pin them down and be as quick as you can! It's hard though.

gallicgirl · 21/02/2015 08:12

Have you tried a mirror?

Alternatively you could sit on her!
Place your knees either side of her torso with your feet pointing towards her head so you can hook your ankles over her shoulders. You're not actually putting any weight on baby but she can't move away.

It will pass, I promise!

Wisteria1979 · 21/02/2015 08:15

It's hard. My ds only recently started to lie still a little at 22 months. Still wriggles more often than not. Also tried everything. Entertaining, music, toys etc. Gets a bit easier when you can explain ie if you don't stop wriggling I will have to put you in the bath and clean you that way instead. Changing mat with a secure strap also works quite well. Good luck!

VashtaNerada · 21/02/2015 08:15

A bag of 'special' toys for nappy changing can work well, so she can choose one to hold for each nappy change and then it goes away again. Something a bit fiddly like a toy phone can work quite well.

IthinkIneedmorewine · 21/02/2015 08:16

I go for the one leg across the chest approach... Not easy but has to be done!

RoseTheHat · 21/02/2015 08:18

I learned about the leg across chest move on here - the only thing that works for us!

GotToBeInItToWinIt · 21/02/2015 08:20

We're at this stage, DD currently 15 months is too big for her changing table but resisting getting rid as I'm 20 weeks pregnant and already struggling to bend down and I know she will be off as soon as she realises she can run/wriggle away!

ginmakesitallok · 21/02/2015 08:22

We found pull ups much easier, could you change to pull ups instead of nappies?

Allstoppedup · 21/02/2015 08:29

It passes, DS was like this when we moved to the floor at about 10 months (he kept trying to fling himself off the changing table!)

He would roll, cry, scream, kick and try and crawl away. It sucks EVERY time you have to change them. It sounds like you are doing the right thing with distractions etc...

I tried to keep calm and upbeat every time and we do baby sign and I made sure we practiced 'dressed' and 'nappy' and chatted to him about it before we started. He signs 'dressed' when he finishes his breakfast now and helps put his arms through. That took about 3 months though!

Some days he still has a great big fuss about it but I think its just being a toddler!

Original poster

Taler · 21/02/2015 13:58

Thanks for the replies and comfort knowing it's just what they do! Pull ups not necessarily the answer as still have to lie her down to clean her.

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Original poster

Taler · 21/02/2015 14:01

What is the leg across the chest thing and won't she cry her eyes out if I do that to her???

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MrsPresley · 21/02/2015 14:05

Can you put her across you knees?

Lie her on the sofa or bed? Softer than the floor.

ireallydontlikemonday · 21/02/2015 16:31

Leg over chest and being lightening quick was the only thing that worked for us!

saturnvista · 21/02/2015 16:35

Do it in front of the telly.

bonzo77 · 21/02/2015 16:38

Why get rid of the table? I still change my 2 year old on ours.

Original poster

Taler · 21/02/2015 17:54

She was far too big for the table and was for some time. Was delaying the inevitable!

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IthinkIneedmorewine · 21/02/2015 19:12

Leg across chest: sit facing baby's side, top leg flat across chest. Did it with both of mine and they are cross that they can't move, but not distressed!

ch1134 · 22/02/2015 07:25

I've always changed my son 'on the move', as he's a mover. Could not lie still from 6months (flinging himself off the table from 5 months! ). He just crawls away. He's quite happy to get into/ out of clothes but cannot stay still!
Now at 13 months he is able to lie on his back reading a book, so nappy changes are much easier. Clothes are changed as he wanders about...

SelinaG · 22/02/2015 15:21

I still manage to change my 3yr old over my knee.

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