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Making Nappy Changing Fun

Trying to make your active toddler lay down even for a couple of minutes to change his nappy (diaper) can sometimes seem impossible can't it?

I (Claire), have changed about 10-15 toddlers daily for years at nursery (day care). Now I care for 2-year-old twins who used to hate nappy changes. I have developed a few strategies to make this time enjoyable both for the lovely toddlers being changed as well as me. :-)

Seize the Opportunity for Learning

I usually use this time to create valuable learning and bonding opportunities. Nappy changing is a perfect schedule for toddler's short attention spans - a few minutes - a few times a day!

It's great to comment on what you are doing in a relaxed way at some nappy changes. Remember he needs to hear a word many times before he can say it. Only then can he read or write it when the time comes. Now is a perfect time to model language.

Here is an example of what I sometimes say while changing a nappy:
Eva, lets change your nappy.
Up you come and down on to the mat.
Would you like picture of a monkey or a lion on your nappy?(Eva points to the monkey)
Would you like to hold your clean nappy for me Eva?
Look the monkey's eating a banana! Do you like bananas? (Eva nods) I like bananas too, they're so sweet and soft and easy to eat
Now the nappy sack is ready to put your dirty nappy in
Lets tuck your skirt out of the way.
Oh, thanks for opening the nappy for me.
Now what have you got for me today... a poo*.
Lets wipe your bottom... there you are Eva ......nice and clean!
I need the nappy now, please... thank you.
Ah, you look a little sore, I'll just put some cream on, it'll make you better.
One strap on then then two.
I'll tie the nappy sack up so it doesn't smell... then in the nappy bin.
OK down you come!
I'm just going to spray and wipe the mat so it's clean for next time.
Alright lets go back.

*(In my opinion we should be very careful when commenting on what is in the nappy. If we show disgust that there is a poo, we can contribute to problems of constipation and other bowel problems. What child wants to create something that their parents or carer finds disgusting?)

Other times I talk about what's planned for the day or we reflect past events. Of course, if they are holding a toy, book or safe object, that tends to be good discussion point. Basically, it's simple, go with the flow.

The Power of Nursery Rhymes!

If a toddler's in an active or grumpy mood then just talking with him often doesn't help.
That's when nursery rhymes usually save the day! Especially when said or sung cheerfully and dynamically.
Here is a great nappy changing song to the tune of 'Here we go round the Mulberry Brush'
This is the way I change your nappy
Change your nappy
Change your nappy
This is the way I change your nappy
While you're on the mat.
This is the way I wipe you clean
Wipe you clean
Wipe you clean
This is the way I wipe you clean
While you're on the mat.
This handy song can be converted to fit any situation. You could also make up your own songs that fit with what you're doing with your toddler.

What Does Your Toddler See?

While at the nursery I had a brainwave to take a look at what the toddlers actually stare at a while they have they nappy changed. So while I was on my own, I placed my head next to the mat on the changing table and looked up. It was rather shocking. The walls looked taller and whiter and the picture looked smaller from that angle. Plus, as nice as the picture of Pooh and friends on the wall was, it had been there for ages.
So I had a look for jolly posters to make it look more interesting. I rotated them three at a time weekly. That meant they could focus on the pictures without feeling overwhelmed and still have variety.
The toddlers loved them! It really helped to keep them still during nappy changes. :-)
Even after a few days many of the toddlers were still captivated by the same posters! Children's posters, animal calender pictures and large bold photos are brilliant discussion points. The combination is great for entertaining toddlers.
I was often pleasantly surprised at how many of them labeled the pictures or said the animal sounds.
Sometimes I themed the nursery rhymes and songs around what's on a poster or their nappy. Sometimes they'd choose themselves.

A Little Flexibility Goes and Long Way

Some children are more active than others. Especially as toddlers grow older (but not yet ready to potty train) they often do NOT want to lie down. So change them standing.
Changing a nappy while they stand still needs their cooperation but some toddlers prefer it. A toddler needs to be steady on their feet, unless another adult can support the child during the change. Often giving them a choice of lying down or standing up helps the child feel like they have some control over their life.
How to Change a Toddler's Nappy while Standing:
Quickly check your toddler's nappy without taking it off to see if they've pooed. Now I'm experienced at it, I even change pooy nappies standing, but I didn't at first. There is a slight risk of missing some poo while cleaning them standing, but usually I manage to get it all.
Gather what you need including an open plastic bag or bin (trash can)
As you get used to this technique it helps to sit on a low stool or a step.
Encourage your toddler to stand so their back or side is facing you. You could let your toddler pull their trousers (pants) down if they like, while discretely helping if needed.
Take their nappy off and dispose. Pull up your toddler's vest or onesie and snap one popper over their shoulder, keeping the top part of their outfit out of your way. Or if they are not wearing one, see if your toddler would like to hold their T-shirt/dress up for you.
Support the toddler's chest and encourage them to lean over and bend their knees or spread their legs. Hold a wipe and from behind, place your hand through their legs and wipe from front to back. Repeat as needed and apply nappy rash cream if required. The twins insist on helping wipe and put cream on themselves.
I give the children a choice of two nappies which have different pictures on the front. Open the nappy and place the back on their bottom, then gently move them so the back of the nappy is wedged between the child's bottom and one of your legs. This frees up both your hands to strap the front together. It usually takes me at least a couple of tries to get the nappy on straight. Let him help you to pull up his trousers and clean up.
It's easy, just go with the flow and have fun! :-)

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