How to Making Changing a Diaper Easier When Your Toddler Resists

Right around each mobile milestone—rolling, crawling, walking—tasks that were once easy start to get harder. At first, your toddler may no longer go down for naps without jumping back up. Then they may start squirming when it's time for a meal. And, soon, that I-finally-got-the-hang-of-this-diapering-thing moment is history as your little angel races away from you, refuses to lie still, and melts down right on the changing table.

So, what's a parent with a stinky tot to do? Keep a few key strategies in mind.

Tips for Easier Diaper Changes

The following tips will help make diapering a squirming toddler less of a struggle.

Be Ever Ready

Just as you learned in basic diapering, having the materials you need on hand before you try and change that diaper is key. By your child's first birthday, you've probably found a spot that works best for quick changes. Even if it's the couch or your own bed versus an official changing table.

Be sure that your spot is always stocked with the diapers, wipes, and any essential diaper cream you may need. Don't stress if that means giving up the nice-to-have extras such as a dash of baby powder. Your toddler doesn't really need those, especially at every changing. Like spa add-ons, you can reserve them for special times (like post-bath).

Be Ever Flexible

Now that you have the go-to spot set, be ready to take on a dirty diaper anytime, anywhere. Converting a small tote into your mobile changing station can do wonders for handling a toddler who does not want to stray too far from their Little People Airplane or favorite Elmo video.

You might even just use the diaper bag that you keep always stocked and on hand. Or, you might take this opportunity to create an always-stocked diaper bag that can be used indoors or on the go out of the house.

Bring on the Distractions

In a pinch, parents might give a toddler the car keys or smartphone, but for reasons you can probably guess, these are not good items to give a small child, especially one that might be upset and thus likely to throw or chew it.

Instead, keep a stash of several toys near the go-to changing station. These can include things that light up, beep, or something small that your child loves. If you're out of the house with your diaper bag, search for a good toy distraction before you even try to corner your toddler for the change.

The key is not to throw all your distraction items at your child at once. Try to get them interested in one plaything and talk them down into changing position with that one. If that doesn't work, go with plan B.

Plan B: Get Silly

Making kids laugh can be a great distraction, especially at those high-stress times when your instinct might be to scream. Try anything that will make your baby laugh, and when your child is laughing, lay them down and get to work.

In addition to these tips, what's equally important to keep in mind is that this is a phase. If you try not to make too much of a big deal about it (easier said, than done, of course), your toddler will eventually stop their most extreme behaviors. And, of course, one of these days they'll be potty trained, and those diaper dramas will be nothing but a memory.