Why Does My Baby Cry When I Change Her Diaper?

What does changing diapers mean? 

It means changing a used or dirty diaper and replacing it with a clean new one. Changing baby diapers seems like an easy task till you get into it.

For example, changing the used diaper to a fresh one and starting screaming and crying so loud is very confusing because you wonder why they are reacting that way every time they are due for a change. Trying to change them in public can be quite impossible and dreadful, because of the noise pollution and disturbance it might cause to other people around you.

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Why Does My Baby Cry When I Change her Diaper

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We’ve researched this based on personal and other people who have experienced this and have gathered some useful tips on why babies are very uncomfortable when it comes to diaper change. The reason why your baby cries during diaper change;

• COLD

Most babies, especially newborns, hate to feel cold; exposing their bums can allow them to start feeling cold. Since they cannot complain, they cry as a way of expressing themselves, letting you though they are uncomfortable and fighting to be kept warm.

• HUNGER

Always ensure that they are distracted with snacks or biscuits during or before the diaper change, as they might be hungry and not have the patience for you to change them before they start throwing tantrums. So when you distract them, it tends to take their thought off the uncomfortable feeling but calms them from having another screaming or crying session, better still feed them before having their diaper changed.

• TIRED/BORED

You can also distract your baby with their favorite toys, changing their diapers. Some of their screams and tantrums might result from being tired or bored, and they want attention. It is possible to get help from any family member or your partner to play or hold them during the diaper change process to make them feel comfortable.

• UNUSUAL FEELING

The diaper change process might seem strange for a baby, trying to play and engage them with conversation during the process can give them a soothing relief that makes them feel the process is normal and safe. Please show them your happy face and be calm all through it makes them feel happy too and assuring them they have nothing to be scared of. Also, with time they will get familiar with the diaper change routine.

• FEELING RESTRICTED

Many people can relate to how it feels to be restricted or confined. The process gives babies the feeling of being stocked in a particular way; they like to always be in charge of their body and use it anytime. Distracting them with food, snack, toys, or engaging them in small talks can win you all their attention without you having to struggle all through the diaper change process.

• MEDICAL CONDITIONS:

The fact is that babies crying during a diaper change is entirely normal and is not something to consider serious or have sleepless nights over. However, it is very important to be observant when changing your baby to know if it is a pain they are experiencing. They can also be tired of lying down on their back.

Talk to your doctor to let them know if your baby is feeling any pain during change because it can result from disability, acid reflux, or spine Bifida.

All babies are unique and different in terms of their day-to-day activities. The known rule for changing diapers for newborns is every two to three hours, and as they grow older, it becomes less frequent— few hints on how diaper change can be adjusted to fit the baby’s schedule.

In the beginning, it is all sweet and cozy with babies, most especially the newborns, because it is all love and cuddles till the moment of chores kick in, such as cleaning poop and changing the wet ones.

• Diapers that are over wet and often left for so long can cause rashes on the bum, spreading to other parts of the body.
• Leaving poop in the diaper can irritate the baby’s skin.
• Bacteria produced for too long can cause infection to the bladder, which mostly affects baby girls.
• Also, not changing a diaper soaked in can start leaking out and spread the mess to the clothes, crib of the baby, including the car seat. It is advised that diapers be changed from time to time.

Understanding babies, their different stages, and tips on how to deal with it;

Newborns tend to have less movement control, making them unable to easily roll off a changing table. Most times, they cry because they are exposed and feel cold. Communication with them is helpful because hearing your voice makes them feel safe. Ensure the room is warm before starting. You can also cover them with a soft towel to feel covered even when changing the diapers.

Three – eight months old: They stay still a bit on the changing table compared to when they were born. When they cry, they feel uncomfortable or unsure of what is going on.

Put a warm towel close to you, so you don’t expose their body in a cold space, wear clothes that are not clingy, comfortable, soft, and difficult to get through their head. Distractions with baby tunes or toys like a teether, small mirrors, and the likes are welcome. Babies around eight months are considered toddlers, which is when real stress and struggles start.

They might still get cold when you are changing them, but the most important is that they are in control of their body more, so they tend to flip over, roll, crawl from time to time, trying to engage in other things which would make the changing process more stressful for you.

Take short breaks; during these breaks, play with them, dance, sing, and talk. You can switch to using diaper pants during this time. Also, you can be holding their feet on the changing pad, and telling them what to do can also be helpful.

Baby wipes are very important for the diaper change process; it is delicate for the baby’s skin and can wipe the mess off. Changing pads is also great for mothers that are always on the go. The ointment for diaper rash should not be left behind, but it gets recommendations suitable for your baby’s skin, so you do not get ugly reactions.

When these essential items for changing diapers have been gathered, here is a simple explanation on how to change them: First, take out the used diaper and trash it, clean the bum, especially the diaper area, with clean wipes, then use the ointment for diaper rash to rub the bum.

Next, spread the diaper under the bum and carefully raise the baby’s legs to place the diaper between the legs, pull the front and place it on the baby’s belly so you can secure the closing of the wings and seal the tapes properly. Be sure to check through so it is not too tight on the stomach area.

In Conclusion

The diaper change rejection phase is normal for them to pass through, as there are several reasons why they feel uncomfortable and distressed during the process. To them, it feels like disturbance. It might fall when they want to explore, play or practice new abilities they just discovered like throwing, crawling, or sitting up, which really makes them not calm but can only express themselves by screaming or crying.

Here, we’ve listed some ways to calm and soothe a baby when they get uncomfortable during diaper change; parents should not take this process as a stressful experience as they would adjust as time goes by. Connect with them, engage them, make silly faces that make them laugh, take your time with them; all these are ways to distract them from feeling uncomfortable.