How to change the nappy of a moving child

[MumofLes]

How do people cope with a baby (10 months old) that refuses to remain still when we change her nappy? It is very frustrating.

Oh, this brings back memories. Mine were very wriggly babies and a nightmare to change. Some sort of distraction - toy, musical instrument, book - can work but not always.

Sometimes I used to sing. That usually shut them up

Sometimes toys or singing will help. It doesn't get easier, as DD is now 18 months and we have the same issue. I know some people who have resorted to pull-ups because you can put them on a baby that's standing (it's the lying down that seems to really annoy them).

Nappy changes have to be a game or done very quickly. I prefer the former as dd doesn't get grumpy and struggle. As I remove her clothes I have to play peek a boo with each item, in front of my face and then putting them on her face so she has to remove them and give them back. Singing, toys and pulling lots of faces helps. Sometimes it all fails and a nappyless baby streaks across the room giggling and shouting no no no no no. She's 11 months and it gets harder.

We used pull ups from the age of 9 mths. I just used to chase him round, and change him standing up. My friend was an EXPERT on changing nappies with proper nappies stood up, without taking trousers or shoes off! I used to watch in amazement!

Thanks for your advice.

BTW, I am new here - what does DD mean? Delightfully diabolic? Dastardly devilish?

keep exclusive toy to hand something they are not normally allowed. Also i change ds on kitchen table now. He is 13 mths and knows if he strays he will fall. So usually compliant. Failing that sit on them and learn to put nappy on backwards!

Welcome to Mumsnet! There's an acronym list at the top of the page. DD is dear daughter but I prefer your suggestions.

I can also change a normal nappy while dd is standing up and waving whatever stolen object she happens to have in her hand at that choice moment in time.

It's addictive here you know.

My little boy started wriggling away from me changing him at about 6 months.
Because I use washable nappies there wasn't really a stand up option.
My tactics were varied.

1. get quicker
2. perserverance - not saying 'no' but instead saying 'wait' in a strong voice , repeatedly as I repositioned him.
3. play 'boo' - put his trousers (or something) over his face and say 'where's (name) gone' repeatedly in singsong voice until he reveals his face then say 'peep-oo'. Then do it again.
4. Books - a complete godsend, he loves looking at books. Small ones which he can hold easily are best.
5. have a break in between- (easier if it is just a wet nappy) take off the nappy and wipe quickly, then let him sit up for a little while on the change mat, sort out the new nappy and then lie him down again.
6. bribery - give him something to eat once he is lying down, rice cakes maybe.
7. consistancy - try to change in the same place every time, work out a pattern that seems work and stick to it.

However I am afraid that it takes a lot of infuriating times. Probably 4 or 5 months for me. Thank goodness that he know lies down really nicely.

I also use washable nappies on my wriggly 9mo.
A toy will sometimes work, a song will sometimes work. If all else fails I have to sit to the side of him and use a leg to pin him down.

I have learnt to be super quick now....

lol at thread title. I shower off mess & pin down with a leg to get new nap on.