Diapering has become a nightmare. I am feeling like a horrible mom because I end up physically struggling and practically pinning down my 2-year-old to put on his diaper. A few times I've scratched (very small) or bruised (a small one because I had to take firm hold of his leg) him in the process. Something has to change. I feel terrible, he's just fighting every time I put on a diaper. I try to let him have 'naked time' because he loves it. But, I have to get out the door sometimes, and he has to go to bed sometimes. So, it's become a battle. I've tried songs, and giving him a timer to do it like a race. Sometimes this works, and other times, nothing. I think that if I'm totally calm, or totally not challenged by his protests, I can usually get his diaper on (maybe). But, I get so frustrated sometimes I just don't feel like singing or playing a game. Any ideas???? Anyone have this problem?
Have you tried changing him standing, while he stands on the floor? After my kids were mobile, that was the only way to get a diaper on them. You could also try pullups, or give potty-training a try. I liked the advice to let him have a couple of choices about how to accomplish things.
My daughter started doing this around 25-26 months. I took her to the store, after forcing on a diaper, and let her pick out her own underwear. I then gave her a choice - underwear or diaper - when getting dressed. Less than a week later, she was fully potty trained! She just was done with diapers. That daughter is now 7 and enjoys hearing the story. Then there are my girl/boy twins, who are almost 3. Both are fully potty trained, and my son took the route of his older sister! What a shock, though! That boy was STRONG! I, too, would unintentionally hurt him in our battle of the diaper. I felt bad about it. I couldn't stay calm with 3 kids, and I'd almost rather cuss and yell back at that point than sing a song or make up a game. So I recalled my struggle with my oldest daughter and off we went to Target to get some undies! He was fully potty trained (even dry all night) less than 2 full days later!! Maybe your son is just really ready to not be in diapers and this is his way...like with 2 of my 3. I don't miss the fight at all. I really empathize with you!!
Is this what I have to look forward to? :)
My 12 month-old will fuss sometimes when it's changing time. I'll give him a T. to play with, or turn on the bubble machine that we have, but other than that it's a race against the clock!
I have this problem with my 18-month old! Yikes.... So far, I have not found anything to do, except sometimes offer her the chance to play with something in her hands that she is usually not allowed to (like the tub of vaseline). I am thinking that I need to have something special in my pocket for her to play with. On the other hand, I don't want her to later refuse to be diapered UNTIL she has a special plaything, so I'm not sure....
I have the same problem with my 21-month-old. Sometimes she likes to brush her teeth while I change her diaper, but if it looks like she is not going to cooperate at all I put on a Pull-up while she is standing up. Good luck!
