Kicking legs and diapering

[megulis]

Lately, my husband has had to help me change my son. He thrashes his legs up and down. When he poops a lot, it is impossible to change his diaper without my husband's help. Now, he doesn't do this all the time, but I wanted some tips on how others change diapers on an ever so active baby on the changing table.

At home, I deal with it, but I can't imagine how I will deal with this if we were out and had to use those smaller changing tables. I have one in the closet inside an Ikea shelf unit. The shelf I use is their computer desk.

He can't crawl yet, so I can't imagine how I am going to manage when he is actually mobile.

TIA

[C99]

This is why I didn't get a changing table! Once Nathaniel was mobile enough that he'd squirm or try to get off the changing table, I started changing him on the floor or on a bed.

Once he became mobile and didn't want to stay in the same place for diaper changes, I started using Burton White's methods for changing (i.e., it's not negotiable). He does get a little squirmy sometimes, but for the most part, he'll lie still enough for me to change his diaper.

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

I've never changed Tristan on a changing table...not even once...so I can't really give info on the how to from the table. But I change him on my bed which is high and perfect for it. He too started really kicking and squirming a few months ago. It has calmed down a lot but he still kicks at me. the good news is I do think it has gotten better.

Switching to pocket diapers is what saved me too...
Neve
http://home.nc.rr.com/ourbabytristan
AKA "mama2be"-forgot password
and Baby Boy Tristan born @UNC
Feb 25, 2003
Brother to 3 pups "gees" and 2 kitties

[new_mommy25]

Looks like my son is about the same age :) Don't you love it when you are changing them and they start to crawl away. The little naked butt is so cute! I change Noah on the floor or my bed. If I'm out I try to change him in the back seat of the car. I saw someone changing their baby in the trunk once. It looked really spacious but with the stroller and everything we just have too much back there. If I'm desperate I'll use the changing table in a bathroom. Surprisingly Noah does ok on those. I make sure I have all my supplies out and ready and never take a hand off him. I've been to restaurants where the bathroom does not have a changing table. I layed out disposable changing pads and spread a flannel recieving blankets over and changed him on the ground. It worked but it's gross.

[Momof3Labs]

We use our changing table almost exclusively, and I'm glad that we do. Colin has learned that when he is on the table, he needs to cooperate and can't run away from us. When he went through a super-squirmy period, I would hold him down with my left forearm while I changed him. Or I give him something "forbidden" to play with or let him "read" a book.

We also used Burton White's philosophy - that diaper changes are non-negotiable. Colin has too many diaper changes in his future for it to be a battle every single time!

[megulis]

What's the Burton White's philosophy? How do you implement it?

My son doesn't crawl yet, and thank God! I just cringe to think of poop getting all over the place! Yuck!

Thanks for the replies!

[C99]

http://tinyurl.com/2b7mv In the book, he explains both his philosophy and how to implement it. Most library systems also have a copy in circulation, if you aren't sure if you want to make the investment.

[megulis]

Any more thoughts on this??? I really need some pointers. At this point, I feel like I don't even want to change him! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

[Momof3Labs]

Did you check out Burton White yet?

[megulis]

Yes, B&N has it on order. They will have it in 2 weeks. I need solutions in the meantime.

[Momof3Labs]

Can you give us some information on what you have tried that has not worked?

[lizc]

My little guy has always been a kicker. Some times are worse than others. I try to keep him entertained by giving him specific things to play with while getting changed. I find that the things that work best are non toys. Ie. tupperware type stuff! lol. I've also put up cling art on the wall for ds to play with. I've even made my own wall art that would not be a choking hazzard.

Hope that helps!
Liz
Anton 12/22/02

[papal]

I give her something to play with that she only gets on the changing table. When THAT does now work, i sing VERY loudly and kiss her face. This distracts her momentarily and inbetween the kisses, I am wiping etc...
If THIS does not work, i have resorted to putting the diaper on backwards or leaving her naked.

[wendinbill]

My son shares the same birth date...and is a BEAR to change lately! When I was using disposables, we used the table, but now for CD's, I find myself using the floor/bed more & more. I also give him something to hold while I change him...something he normally cannot play with (usually something of big brothers!!) Anyhow, I know it isn't fun, but I also don't tolerate it. (if that makes sense) I don't laugh at him or make it fun. We're there to do business, and I am somewhat stern with him. HTH!! It does pass...my oldest went through this phase too, but it was pretty short. I've seen my SIL's who think it's funny & laugh at their babies, and they deal with it until potty training!