Your daughter screams during diaper changes because of discomfort from cold air/wipes, overstimulation, the unfamiliar feeling of being moved/exposed, pain (like a rash), or simply a desire for independence and to continue playing. It's a normal phase, often due to sensory shock, but can also signal underlying issues like a diaper rash or general fussiness, so try warmth, distraction, and making it fun.
Safety is not the only reason for that your toddler hates diaper changes though. More often than not, he is simply discovering independence, is absorbed in whatever activity he's involved in, and don't see why he needs to be interrupted for something as disruptive as a nappy change.
Try to make diaper changing a more positive experience for your newborn. Talk to him in a soothing voice, keep a few toys nearby to distract him, and sing or play music to keep him entertained. You can also try to make the area where you change his diaper more comfortable, such as adding a soft blanket or mat.
If your baby screams during nappy change time and it's not a typical behavior, there might be an underlying issue that requires attention. It could be as simple as your baby being cold with his/her skin exposed to the air, or they may have a painful nappy rash that requires soothing balm or cream.
If your baby fights diaper changes, they might either have a diaper rash or would hate leaving the activity they were doing. Whatever the reason may be, it is normal for toddlers to hate diaper changes, but this is a small phase that gets over quickly.
It's normal for your child to start exerting some independence in toddlerhood. She may start to fight diaper changes for a variety of reasons, such as: She's becoming more active and wants to go, go, go! She doesn't want to be taken away from playtime.
Let the diaper call your child to the changing station and have it talk to him as you change it. (If you get tired of making Mister Diaper talk, just remember what it was like before you tried the idea.) Use distraction Keep a flashlight with your changing supplies and let your baby play with it while you change him.
How do I recognize pain in my newborn?
If your newborn hates getting their nappy changed, remember you're not doing anything wrong - it's a common phase that gets easier with time. By making changes calmer, quicker, and a bit more fun, you'll not only reduce fussiness but also create a more positive routine for both of you.
Research shows that babies kick and wiggle during diaper changes not just out of fussiness, but because they're discovering their bodies. They're not just flailing. They're learning freedom. Because here's the truth: A baby can feel the air on their skin and suddenly sense movement more vividly.
John Edwards advice to not lift your baby's bottom and hips straight up but instead to slightly roll your baby on one side, which he calls the roll technique. This diaper changing technique is best with newborns and until your baby starts crawling, as the spine alignment will change at that time.
How to Change Your Baby's Diaper Without Disturbing Their Sleep
Try these ways to help keep baby happy and having fun during diaper changes.
Toddlers are naturally emotional, but excessive tantrums, anxiety, and irritability could be linked to low magnesium levels. This mineral regulates neurotransmitters in the brain that help control mood, stress, and emotional responses. Frequent meltdowns? Magnesium helps calm the nervous system.
“Have your toddler be involved in the diaper changing process. They can go get the diaper for you or hand you wipes,” Basu suggests. “Explain to your toddler what you're going to be doing. Talk through the process and explain that this won't take long.
Recognizing and Managing Pain in Your Toddler
In terms of sound, a teething baby crying sounds high-pitched, though maybe not as intense as a baby with colic.
Call Your Doctor If:
Nonstop crying lasts more than 2 hours. Crying with an illness gets worse.
Holding your baby gives them security and helps them grow well. Research tells us that soothing a crying baby actually makes them secure, not dependent. From about 3-4 months, start giving your baby short breaks from holding when they're smiling and happy.
Baby might hate having their playtime interrupted
Play isn't just 'play' to a toddler. It's their job, education, and favorite hobby, all rolled up into one. So Baby might act out when taken out of playtime for a boring old diaper change.
They may be cold, hungry, confused, have a diaper rash or may just not be feeling well. Whatever the reason for your baby's tears, crying during nappy changing time can be extremely stressful and can make the nappy-changing experience flat out enjoyable.
Hold your baby until they're in a deeper sleep. Babies start in 'active sleep' (with faster, uneven breathing) and move into a deeper sleep after about 20 minutes. That's a good time to transfer them into their sleeping place. Many babies don't like being put down into a cot.
The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage.
SIDS is less common after 8 months of age, but parents and caregivers should continue to follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death until baby's first birthday. More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age.