Diapering dramas

Toddler phase is a high energy period, not just for kids but for parents as well. Especially when it is the time to change their diapers - the toddlers try all they can to test the parent's patience. Parents who have experienced the phase know it is not easy to change the diaper of a toddler even though it takes just a few seconds. They squirm, struggle, roll, run and try to do everything except lying on their backs for those couple of minutes.

Sometimes I think if getting the toddler used to a changing table would make the process any smoother? After asking around, I gathered that some kids tend to be generally more calmer which makes it a little easier while the others are an excited bunch. I am not sure if there is an easy way out except waiting for them to be potty trained.

But here are some tricks I found in the Parenting magazine. Most of the parents naturally adopt these tricks but this is more of a guide.

To minimize the diapering dramas:

1. Taking a stand: Changing while standing! I know it sounds difficult, but after a few incidents you become an expert. Of course this is majorly not for potty episodes.

2. Enlist their help: The magazine talks about taking their help with holding pants/diapers and narrating the process enthusiastically. Talking to them probably works for older toddlers because the with Tarush it only lasts for a couple of seconds and then his attention shifts to something far end of the room!!!

3. Offer a treasured toy - a favorite book or stuffed animal. And rotate the items so he doesn't feel bored. This does help a lot in the beginning. But soon they start to recognize the toys and that doesnt interest them anymore.

4. Try a high-tech tactic: Giving watch, cell phone, calculator or anything little shiny with lots of buttons. This trick is still working for me. But be sure to remember to take it off their hands after the work is done. Otherwise, your expensive gadget will become non-functional in the matter of minutes!

5. Hold on tight: Ah, the last resort!! All else fails, pin them down and change it fast. Toddlers have more strength than they let on especially when they don't want to do something. Sometimes, it takes one to pin them down and another to change the diaper.

Thankfully, the saga of the toddler diaper change is a passing phase. I am still waiting for Tarush to outgrow the phase. Meantime, all tricks in full throttle!!

FYI, Parenting magazine is a pretty good source for advice and helpful tips for all ages and stages of kids. It also has lots of information for parents from health & fitness to recipes etc.