Help! My toddler hates getting his nappy changed

There's no stopping those wiggly worms when they've soiled themselves and want to keep playing. So is it ever OK to leave them for a little longer to save the tantrum? 

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Advice Needed

My toddler absolutely hates having his nappy changed. Unfortunately this coincides with him being prone to bad nappy rash so regular nappy changing is a must.

Is there anything I can do to make the process easier, or does anyone have any advice about keeping nappy rash in toddlers at bay?

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Trust me, kid. We don't like changing you either! Image: iStock

Kidspot's Leah shares her advice

Firstly, let's just get this out of the way:

No one... NO ONE likes changing nappies! Not the child, not the parent, not the grandparent (even if they might claim they do), not the childcare worker.

No one. 

But unfortunately, like you said in your question, regular changes are a must when little ones soil themselves or else you'll be faced with a very red and sore bottom. 

But you can't explain that to a tantrumming toddler so unfortunately it's up to us parents/carers to take charge at the changing station. 

Baby skin is so sensitive

I've been there. I know those changing-time tantrums all too well. Both of my little ones hated it and I dreaded the fight each time I had to drag them away from whatever they were doing.

But it's important for all of us to know why regular changes are important and while I'd like to say "because no one likes to smell it", the most important reason is because of your little one's delicate skin. 

Babies' skin is up to 30% thinner than adult skin, making it fragile and sensitive - and prone to things like nappy rash, eczema and other painful skin irritations. 

Now we all know what happens when a baby is uncomfortable or in pain - they cry, they get grumpy. So it's really in their - and your - best interest to just tackle that tantrum to get the job done. 

Huggies

Nappy rash and other skin problems

The good thing nappy-related skin irritations is that most of them are easily preventable. 

“It’s common to see newborns with skin irritation and rashes. Reassuringly, most are not serious and get better without any special treatment,” Jane Barry, a registered nurse, midwife and child health nurse tells Kidpsot. 

The most common skin issues newborns experience are:

• Eczema - One of the most common skin condition that is often uncomfortable, red, itchy and inflamed. The rash can pop up anywhere on the body. 
• Milia -Small white spots that pop up on the baby's nose and face caused by blocked oil glands. 
• Erythema toxicum –Flat, red patches or bumps that usually appear on the face before popping up on the rest of the body. 
• Baby acne - Must like regular acne, red spots and pimples that appear on the face.
• Hives - Mostly caused by a viral infection or allergic reaction. 
• Prickly heat - Small red bumps or blisters that usually pop up in hot, humid weather.

And then comes the most common... nappy rash. 

Nappy rash is a type of skin inflammation that appears in the nappy area and is caused by wee or poo irritating the skin when it's left in contact with the skin for long periods of time. The skin becomes red, inflamed and painful. 

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RELATED: 5 mistakes parents make with their newborn’s skin

It's not up for negotiation

While I get how annoying it is in the moment and how tempting it is to leave it, I want to encourage you to really be the boss here. You know what will happen if they're not changed frequently and how grumpy they will be if they're in pain from skin irritations like nappy rash, so regular changing is not up for negotiation. 

I would be firm with the directive with them: 

"It's time to change your nappy and then you can go and play again."

So how often should you be changing your little one's nappy? 

Experts recommend changing at least every couple of hours and more often if they've soiled themselves in between.

RELATED: An expert’s guide to managing eczema in summer

How to prevent nappy rash

Jane insists regular changes is the easiest way to prevent nappy rash. 

“Change your baby’s nappy frequently and make sure to use good quality disposable nappies. It’s important that any moisture is drawn away from the baby’s skin – this will help to keep their skin dry,” she says.

“You may need to also use a pH-neutral soap or soap-free cleanser on their skin to remove any wee or poo.  Apply a barrier cream that contains zinc in a thick layer if their skin is red or you think they need it. 

“Sometimes it helps to warm thicker creams by rubbing between the fingers before smearing on the skin. Avoid using talcum powder which can block the skin’s pores and cake in their creases.”

And don't forget to at least TRY and make it fun for them. Take a toy, book, put their favourite TV show on if you have to and get the job done.

And lastly, don't underestimate the joy nappy-free time can bring to your child. They'll love the freedom of not being wrapped up and will give their precious bottoms time to breath. 

Originally published as Help! My toddler hates getting his nappy changed