[Wee Kean]

My baby daughter is 8 months old. Both I and my husband have big problem changing her nappy because she wriggles constantly, twisting and turning wanting to crawl away. Sometimes both of us have to change her nappy together but it is a real struggle! Anyone got any tips? I have tried singing songs and talking to her and even offering her toys, but all these failed. :(

Thanks!

[JennyB]

Some things I've tried with varying success. Giving a cup of juice or water with a toddler spout - lying down helps tip the cup back. Giving her lots of eye contact and blow on her belly, play peekaboo, etc, to make nappy-changing more fun. Giving a special object that's not a toy but guaranteed to hold her attention, like your mobile phone - and make it something new and exciting each time. If everything fails, get used to changing her on your lap where you can hold her in position more easily!

[hunhun]

It's a phase thing. There was a period when my elder son did the same thing, but after a few months, he is co-operative again. I used to give him a toy to distract him whenever I need to change his nappies.

[Su Mei]

hi,

My son is 4 and a half months and since the beginning has always wriggled and at 3 months when he started rolling, would twist and try to get on his tummy while on the changing table. While it's difficult to stop the wriggling (and toe sucking!!), twisting and rolling becomes dangerous on an elevated changing area and I know books say babies don't understand the concept of "No" until much later like 8 months, we tell our son "No" in a very firm tone when he becomes too unmaneagable and maybe it's the change in facial expression and tone of voice, it stops him for a moment, esp when my hubby does it!

[loupou]

From the time they were able to hold something, I would always give them a little book to hold and look at while we changed (also occupies their hands). My husband and I would also sing a silly song for nappy changing that I made up. They rarely wriggled, but I don't know if it was the entertaining ritual, or not.

You are welcome to use my song for non-profit purposes. :)

"The Nappy Time Song"

Oh, it's nappy time
Oh, it's nappy time
Nap, nap, nap, nap nap nappy time.
Oh you're a baby, a baby girl*
And you have a chou-chou, chou-chou chou pet-pet#

[You can repeat while taking off dirty nappy and cleaning bottom]

********
Oh, it's nappy time
Oh, it's nappy time
Nap, nap, nap, nap nap nappy time.
Oh you're a baby, a baby girl*
And you have a clean pet-pet
Oh it was nappy time
And now it's snappy time
Nap, nap, nap, nap nap nappy time.

[Sing this verse while putting on clean nappy and snapping up onesie, etc.]

* Or "baby boy" depending on your child's gender
# "Chou-chou" means stinky, pet-pet means bottom or bum

[Wee Kean]

Thanks so much for the tips!