There’s so much to love about your toddler. She’s busy, active, curious and incorrigible — which is cute most of the time, but not the best combo when you want (and need!) her to lie still on the changing table. By squirming, kicking and crying, she’ll try anything and everything to avoid sitting still to be changed.
Learn more about your toddler’s change of heart toward being changed, plus how to avoid toddler diapering battles, to help make the process easier on both of you.
Why does my toddler suddenly hate diaper changes?
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.
She’s overtired.
- She's hungry.
She’s simply asserting her independence anywhere she can.
She’s ready to lay the groundwork toward potty training.
- She's not feeling well.
Whatever the reason may be, it can result in your child having mini meltdowns at the thought of being changed.
Tips to help with the toddler diaper changing struggle
Before you resort to the “grin and bear and just get through it” method, try these tips to make changes less challenging.[1]
Gather all supplies. Preparing for each diaper change in advance can make things go more smoothly quickly. Grab the diapering essentials: a diaper, wipes, any ointment you usually apply and a changing pad and have it at the ready before you initiate each diaper change. It may also help to have an outfit change on hand for any unexpected leaks or blowouts.
Enlist her help. If she wants to help, embrace it and find her a job to do. She can hand you supplies, like a clean diaper or a tube of cream (with the top securely tightened). Or she can dab herself with a clean wipe after you’ve finished your end of the cleanup. If she needs a change of clothes, offer two outfits so she can choose. Another way she can help: by washing her hands when the diapering deed is done, or letting you wash them (a good habit to get into, anyway).
Call for backup. If Mommy usually handles the diaper battle, it may be time to rally the troops and put Daddy on diaper duty (or anyone else who is willing and able) to see if that does the trick.
Switch up the location. If she just plain hates the changing table, try a change of place. Spread out a thick towel and/or a waterproof pad to transform any flat, safe surface (no heights, please) into a toddler diapering destination — say, the middle of the family-room floor, beside her block-tower-in-progress. Pop a few supplies into a traveling tote and you’re good to go, wherever your toddler wants to be.
Try a standing change. If she wants to stand up during diaper changes, make her day (sometimes) and change her where she stands — whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or any other room in the house with an easily washable floor.
Provide a distraction. Give her a toy to hold or a book to flip through so you can keep her busy during diapering. (Quick tip: If she’s wearing a snap-crotch shirt, undo the snaps, then refasten one over her shoulder to keep the flaps out of the way.)
Countdown to changing time. If she doesn’t like surprises, don’t spring a change on her when she’s engrossed in an activity. Give her a warning. You can set a timer, or give her a heads-up for bottoms up: “When we finish reading this book, I’ll change your diaper” or “At the end of Elmo’s song, let's get you a fresh diaper” (and then invite Elmo along to the change).
Make it fun. If she doesn’t want to miss playtime, make toddler diapering more fun. Have your supplies ready so you can get the job done quickly, and give your child her own supply of distractions — special toys and books that come out only at changing time. Or sing a silly song, tell a funny story, or zoom in for a big belly smooch.
Check for irritants. If you’re faced with a toddler in diapers who runs away or fights you when it’s time for a change, check your child for diaper rash. If her bottom feels sore, she might not want you to touch it. Be extra gentle, and try to get to the root of the rash so you can prevent it in the future. Diaper rash can be caused by irritants (which sometimes crop up if a diaper is left on too long), an infection or an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the wipes, the diaper cream or the diaper itself.[2]
Go with the flow. If she wants to go naked, let her — within reason (of course not every time and place is appropriate for bare toddler bottoms). The bottom line is that toddlers are naturally curious about their bodies, which is why they enjoy being naked so much. A little bare air time after a diaper cleanup or a bath can help cure or prevent diaper rash too.
Above all else, try to avoid a power struggle. If, despite your best efforts, you child still resists changing time, play it cool and be matter-of-fact and friendly as you take control to get the job done quickly.
Remember the golden rule of getting through parenting struggles: This, too, shall pass. As with many other trying times — from sleeping setbacks to picky eating — fighting diaper changes is just a phase. And before you know it, you’ll be ditching diapers altogether to focus on potty training.
Yes 
No 
Trending On What to Expect
