Babies are wonderful. Magical. Soft and squishy and perfect.
Until you try to change their diaper and suddenly you’re wrestling a tiny alligator who is very offended by your life choices.
If diaper changes currently feel like an Olympic sport (with no medals, just bodily fluids), here are 8 sanity-saving ideas to help turn the screams into… well, at least fewer screams.
1. Narrate like you’re hosting a nature documentary
Calm voice, gentle play-by-play:
“We are now approaching the rare wild toddler… whose diaper is definitely full.”
It sounds silly, but babies love predictability and your voice is the ultimate soothing tool.
2. Try a “changing time” song
It does not need to be good. In fact, the worse the better.
Think French lullaby energy, but make it… less terrifying 😅
Example lyrics (steal freely).
Wipe wipe wipe the bum,
Nice and clean and soft,
We’ll be done in one more beep,
And then you can blast off!
We also know a mom who has had a LOT of success singing “It’s Tricky” to her screaming toddler on the changing table…
3. Let them “help”
Give them a wipe (or cotton pad) and say,
“Your turn to clean!”
They won’t clean anything.
You will spend extra time re-cleaning.
But they will feel important and that’s half the battle.
Alternatively, give them a toy or action figure to clean while you get the job done.
4. Try a special “diaper time only” toy
Simple works best:
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Silicone kitchen spatula
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Soft brush
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Crinkly tissue paper
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A small book they only see on the changing table
Novelty = magic.
5. Two-toy trick
Offer one toy.
Let them drop it.
Then - dramatic gasp - offer another one.
Yes, we are easily manipulated by babies.
Yes, it works anyway.
6. Change locations
Some babies scream because the changing table feels like confinement.
Try:
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Bed
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Couch
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Floor mat
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Outside on a blanket (sunshine & leaves = distraction)
Fresh scenery = fresh cooperation.
7. Make it fast - like, really fast
Sometimes the best approach is simply… speed.
A one-bottle, one-wipe routine can make diaper changes so much quicker. Which is exactly why French parents swear by liniment - a cleanser + moisturizer in one step so you’re not wiping… then cream-ing… then negotiating peace treaties.
Less time wiping = less time screaming.
Music to everyone’s ears.
8. The “peek-a-boo wipe” move
Cover their eyes with your hand for one second, wipe away the mess, then reveal your face like a magician. Repeat as needed.
Petites pensées
You are not failing if your baby hates diaper changes.
Some babies just like to make sure their parents stay humble.
You are doing an amazing job, even on the days it feels like you’re wrestling the diaper rather than changing it.
And if you want to make life easier?
A quick swipe of our gentle diapering lotion keeps skin soft, protected, rash-free (and actually clean) - so the only drama during diaper changes… is the dramatic baby.