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Having children is a blessing; however, parents need to adapt to the changes coming from the baby. Seemingly simple things like diaper changes also become complicated. High-pitched screams and nagging cries can be the source of every parent’s constant headaches.
If your baby cries when changing a diaper, what is the reason? How to put an end to this problem? This article will help you answer all your questions.
Why Does Your Baby Cry When Changing Diapers?
Babies are susceptible and cry easily for many different reasons. Such reasons can include both subjective and objective causes.
If your baby suddenly hates diaper changes or cries every diaper change, consider the reasons below.
1. Feeling Cold
Many babies, especially newborns, don’t like the feeling of being naked every time getting their diapers changed. Their sensitive skin quickly senses the cold. Plus, many moms also use cold wipes to clean their baby tushies. A sudden temperature change will make babies fussy right away.
The simplest solution to this problem is to make sure the room temperature is always moderate and warm.
Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to warm the baby’s lower body at a suitable temperature. This way will immediately put the baby at ease and secure.
2. Feeling Hungry
Babies, when hungry, will also be irritable and cry easily. So, limit diaper changes before meals. Also, you can try giving your baby some solid foods like cookies or cereal during the diaper change. Delicious foods can effectively distract or soothe a baby.
3. Feeling Bored
Another reason your baby might cry while changing diapers is that they’re bored. A toy will be the best distraction. You can ask a support person to help with this.
Choose toys that your baby is most attached to so that they feel safe and comfortable. It will make everything much more manageable.
If possible, give the toy to your baby before undressing. Holding a favorite item in their hand helps them be calmer and happier.
4. Feeling Uncomfortable
Wearing diapers is sometimes uncomfortable when babies are not used to many different materials on their skin. It is easy to see that babies often prefer to take their clothes off and hate diaper changes.
If your baby is also experiencing these conditions, find ways to distract them. Using facial muscles, talking to your baby, or giving them toys are good practices.
In addition, try to see whether the new diaper type or the new clothes you have recently put on your baby was making them uncomfortable. Try re-dressing them in old clothes or old diaper types to see how they react. If your baby doesn’t keep crying or screaming during diaper changes, this is the cause. Consider choosing the appropriate clothes and diaper types.
5. Being Scared
For most newborns, every action from others is quite strange. If they scream when you want to change diapers, they may be confused and do not understand what is going on.
To help calm your child, talk to them while doing the maneuvers. The ideal tone of voice should be soft and just right.
6. Sickness
If the baby’s expression when changing diapers is not only crying but also fear and pain, the problem will be more serious. Your baby may get some sort of illness, such as Pina Bifida.
Contact your pediatrician early to ensure your little one doesn’t have any severe problems.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry too much; spina bifida is not a common disability. According to statistics, only 1,427 children are born with this defect out of 3.7 million in the United States.
How To Keep Your Baby Calm While Changing Diapers?
Try one or some methods if your baby is uncooperative and fussy during the diaper changing time. Many nursing moms are using these methods.
1. Schedule Changing Time
Creating a calendar can help babies learn consistency and order. That way, they won’t be surprised or panicked by the change. We all tend to feel more comfortable and at ease with the familiar. As for diaper changes, you can make it a daily routine.
Repeat several cues such as location, time, and manipulation. Your baby will get used to it and be less fussy in the long run. If a schedule doesn’t work for your baby, adjust it as soon as possible.
2. Demonstrate The Process
Another method to keep your baby calm during diaper changes is to talk to them. When your baby understands what’s coming, it’s easier for them to accept.
First, give your baby a visual or vocal cue to know it’s time to clean. Create excitement and fun for it by leading or counting down. Then, describe the next steps you will take to get the baby to grasp. Your words also help shape their future habits.
4. Use Music
Music can have a powerful effect on our emotions. It can soothe and calm the baby quickly.
According to Wiley Online Library, children cannot self-regulate their emotions. Instead, they develop this skill through listening to and exposure to external stimuli, such as sounds.
Good rhymes with fun sounds can also maintain a stable mood in babies for a long time.
5. Use Distraction
Using distractions is one of the ways many parents choose, and toys are the best choice for babies. You can put them on the changing table and let the child play independently.
It makes the experience much more enjoyable for the baby. Some of the most popular toys are things that make sounds, mirrors, hanging toys, or booklets.
6. Check The Position
Often, moms raise the baby’s feet over his head during diaper changes. Although this technique is quite common, you will slowly realize that this is the point that makes your child cry the most.
A more effective technique to help stop your baby from being shocked and reacting strongly is to rock the baby’s hips from side to side gently. This movement is not too sudden and rough, so it is easier for the baby to accept.
If your toddler is older and accidentally gets a wet diaper, consider changing her while standing. It will save more time.
7. Be Calm
According to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, babies are susceptible to the emotions and states of their caregivers. They manifest and respond with corresponding physiological changes. If you are happy, the child will be happy and vice versa.
FAQ
When Do Babies Stop Crying During Diaper Changes?
According to each stage and each age, babies will have different manifestations. Newborns often cry and get tired when changing diapers. The main reason is because of cold or fear.
Newborns’ ability to control movement is also limited, and they will lie quietly on the changing table. At this time, you should keep them warm and constantly talk with them.
When babies are three to eight months old, they’re still resting on the diaper changing table. The main reason for crying is also discomfort or cold. At this point, besides keeping warm, try distraction methods. Using toys or turning on nursery rhymes are exciting suggestions.
The most critical time will be when your baby is between eight and twelve months old. They already can control and operate the limbs and will not stay still.
The best way is to keep your baby interested by having fun or letting them change diapers independently. In addition, you should also keep sharp objects out of the reach of children.
Why Is My Baby Full And Diaper Changed But Won’t Stop Crying?
If he is still crying after eating and the diaper change, most likely, gas accumulates inside their abdomen. It could be the air the baby inhaled while swallowing. Or the baby may have eaten bad foods, which also leads to smelly farts.
Compared with breastfeeding, bottle feeding may increase this belching. Therefore, the baby will be upset and cry more than usual. In this case, it is better to pay attention to the baby to handle when something unusual happens promptly.
Conclusion
Baby crying when changing diapers is entirely normal behavior and not a cause for concern. Some causes include feeling cold, hungry, bored, or irritable. However, if your baby cries in pain, it may signal acid reflux, spina bifida, or another problem. In that case, you will need to contact your pediatrician.
Find out all possible causes to get the best possible solution. Hopefully, this information will assist you in taking care of your little angel.
