Toddler Diaper Changes
Use Gentle Discipline and Creativity to Change a Toddler’s Diaper
Cooperation during diaper changes may be difficult for some children, especially those toddlers who have become accustomed to fighting being changed.
When a baby is old enough to play with toys and engage in the world around him, diaper changes can be difficult. A toddler often doesn’t want to stop his activities to get his diaper changed. Unfortunately, sometimes this reluctance turns into a full power struggle that can escalate into tantrums. With some creativity, a parent can take the struggle out of diaper changes.
Gentle Discipline for Diaper Changes
Learn to recognize that an older baby or toddler refusing a diaper change is age appropriate behavior. Don’t take it personally when the child runs in the opposite direction or puts up a fight. If the diaper absolutely must be changed at that time, work at getting the child to cooperate in gentle ways.
Enlist the Toddler’s Help
Offer the baby wipes to the child to hold while you begin the diaper change. Ask him to hand you a wipe when you need it. Likewise, let him hold and play with his clean diaper.
Sing a Diaper Song
Make up a silly diaper changing song. The song could describe the steps involved in a diaper change or be completely unrelated. Sing it in a silly voice and engage the child with lots of eye contact.
Give the Toddler an Interesting Toy to Hold
A toy could be anything from the tube of diaper ointment to an actual toy that is only used for diaper changes. If the toy is interesting enough, it will distract the child from the task and help him to be patient while you take care of his diaper. Alternatively, if he is reluctant to leave his play time for the business of a diaper change, let him hold whatever toy he was currently playing with.
Become Adept at Standing Diaper Changes
Babies and toddlers that are new to standing will do a lot of it. If the diaper is wet and not dirty, you can try changing it while he stands and continues playing. Once you’ve done it a few times, it will be a simple, fast way to change a diaper.
Only Change Diapers when Crucial
If the toddler doesn’t care whether or not he is in a wet diaper and begins to struggle against a diaper change, let it go. A wet diaper won’t hurt and is not worth engaging in a power struggle over. Soiled diapers can lead to a diaper rash, so those need to be changed as soon as they are noticed.
Don’t Ask Permission to Change a Diaper
When a diaper change is crucial, don’t ask your child if it’s okay to change his diaper. Be matter of fact and simple. For example, say, “You hold your clean diaper while I get your dirty diaper off.” Be sure to look him in the eye and speak to him on his level. Chances are if you ask to change a child’s diaper, the answer will be a firm no. But, if you state it as a fact and give him something to do, he will likely be cooperative.
Diaper changes can be difficult when a child becomes a toddler. He is more engaged in his world and doesn’t want to take the time out of his play. Approach it from a gentle discipline perspective and use creative, playful techniques to help your child cooperate with diaper changes.
