Hey there!
Even though it’s a necessary component of baby care, changing a newborn’s nappy may be a real challenge for many parents. Even the most assured parent could feel anxious and irritated when changing a baby who cries, wriggles, or screams. Babies’ cries during diaper changes often leave parents wondering why they occur and how to soothe them down. Babies often cry when their nappies are changed, and it’s normal to question why and how to soothe them down. In this post, we’ll explore the causes of this behaviour and offer tried-and-true methods to help you and your baby cope with nappy changes more easily.
Before going further, check out our helpful newborn tools that make parenting easier and more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
When it’s time to change a nappy, why do babies cry?
1. Vulnerability to Alterations in Temperature
Babies react very quickly to changes in temperature. They go from toasty and bundled up to exposed and chilly the second you take their garments off. As a normal response to pain, they may cry when the temperature drops suddenly, which can be extremely shocking. A newborn’s sensitive skin may perceive the room as cold even though it is warm to an adult.
2. Experiencing a Weakness and Being Exposed
Putting a baby in a onesie or a blanket makes them feel safe. Lying on a changing mat while naked can make children feel exposed and threatened. As a natural defence mechanism, this insecurity causes many babies to cry when it’s time to change their nappy.
3. Sleep or Feeding Disruptions
When newborns are hungry or drowsy, such as during the night or after a feeding, it’s common for parents to change their nappies. Your baby may cry out in protest if you have to change their diaper during their nap or meal because they are too exhausted or want to keep eating. It serves as a gentle reminder that the timing of a baby’s reaction to a nappy change is really critical.
4. Rash or Skin Sensitivity
Even a dirty nappy can irritate the skin of certain newborns who are already delicate. Cleaning their bottom, no matter how gently, could still be too much for them. Using harsh or too-cold wipes can hurt their skin and cause them to cry during diaper changes.
5. Bewilderment and Shock
Newborns simply notice that they are being handled and undressed, but they do not comprehend the purpose of having their nappy changed. Crying is a normal reaction to the unexpected, and the abrupt changing of clothing, wiping, and repositioning can be shocking or even perplexing.
How to Maintain Your Infant’s Composure While Changing Nappies
1. First, make sure everyone is comfortable.
The changing room should be warm and free of draughts. To avoid the painful sensation of a cold wipe on your baby’s skin, you can either use a wipe warmer or gently rub the wipes between your hands to make them warm. You can change the diaper more rapidly and easily if you have all the necessary items, like nappies, wipes and cream, close at hand.
2. Apply Light Pressure
Be very careful not to irritate a baby because of how delicate they are. Assist your little one by speaking gently to them while they go through this. To make changing nappies more comfortable, try moving slowly and calmly. To ease their anxiety, some parents find it helpful to place a thin blanket or towel over their baby’s chest as they shift their position.
3. Pay Attention to Your Infant
When changing a nappy, distraction is key. Keep a stuffed animal or a mobile on display over the changing table so your infant may reach out and touch anything. As they change their baby’s nappy, some parents sing or talk to them, which captivates and calms them simultaneously.
4. Create a Regular Schedule
Babies find comfort in established patterns. By consistently following the same procedures, you may make nappy changes more predictable. If you want to follow a routine with your baby, you may sing a lullaby while you chat to them, undo their nappy, gently wipe them and then put on a new one. Babies thrive in environments where they can anticipate and prepare for what’s to come.
5. Switching Nappies at the Appropriate Time
Change your baby’s diaper when they are relaxed, not too hungry or exhausted, if at all feasible. Their most relaxed and content state is right after eating or napping, so that’s usually when it works best. If you must change them while they are slumbering, turn down the lights and be careful not to wake them up too much.
Extra Advice to Simplify Diaper Changes
- Choose Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-Free Wipes: These will be especially kind to your baby’s delicate skin.
- If your infant has sensitive skin or is prone to rashes, try putting a small amount of diaper cream on their skin before changing their diaper.
- Make Notes of Modifications Efficient but thorough: less time for your infant to feel exposed and uncomfortable means more time to bond. In any case, to avoid skin irritation, wash well.
- Keep Your Cool: Babies are incredibly perceptive to your emotional state. Your baby will pick up on your confidence, serenity, and patience.
FAQs
What can I do if my baby starts to cry when I change their diaper?
The wipes shouldn’t be too chilly, and the room should be warm. Soothe your infant by playing with a calming object or singing to them. To keep them comfortable, be swift and careful.
How can I calm a fussy baby while changing their diaper?
Establish a soothing atmosphere. Use a low voice, light touch, and a toy or song to divert their attention. It is also helpful to establish a routine.
Ways to prevent tantrums when changing nappies?
Engage older infants by changing their diaper or letting them hold a toy. Keep your cool and be consistent, no matter how finicky they get.
Is there a way to put a baby to sleep as you change their diaper?
Turn down the lights and keep quiet. Remain calm and move at a leisurely pace. Be careful and fast when changing the diaper.
What can I do if my kid turns over while I’m changing his diaper?
Put a mobile in their hands or give them a stuffed animal to play with. Keep a mild touch on their belly or legs if they continue to turn.
Shall I wake my infant up in the middle of the night to change his diaper?
Allowing your infant to sleep in a moist nappy rather than a soiled one is generally acceptable. To prevent irritation, change it immediately if it gets dirty.
In summary,
You and your baby will both benefit much from knowing why babies scream during nappy changes and what you can do to soothe them down, even though changing nappies may be difficult in the beginning. You may make this mundane activity more enjoyable and even connecting by establishing a soothing pattern that you stick to consistently. Only remember that being patient and caring for your kid does more than only keep them clean; it also helps them feel loved and secure.