Why Does My Toddler Hate Diaper Changes?

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Diaper changes can be a daunting task, especially when your little one starts showing signs of hating it. It can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless. If you’ve been wondering why does my toddler hate diaper changes, here are some reasons why.

We’ve also listed some tips below for making the diaper-changing process a little smoother.

Why Does My Toddler Hate Diaper Changes?

Toddlers may dislike diaper changes for a variety of reasons. Here are some common reasons:

Discomfort

Diaper changes can be uncomfortable or even painful if a toddler has diaper rash or any other skin irritation. If this is the case, your toddler may cry or fuss during diaper changes. Keep diaper rash cream handy and apply the cream in the diaper area after every diaper change to avoid rashes.

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Interrupting Play

Toddlers are often very focused on what they are doing, and a diaper change can interrupt their playtime, which they may find frustrating.

Fear of Separation

Toddlers may develop separation anxiety if someone else is changing their diaper, and may not want to be separated from their parents or caregivers, even for a brief period.

Lack of Control

Diaper changes require toddlers to lay still and have their diapers removed, which can be challenging for some children who want to be in control of their bodies and movements.

Boredom

Some toddlers may simply find diaper changes boring, especially if they are used to being active and playing.

It’s important to be patient and gentle during diaper changes and provide distractions such as toys or songs to help make the process more pleasant for your child.

How Can I Make Diaper Changes Easier And Fun?

Now that you know why your toddler may resist diaper changes, let’s dive into some tips to help make the process smoother.

Make it a Game

Toddlers love to play games, and turning diaper changes into a game can help make the process more enjoyable. Try singing silly songs, making funny faces, or playing peek-a-boo while you change their diaper.

Use Distractions

Sometimes, distracting your toddler with a toy, book, or even a phone can help them forget that they’re in the middle of a diaper change. Just make sure the toy or book is something they’re interested in and won’t distract them for too long.

Get Them Involved

Toddlers love to feel like they’re helping, so try getting them involved in the diaper change process. Give them a wipe to hold or let them help put on the diaper cream. This can help them feel more in control and less resistant to the process.

Offer Choices

Giving your toddler a choice between two diaper options (such as a blue or green diaper) can help them feel more in control and less resistant to the diaper change.

Make it a Team Effort

Sometimes, having a partner or older sibling help with the diaper change can make the process go more smoothly. They can help distract your toddler, hold their hands, or even sing along to the silly songs you’re singing.

Real Moms Share Funny Tried And Tested Methods For Diaper Changing

Mum Deepshana Pradhan shared that her toddler Kyra would only let her change the diaper while she was standing up. Kyra would hold onto the edge of the changing table while she quickly changed the diaper. This may not be the most conventional way to change a diaper, but it worked for her.

Another mum, Kaushal D’Souza shared that her daughter Abigail would only let her change the diaper if she had a snack in their hand. Kaushal quickly learned that having a snack on hand during diaper changes was the key to a successful change!

Mum Varsha Shrestha shared that she had to sing the entire alphabet song to her toddler Myra while changing the diaper. If she stopped singing, Myra would start wiggling and protesting. That’s how she “I became an expert at singing the alphabet song backwards and forwards!” said Varsha.

Use these tips to make diaper changing a breeze. And when all else fails, just remember that you’re not alone in your struggle and that even the funniest diaper change moments can make for great memories down the road!

Check out these natural products you must keep handy during diaper changes: