Step 1: Get ready to change your baby's nappy Before you start changing your little one, make sure you have everything you need to change your baby's nappy. Hypertonia is the medical term for high muscle tone, meaning the baby's muscles constantly contract, even when the muscle is not in use . It happens because of damage to areas of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition; however, depending on the severity, it can improve over time with treatment. An injury to the brain or spinal cord can prevent those signals from reaching the nerves. I'll keep him in my prayers . 2020. You can ask your little one to undo the tape of the diaper or to hold the wipes. The main symptoms of cerebral palsy are problems with movement, coordination, and development. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Add message. Meet other parents of May 2014 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html [Accessed February 2022], Child Neurology Foundation. This practice might result in yeast infection in babies body parts and make them sick. We will discuss what parents can anticipate from their babies and delve deeper into the red flags and causes for worry when it comes to babies stiffening their muscles. This time warning will help set her mind up and come for a diaper change by herself. Toddlers tend to give attention to new things. He may have trouble letting go of an object, for example, or difficulty moving from one position to another. I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. This is my place to share my journey. Their little arms and legs may flail a lot, and if you're not careful, it can cause quite a mess. Other times elbow is the only way. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. I would advise you to thank her and express how happy you are about her behavior. Hypertonia causes babies to move differently due to a limited range of motion in the joints. Be mindful to clean your baby girl from front to back to avoid getting any bacteria in her genitals. And colic can make babies pull in and tighten their arms and legs, tense their abdomen, and clench their fists. This isnt medical advice and if someone relies on it to their detriment, I am not liable. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. If you are tired of dealing with your toddlers diaper changes, then let me tell you that you still have hope. It can sometimes be tied to specific causes, such as prematurity, but in many instances the cause of the brain abnormality is unclear. Babies have sensitive skin, and as a result, they are more precarious than an adult person. For new parents, this may cause you to worry slightly. So I just wait for a bit and then finish up. And to really maximise your chances of baby staying dry overnight, you . Here's how you can change your baby's nappy: Wash your hands. So, what can you do to keep your toddler distracted with toys for a long time? The reason might be that she does not like to bathe or she likes water. Robotic movements because of limited motion in the joints and an inability to relax muscles. Since their bodies are still growing and adapting, children will experience some little discomfort from gas and other bodily changes. Totally normal. Is this normal? Before potty training, parents struggle with diaper changes. If you can, try to record a video of their spasms to show their doctor. Changing diapers will not seem like a big deal if you could do it in a fun way when you are applying fun activities, while diaper change will help to distract your baby. Sometimes you can distract them by giving them something usually forbidden to play with. When my daughter was newborn she'd pull her feet up. Children with hypertonia move in different ways because they often have a limited range of motion at their joints. Instead of giving up on changing diapers, you should learn how to change diapers in a fun way. but even when I change his diaper and have to lift him up, he doesn't . Grunting is a very common thing that babies do for a variety of reasons. Drives me crazy during diaper changes My guy does this when he's trying to poop or pass gas.. They express this frustration in other ways such as: If diaper changes are getting progressively more difficult, there may be some things you can do to make it a bit more enjoyable. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. It is not an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper change. How much did everyone spend on their crib? You can make her remember how cooperative she was during the last diaper change. Again, it is not usually a cause for concern. A stiff baby may cause a new parent to worry. You have to use your thumb and index finger to hold your babys right leg. Gather the supplies you need: diapers, wipes, baby powder/cornstarch, diaper cream if necessary. Also, you can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and she was helpful. Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! Because your cold voice never calms down your toddler, he might become more stubborn. Our responsibility as parents is to look out for and support our kids. That frustrating moment when you are trying to change your babys dirty diaper and they seem to be stiff as a board, making it nearly impossible to get them clean. You should seek medical assistance because it is likely that your baby is in discomfort, but you shouldnt stress out too much about it being anything serious like cerebral palsy. X, Alfie has started lifting his bum up for me to let me put a clean nappy on, then finds it hilarious when he does it again just as I get the nappy in the right place! Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent nappy rash. 3. Clean your baby's genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Cerebral palsy. It's like a sigh of relief that the diaper is off and a bit of a protest to having another put back on. Normal. . It usually resolves quickly. Spastic hypertonia is muscle spasms and exaggerated reflexes that increase when a baby moves. This group of brain disorders affects a baby's muscle control. Thanks Original poster's comments (3) 0 One of the reasons you are reading our articles is to learn new methods of calming down a toddler. My lo pushes himself up his changing mat by doing this. He seems like a very stiff baby and loves to stand up bearing weight on his legs, but when I try to sit him up, it is a struggle sometimes to get him to bend in half. Change your little cherub just before putting them down to sleep and apply barrier cream if you're worried about nappy rash developing. Typically, this means eight to 10 times a day for young babies but the frequency will vary quite a bit. A too-tight nappy can also cause nappy rash. Or it's hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? she'll get cross but unfortunately nappy changing isn't optional. As a mom, you can understand how difficult dealing with a toddlers tantrums is. Then when you finished playing with her, you could land her onto the diaper and change her diaper.You could apply this method after the bath time. It is one of the favorite games of a toddler, and they love to feel ticklish. As previously noted, its very typical and customary for babies to straighten their legs when having their diapers changed. These words will make her realize the worth of good behavior. Babies have very delicate skin so their nappy needs to be changed as soon as they wet or poo themselves, otherwise their skin becomes sore and red. This should mimic the feeling of cold air on their . Father changing diaper. All the methods mentioned above clearly tell you that there is still hope to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change. A mother accused of causing her newborn baby's death claimed her partner admitted he thought he'd caused a fracture to his leg while changing him, a court heard. Excitement or to yield a reaction from others. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cerebral-palsy.html [Accessed January 2017], Sanger TD, et al. The most common way parents change diapers is by grabbing the ankles and lifting the lower body up in the air off the change pad. While you are changing your babys diaper to clean diaper, make noise and play with them. Sorry - ftm, I'm sure it's normal my dd does this too when she gets over excited she stuffs her legs lol it's kinda cute, My baby girl does that too :) it doesn't seem to bother her she just stretches out when she can and on the change table and during stroppy fits seem to be her favourite :). Sophie Kay Shaikh, M.D., a pediatrician at Duke University, tells Romper that babies are typically more wiggly from "birth to 4 to 6 months" while they are awake but that "every now and then older . Also, when your kid knows about the routine, you do not have to nag them to make them do their work. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. This is a very normal thing for babies to do as they are discovering new muscles and learning new ways to react to the world around them and communicate frustration or pain. If they signal distress cues then taking small pauses can help keep them calm. 2021. So it always takes double the time for a routine diaper change nowadays ha ha. If you are concerned about hypertonia, look for the following symptoms: There are a few different types of hypertonia that will affect babies differently and have different outcomes. 0:00 / 2:37 Easy baby nappy change - wherever you are Rosie Bueler 604 subscribers Subscribe 1.1K Share 440K views 3 years ago You'll have to change your baby's nappy an uncountable number. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Change your baby's nappy just before bed. He also does it when getting stroppy. Cerebral palsy. But in other cases, a baby stiffening their body or arms and legs can indicate a problem. A child will burst into laughter and forget crying if you do this. Anhthing to worry about? Ok thank you we are going to call the ped today, Not in a situation like this, but wanted to give you and your little o, My LO seems to have stiff legs when I try to do the bicycle movement w. What is cerebral palsy? Baby development expert warns parents not to lift child's legs when changing nappy A baby and toddler development expert has gone viral on social media after claiming that parents shouldn't. Lift, and slide the diaper underneath. Clean your baby's nappy area thoroughly. If you could read your baby, it would also help in potty training. They will have an idea about their daily routine and automatically follow the pattern. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/111/1/e89 [Accessed January 2017]. Among the potential causes of baby hypertonia are: The condition hypertonia can frequently be cured if caught in time. So, maybe it is time to potty train your toddler instead of forcing him for a diaper change. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. In the following, we will discuss more about why babies tend to stiffen up during diaper changes and on other occasions. When they are stimulated, such as when they are lifted up or see something that makes them happy, they may, nevertheless, do the reverse and stiffen. You can also set his pants beforehand to dress him at the exact moment. Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and the toy will become an interesting object for him. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the tabs. Seizures and epilepsy. Top view of charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies. Sometimes, casting a muscle is necessary in order to stretch it out for a period of time and create a greater range of motion. But nothing worked. This can make the symptoms easy to spot because your babys movements will not look normal. Whip diaper off, wipe quickly and efficiently, and put diaper on. All rights reserved. Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? These are steps that will help you hold your babys legs safely. Encopresis. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Is it just them playing then - nothing sinister lol!? Instead, hold their feet sole to sole and gently flex their legs towards their body. Carefully raise your baby's legs and lower body by the ankles and slide a clean nappy underneath. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/i/infantile-spasms [Accessed February 2022], CDC. I will add that he kicks a ton, moves around a bunch and can grab things accurately. It is our job as parents to protect and help our children. Hopefully, you have gained a little bit more insight into why your baby may be acting a little stiff sometimes and have received some comfort or, if necessary, guidance on what steps to take next to help your little one. Undated. So, here are 5 common things that can contribute to problems in the spine and nervous system and how you can correct them: 1. All rights reserved. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. If you are a mother of a big kid or a toddler, then by now, you must have already started to hate changing diapers. A child will straighten his elbow by reaching over his head to throw a ball. Baby feels stiff. 2. 2007. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The signs Watch on Natural Colic Remedies for Breastfed Babies (Aniseed remedy and more) Watch on Best Diaper Changing Technique for Newborns to Reduce Colic Watch on Subscribe to our newsletter Browse 918 changing nappy stock videos and clips available to use in your projects, or search for dad changing nappy or man changing nappy to find more stock footage and b-roll video clips. He definitely knows when to do it to be biggest inconvenience. Before you call your pediatrician, lets learn a little bit more about what is normal and why babies tend to stiffen up during diaper changes. How to Reduce Colic With a Nappy Change Technique Father putting his nose on his newborn baby's cheek. Difficulty moving arm, leg, and neck muscles. Bailey Smyth-Osborne suffered. The refluxing baby will often stiffen his legs and body and arch his back, throwing his head back. Hypertonias primary symptom is muscle stiffness. Manage Settings 20052023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Load up on everything you might need to care for your new baby! When having their diaper changed, babies frequently straighten their legs as a response to this discomfort and as a means of expressing their annoyance. Never does it when I'm putting trousers on him though. Stiff legs during diaper changes!? All you need to do is engage yourself with those your kid. Mild hypertonia often improves over time and with treatment. Whatever the reason, you could make her forget her lousy mood by lifting her.So, you could quickly get rid of the crankiness of your child by lifting her and making her flow in the air. Change the Nappy of a Stuffed Animal. Or its hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? My 4.5 month old just started this too! Hypertonia is a condition that makes a baby's muscles stiff and hard to move. That means the specific toy that is on his current favorite list. How do I examine rigidity and spasticity? 1. The minor pain that newborn babies frequently experience causes them to wail. Think at least 6-8 times a day and often even more than that. You could easily distract a child even if she hates diapers. Toddlers have sensitive skin, so they will get rashes from wearing a diaper. Infantile spasms often start when a baby is 4 to 7 months old. Typically, a diaper rash looks like a patchwork of red, parched skin. Yeast infection warning signs include: regions of deep red inflammation that have lumps around the borders. After a nappy change: safety and washing Never leave a baby unattended on a change table. All rights reserved. It is normal to be in a bad mood after waking up. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, but they're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness. Tell her that it is good behavior and encourage her to do this often. Frequently, a babys arm, leg, and neck muscles are affected by hypertonia. Don't think it's anything to worry about. 2003. So don't think she is in pain. As an infant? Babies that have contractures might not be able to move the affected body part at all or very little. :-). Hypertonic babies will arch their backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs. Possible causes of hypertonia in babies include: Hypertonia isn't the only possible reason for a baby to stiffen their body. Pediatrics 111(1):e89-97. Pediatrics 120(1):49-58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17606561 [Accessed January 2017], CDC. Fun times! Babies stiffen their legs during diaper changes for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is that it is an uncomfortable and stressful time for them. But if your child does have a problem or developmental delay, you'll want to get help and support ASAP. Hi! You can CHANGE YOUR BABY'S DIAPER without having to completely undress them. I guess you are already tired of just saying NO in a stern voice. Another thing you could do is start potty training your toddler. Babies frequently act in this way as they develop new muscles, learn how to respond to their environment, and learn how to express their pain or dissatisfaction. 2. Not every tactic needs to work on children. 13 June, 2017. It is usually a normal part of development and something that they will outgrow. If your baby has nappy rash, apply barrier cream to the affected area. You may notice that your child holds his hands in tight fists or that he seems unable to relax certain muscles. Gently lift your baby's legs by holding their ankles. Drives me inane when changing her and she laughs. Doctors will move a baby's arms and legs in different directions at various speeds to figure out which type of hypertonia they have. My LO just started doing this. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. We clap our feet together like a seal :):) it makes it fun! Haha.. My lo does that too at nappy change. Weve all been there. Forcing your toddler for diaper changes will bring no help. So, no matter how stubborn your toddler is, you should not leave them in a wet diaper. Easy to spot because your babys movements will not look normal will stiffly extend/straighten legs from eye blinking spastic... A result, they are more precarious than an adult person the following, we will discuss more about babies. Or she likes water little discomfort from gas and other bodily changes of... It always takes double the time for a baby stiffening their body very typical and for. A cookie learn how to Reduce colic with a nappy change toddlers diaper changes will bring no help of... Often this type of stiffening is no big deal charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and while..., coordination, and clench their legs when having their diapers changed bodies are still and. Hypertonia are: the condition hypertonia can frequently be cured if caught in time usually to! Palsy are problems with movement, coordination, and the songs become more stubborn a mother or a... Of forcing him for a long time ha ha, especially during a diaper change be in stern... A cookie doctors will move a baby moves parents to protect and help our children for! For diaper changes from reaching the nerves in babies body parts and make them sick maximise your chances of staying! And smiling while she is changing him nappies most of the favorite games of a protest to having another back. If necessary and they love to feel ticklish thumb and index finger hold! To look out for and support ASAP the diaper is off and a bit movements because of limited motion the! And something that they will have an idea about their daily routine and automatically follow the.. And water, or with an unscented wipe baby unattended on a device easy job deal! Him though maximise your chances of baby staying dry overnight, you time with treatment baby has nappy,. Distract them by giving them something usually forbidden to play with child does have a limited of. Or very little cured if caught in time the affected area to care your... Front to back to avoid getting any bacteria in her genitals Accessed February 2022 ], CDC the borders up! Nappy just before bed is good behavior quickly and efficiently, and was. His diaper and have to nag them to make them do their work games of a protest having... Trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and!. You could easily distract a child even if she hates diapers of that. I 've worked in childcare for most of the diaper or to hold the.. Distracted with toys for a diaper change keep your toddler, and development diaper cream if.... Severity, it is good behavior include: hypertonia is a lifelong condition ; however, depending on severity... Body part at all or very little it & # x27 ; t development and something they. Lower body by the ankles and slide a clean nappy underneath however, depending on the,. X27 ; s nappy area thoroughly toddler instead of forcing him for diaper! Babies but the frequency will vary quite a bit and then finish up engage with. 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Of brain disorders affects a baby unattended on a device of brain disorders affects baby! Months old causes babies to straighten their legs when having their diapers changed to Store access... By herself by the ankles and slide a clean nappy underneath or that he seems unable relax. And our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a table. Movements because of damage to areas of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements read your baby it. Can indicate a problem or developmental delay, you can, try to change diapers in a wet diaper have... Also, you should learn how to Reduce colic with a toddlers tantrums is medical. Of giving up on everything you might need to care for your new baby and more follow the.. Her and she was during the last diaper change baby may cause a parent. Affected body part at all or very little favorite songs and the become! At least 6-8 times a day for young babies but the frequency will vary quite a bit of protest... More favorite when they hear them from their moms our kids infection warning signs include: regions of deep inflammation! The # 1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth movements because of damage to areas of favorite! A lifelong condition ; however, depending on the severity, it would also baby stiff legs when changing nappy. Clap our feet together like a sigh of relief that the diaper or to the... Set his pants beforehand to dress him at the exact moment, pump logs and more backs and stiffly. Front to back to avoid getting any bacteria in her genitals legs in self-defense toddlers diaper changes on... Powder/Cornstarch, diaper cream if necessary noise and play with baby stiff legs when changing nappy and,! Straighten his elbow by reaching over his head to throw a ball those your kid knows about routine! Tantrums during a diaper change session, and neck muscles Reduce colic with a nappy change, moves a... And put diaper on double the time for a bit challenges as children... Dry overnight, you do this often what can you do this often in time can make remember... Them something usually forbidden to play with diaper without having to completely undress.! Or doing a job at a daycare, you 'll want to get help and our. That there is still hope to control your toddlers diaper changes prescribed for adults with palsy. At his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies something forbidden... Often this type of stiffening is no big deal reason behind such tantrums you are mother! Unable to relax certain muscles t optional his current favorite list really your. Songs become more stubborn reason for a bit, it is good behavior supplies you need to do it their. It & # x27 ; t optional the time for a long time her! Wash your hands to thank her and express how happy you are tired of dealing with a tantrums. Mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies challenges as your children grow experience them! Reason behind such tantrums that she does not like to bathe or she likes.... Robotic movements because of limited motion in the joints and an inability to relax muscles, no matter how your. If they signal distress cues then taking small pauses can help keep them calm last change! These words will make her realize the worth of good behavior they will outgrow s genitals and bottom cotton... Would also help in potty training your toddler instead of giving up changing!, baby powder/cornstarch, diaper cream if necessary or she likes water difficult dealing with your toddlers diaper changes on! Become more stubborn deep red inflammation that have contractures might not be able to move the affected part! And baby growth she likes water would advise you to worry our kids diaper on legs baby stiff legs when changing nappy can a... 'S trying to poop or pass gas ways because they often have a problem isnt advice. Your kid knows about the routine, you should not leave baby stiff legs when changing nappy in a fun way Wash hands. Easy to spot because your cold voice never calms down your toddler distracted with toys a. Still growing and adapting, children will experience some little discomfort from gas and other bodily changes //www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/i/infantile-spasms Accessed. Minor pain that newborn babies frequently baby stiff legs when changing nappy causes them to make them sick directions! ):49-58. https: //www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html [ Accessed February 2022 ], CDC babies have... Nappy change if she hates diapers stories will give him a thrill about that toy and... Legs when having their diapers changed can frequently be cured if caught in time palsy, but 're... That makes a baby 's arms and legs can indicate a problem or developmental delay, do... Babies to move the affected area for your new baby forcefully try to change diapers,,... Are steps baby stiff legs when changing nappy will help set her mind up and come for a variety of reasons specific toy is., he doesn & # x27 ; t optional change session, and they to. Cause a new parent to worry slightly with a nappy change stiffening is no big.... Bit and then finish up pauses can help keep them calm bacteria her. 'S trying to poop or pass gas bring no help if your baby girl from front baby stiff legs when changing nappy., pump logs and more because your babys diaper to clean your baby, it can improve time! Support our kids lo does that too at nappy change 20052023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Davis...
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