Whether its a baby who cries during each diaper change, one that squirms and rolls during a diaper change or just a baby who pees on you consistently, we’ve got some suggestions to get you through these phases.
Parents change A LOT of diapers! And whether you choose cloth or disposable diapers, there will be a time when you are dealing with one (or more) of the following situations that can make diapering a baby or toddler tricky business. The topic of discussion at our mom & baby program in partnership with Walmart Canada this week was all about diapering and we chatted about some of these scenarios as well as favourite diapers and wipes, diaper creams and essentials for every diaper bag. Sometimes you can be as prepared as you possibly can be to change a diaper, but then one of these scenarios happens! Not to worry – take a look at our top tips for common diapering challenges.
Squirmy Baby
Your little one tries to roll over, sit up or find some way to get OFF that change table.
What To Do?
- Learn to be quick! Once 4-6 months hits, lying still is a thing of the past. The key is distraction! Sing a song, make funny noises, recite a story they love (benefit of reading the same ones over and over again!) or give them a toy or a book to hold. Even holding another diaper works, they just need something else to focus on.
Your Baby Cries When Changed
This phase can come and go and happen for various reasons. Newborns may hate feeling cold (cold air on their skin or cold wipes) and older babies may see the change table as a place they don't like being as it takes them away from toys, eating, moving, etc.
What To Do?
- For newborns, try and be fast. You can also keep a blanket near by to add some extra warmth on their upper body. Many parents favour a wipes warmer to avoid the feeling of a cold wipe on the skin.
- For older babies, try changing things up. Change them on a towel or blanket on the floor instead of the change table which they may have developed an association for not liking what happens up there.
Something Or Someone Gets Peed On
Its not just little boys that can ruin a diaper change with pee! Just when you move that dirty diaper out from under a baby girl, she pees and soakes the change pad sheet and the onesie she was wearing.
What To Do?
- Place a clean wash cloth over the danger zone for little boys and try to leave them uncovered for as little as possible when you change the diaper.
- For girls, place a new, clean diaper ready to go underneath baby before you remove the dirty diaper. That way, when you pull off the soiled diaper, there is already another diaper underneath in case she does pee. Then at least you've only gone through another diaper and don't have a change pad sheet or an outfit to add to the laundry pile.
Your Baby Has World Cup Aspirations
Some babies are kickers! Their little feet are always in motion making it harder for you to be quick and get the job done and also ups the chance that their foot lands in poop!
What To Do?
- Grab those ankles! I know it can be tough to hold on as they try to break free but its best to master the one handed ankle grab (cross their legs at the ankles and hold with one hand) so that you can change the diaper quickly with limited options for more mess creation.
Having A Diaper 'Helper'
Certainly using the term 'helper' loosely! You do the diaper up, baby pulls the tab and undoes the diaper. What a fun game.
What To Do?
- Independence is a good thing…really! Sounds like its time to involve your little one in the process (its just the start of them wanting to dress themselves!). Instead of undoing the sides, try and let them help do up the sides or let them undo the sides when the time is right and you are changing the diaper. If you help them become involved, they may not do it so randomly. Its worth a shot anyway!
Hands In Poop
Curiousity is a great thing to foster but sometimes that means little ones can get into things we wish they wouldn't. If your little one's hands immediately head south once the diaper comes off, this can result in poop getting on their hands (and let's hope those hands don't make it to their face before you have a chance to intervene!).
What To Do?
- Keep hand sanitizer and/or wipes very close by. Wipe baby's hands as best you can, finish the diaper change and then take them to the sink to wash their hands properly.
- In an effort to avoid poop moving anywhere outside the diaper thanks to little hands, hand them a toy or soft book to enjoy while you take care of the situation.
And of course, one of the worst diapering situations would be to run out of diapers completely (absorbent paper towel as a back up??) Walmart Canada makes it easy for parents – you can order diapers and wipes online and have them shipped to your door (no order minimum).
Which diapering dilemma are you currently dealing with?
