Changing diapers can be a messy and unpleasant task, but it’s a necessary part of parenting. Unfortunately, some babies just seem to hate having their diapers changed, and the experience can quickly turn into a screaming match. If you’re one of the many parents who dread changing your baby’s diaper in public because of the ensuing tantrums, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why your baby might cry during diaper changes and provide eight tips to help you cope.
Different Reasons Why Your Baby May Hate Diaper Changes
There could be several reasons why your baby is hysterical during diaper changes. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Feeling Cold: Your baby gets naked during a diaper change, and the accompanying coldness that comes with it may not be something they are prepared for.
- Hunger Pangs: If you’re changing your baby’s diaper close to their feeding time, they may be too hungry during the diaper change. Try feeding your baby first and then changing diapers.
- No Idea What’s Happening: Newborns have no idea what’s going on every time you change their diapers. This can make them simply hate the idea of diaper changes due to a lack of knowledge. However, things will get better over time once they become more familiar with the routine.
- Feeling Restricted: Your baby has just started exploring his/her surroundings. They might have even learned certain newfound skills such as rolling, crawling, sitting, etc. The idea of being restricted to a table lying still may not be a pleasant experience for them.
- Having Their Time And Body Controlled: They want to be in control of their body and time as they grow older. Hence, taking them away in the midst of their playtime for a diaper change can make them fussy.
Tips To End The Diaper Changing Battles
Diaper changes can be challenging for both you and your baby. Here are some tips to help you avoid the unwanted anxiety related to diaper change and make it a fun experience:
- Connect With Your Baby: Use this time to connect and bond with your baby. Don’t rush into the process, take it slow, and enjoy the one-on-one time with your baby.
- Keep Your Baby Warm: Choose a warm room to change your baby’s diaper. Make sure your baby isn’t too cold.
- Narrate: Narrate what you are doing in a calm demeanor. Explaining what you are doing and making eye contact as you do it can help set a positive tone.
- Distract Your Baby: Distract your baby by handing out a brush, baby lotion, or remote for them to hold on to. You can also try keeping other fun objects near your baby for them to play with during diaper changes.
- Be Silly: Tickling your baby, making funny faces, or blowing on their belly – whatever makes them laugh. Lighten the mood so that your baby feels much more relaxed.
- Give Them A Good View: Try changing diapers by the window, which has a good view. You can also hang a mural on the nearby wall.
- Sing A Song: Sing your baby’s favorite songs during diaper changes. This will get them smiling.
- Let Them Know What’s Coming: Let your baby know when it’s time for a diaper change. Don’t just sweep them up amid their playtime. Nobody likes it when people start doing stuff to them without prior warning.
Remember, there’s no single approach that will work. Try these different tips and see what helps your little munchkin feel more at ease during diaper changes. More importantly, if you feel that your
