How to Diaper a Fussy Baby

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By StacyP
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Does your darling baby get fussy during diaper changes?

Active babies are so cute ... Except during a diaper change. Does your baby like to wiggle and squirm during a diaper change? Here are some ideas for diapering your fussy baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

everything needed for a diaper change
something for baby to play with
patience
a positive attitude

Step 1

Be prepared for the diaper change.

Have everything needed for the diaper change ready to go. You really don’t want to fumble around, looking for wipes or diaper covers, do you? Never turn your back on a fussy baby! An accident with your fussy baby can literally happen in the blink of an eye.
Step 2

Think safety.

Use a diaper changing pad that has a belt for your fussy baby. Fastening a belt around your fussy baby isn’t foolproof, but it does offer added security during the diaper change.

Also, consider the layout of the diaper changing area. Is the changing surface sturdy enough to handle a flailing baby? Is everything within easy reach for the diaper change? Can you comfortably change your baby’s diaper in that area? You’ll want to do everything possible to make diaper changes with a fussy baby easier on yourself.
Step 3

Have playthings handy.

Having toys for your fussy baby to play during the diaper change with can be a lifesaver. Toys keep a fussy baby occupied while you change the diaper. And you don’t have to go out and buy expensive toys; my youngest is content playing with a dish towel.
Step 4

Play a game of peek-a-boo.

Why does my fussy baby like playing with a dish towel during diaper changes? Because the towel serves as a tool for his favorite game: peek-a-boo! While I’m busying changing the diaper, he likes to put the towel on his face. I quickly pull it off while giggling “peek-a-boo” and—viola!—we’ve completed our first round of peek-a-boo. We play several quick rounds of the peek-a-boo game during the diaper change. (Fussy baby is happier and so is mommy!)
Step 5

Sing!

Singing can help calm your fussy baby (and even you!). You don't have to sing nursery rhymes if they bore you. Choose your favorite hip-hop or pop song and sing your heart out. Just keep it G-rated! I like to make up my own lyrics using the melodies from otherwise naughty rap songs.
Step 6

Get ‘er done!

Like the wisecracking redneck comedian Daniel Lawrence Whitney (a.k.a. Larry the Cable Guy) says, get ‘er done! Complete the diaper change for your fussy baby as fast as possible. Now’s not the time to worry about getting the diaper fastened 100 percent perfectly. But you knew that already, right? ;-)