Nappy change dilema for a single dad

[dadmart]

While changing my 2y 2m old daughter,she sometimes scampers away.I have grabbed the back of her top (not roughly and spoke with a playful not stern voice) to stop her as how im sat legs apart she would get away quickly if I stood to get her.I am told that I should not do this as its not what any parents do.So am I wrong in doing? Dadmart

[frizzytwig]

I wouldnt worry, I've grabbed my kids any how I could at that age, its a nightmare trying to change their nappies when they can run away. As long as you're not hurting her whats the problem. Everyone you speak to is a better parent than you are, everything you do with your child is a health risk. Just enjoy her and do things your way.

[andy hughes]

The period between little ones learning to wriggle and run - and potty training, is a nightmare!

Tell your precious that she needs to holds till while you do her nappy, and then place your knee gently on her chest - firmly enough to hold her still, obviously not too hard to hurt her!

While you do this you have the requisite two hands free - make a game of the routine, tickle her gently, laugh with her, make everything seem a game, so she knows you are not cross, and get it over with as quick as you can!

[gary baldy]

She's a bit young for pull-ups isnt she? With these you can sit her own your knee and keep a good hold of her and just pull them on. There is too much nonsense talked about parenting nowadays isnt there? Firm restraint is good parenting in my opinion. If she struggles away just leave her until she settles down but you have to show her who is boss and that her behaviour is unacceptable - she is old enough to understand that now. By the sounds of it you are doing a grand job mate but dont be afraid to be stern and holding her still is perfectly acceptable in my humble opinion.

[nfn]

why not try distracting her with a toy or book while you change her. or invent a changing song, it doesn't have to be anything original, I used 'polly put the kettle on' for my boy for cleaning his teeth when he was a baby. By the end of the song he knew we were done and he could wriggle to his hearts content! You're not doing anything wrong, I still grab His Little Lordship by any means available, when necessary, and he's nearly 6 now!

[lazy daisy]

Providing you have cleaned bottom, I would let her run around without a nappy.... So what if she has an accident and leaves a puddle!!! It can soon be wiped up. You could try having a potty close by. So if you see her having a wee you can qiuckly sit her on it. Best to get her used to sitting on it with a nappy on first. Make it into a game. If she does do anything make sure you give her a lot of praise, then take her to the toilet so she can wave "goodbye" to WHAT SHE DID IN THE POTTY. I know it sounds daft but it worked for my kids many years ago.

Another way is to keep hold of her ankles when changing her nappy, she will still twist and turn and try and get away, but you will be in control.

She most probs sees it as a game, and wonders will daddy catch me this time.

If you use a friendly but firm voice she will soon learn.

I HOPE

[lazy daisy]

Most important....Nappy changing should be a fun time, so sing and tickle her....do anything that will distract her. Dont let her be in control!!!!

[Trotbot]

Pampers do pull ups from 6 months onwards, so they can be put on quickly and, if necessary, against the will of a determined little girl! My 17 month old sometimes wants to run, but I use her momentum to put the nappy on.

[twopennorth]

Grandparents like to think they are childcare experts, but it is rarely the case.

As long as you aren't hurting her, what is the problem? She has to learn to sit still when you are trying to dress her.

Pull ups could be a good solution or is she trying to tell you that she doesn't want to wear a nappy any more?

[The Ponderer]

I wouldn't worry about it at all mate, we've all done it usually my daughter is grabbed by one foot as she tries to roll off the changing mat, what usually follows is the inevitable game of pulling her back while she tries to wriggle free whilst laughing her head off. Don't worry about the PC brigade just enjoy these moments as they don't last forever.

[dadmart]

Thank you all for your replies.Your wise words and advice have been greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

dadmart