Stubborn 1 Year Old

[Lmc11]

Hi all,
My little 1 year old who we adore has become recently very stubborn and around nappy changes, going in his buggy and napping. What could this be, he had tended to be very good up until recently but can get upset.

I'm not sure that stubborn is a useful word to use, he's transitioning into being a toddler. That is the time when children realise they have their own viewpoint and the ability to say no, they try to use it to enforce independence which is a healthy part of growing up (albeit a pain when you're trying to get things done).

What can you do? Find out about toddlers would be my advice, you're in for a lot more of this. You'll find practical tricks like -
I used to keep a set of little toys DD could only play with in the buggy, she had to get in to be able to play with one
Nappy - give a toy to play with, play peepo, sing a song
Napping - maybe change the nap routine if he's not tired enough to go down easily

If need be you can strap him in the pram with a little physical force or sit with one leg over his tummy to change a nappy. It's better to use negotiation though. You just need endless patience, I'm afraid! Good luck.

He is just becoming independent and asserting his wishes. It’s perfectly normal.

Thank you for the fantastic advice.

I agree. He’s not been “good” up til now, he’s just been a baby. He’s becoming a toddler and developing an interest in being independent and making his own decisions.

I’d also encourage some reading about toddlers and what to expect. We had some success with using toys as a distraction for nappy changes, or changing in the floor with a leg across her chest when nothing else works. Naps may be easier to achieve by walking him in the pram than in the cot - I used to walk mine until asleep then put the pram in the kitchen while I got on with jobs. Letting him walk until his legs are tired then go in the pram may help. Giving simple choices is good - “do you want the red t-shirt or the blue t-shirt?” Etc.

He will sometimes be cross with you, that’s unavoidable when you want him to do things he doesn’t want to do. Understanding the stage he is at and why he’s acting this way will help you to handle it.

Don’t worry, as others have said, they all do this! It’s developmental. I had a mild mannered sweet baby who is now shouting NO all day at us (she’s 15 months) and physically pushing us away when we try to help! I find it amusing and endearing that she’s finding her voice, until I remember that this is only the beginning of toddlerhood - and we haven’t reached peak toddler yet! Brace yourself for the tantrums - you can do it! We will survive somehow….

Completely normal development.

I still remember my shock when I went to put DD's coat on her and she shouted "NO!" at me 😄

But don't worry OP toddlers are hands down the most entertaining and delightful people to spend time with - trying and exhausting also, but marvellous beings overall 😀