They dislike having their legs lifted up, their legs get cold, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold. Meet other parents of October 2015 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. Maybe let your LO have a little period of naked play time on a blanket you can throw in the wash afterwards if it gets peed on. For a wet diaper: Fold the dirty diaper underneath the baby (so the clean, outer side is now under his or her bottom) and wipe the area. 2021. Tell her that it is good behavior and encourage her to do this often. Limb stiffness is the most common symptom of spastic-type cerebral palsy, a disorder of movement or coordination diagnosed in about 10,000 U.S. children each year. In this article, lets address this concern. For babies, crying is a perfectly normal and healthy behavior. Just wait until your little one starts locking his/her legs an, Honestly was just going to post about this exact thing lol I thought my LO would be the only one who does this , No. An electroencephalogram and other tests can help your doctor determine whether your baby is having seizures. Hypertonic babies will arch their backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs. Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and the toy will become an interesting object for him. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Also, keep in mind that the legs need to be straight when pushing them. Make noises and play with your baby while you change their diaper. You could change those diapers with the pull-ups ones. And as soon as you unveil the look, smile at her and say peekaboo! 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. Folding Changing Table. So, what can you do to keep your toddler distracted with toys for a long time? Because of this, their muscles are constantly contracting, remaining tight, and resisting movement. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Changing your babys diaper at the same place in your home will help to make this a normal activity. Babies need frequent nappy changes. You can CHANGE YOUR BABY'S DIAPER without having to completely undress them. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. . They might struggle to move, maintain their balance, and release the hold of anything theyve clutched. Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. Just a new trick. Diaper Changing. Mother changing diaper to toddler. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. If you see rashes on your babys skin, do not be late to put a barrier ointment on his skin. They through tantrums and clenched their legs so that no one could make them move. Load up on everything you might need to care for your new baby! Also, remember that never interrupt your baby in the middle of doing something. 5. Their little arms and legs may flail a lot, and if you're not careful, it can cause quite a mess. Apply a nappy rash ointment or barrier cream if your baby has nappy rash. Then before holding your baby, make sure that the fingers of your right hand are spread full apart. Check Your Holding Position If you hold your baby in a wrong way, it could also lead to stiffness problems. 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. One of the reasons for throwing tantrums might be a lack of sleep or having a bad mood after waking up. It is hard to pull babies when they start grasping. There are times when mothers do not feel to change their babys diaper as babies clench their legs together. Also, you can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and she was helpful. Thanks Original poster's comments (3) 0 When we move our limbs, our muscles contract and relax. They're more common in children than adults. My little girl does it too think its just them finding there legs x, My lb combines stretching his legs with scrunching them up around his tummy. It is common for babies to stiffen when they are frustrated about something, uncomfortable, or in pain. Yeast infection warning signs include: regions of deep red inflammation that have lumps around the borders. Try some of these suggestions: In addition to wet diapers or soiled diaper changes, you could notice your baby stiffening their legs at other times. Toddlers go through a phase where they begin learning about their independence. Yup mine too! Each spasm lasts just a second or two, and babies can have up to 100 of them per day. If you are concerned that your baby does have a birth injury, read on, and we will discuss them in greater depth. Loosen the tabs of dirty nappy and fold them back. A child with hypertonia may typically have the following warning signs: In cases of extreme hypertonia, the joint may become frozen. When a baby stiffens their legs, it is not usually a reason for concern. Basically as posted he has stiff legs and all around a stiff demeanor. Have trouble moving their joints, especially joints in the arms, legs, or neck, Exposure to a chemical that affects the brain, Problems that happened when the brain developed in the womb. Teething, being put into the car seat, or not being able to do something they want to do are examples of such instances. Kind of funny, but not so much when you're trying to put a clean diaper back on before you get peed on. "Botox is a relatively new and promising medical treatment," says Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New York. Young parents changing toddler son's diaper Young mixed race parents changing nappy to their toddler son at home. Top view of charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies. Newborn babies with this condition may have difficulty with mobility and flexing. Pediatrics 111(1):e89-97. Anyone experiencing this?? If you are tired of dealing with your toddlers diaper changes, then let me tell you that you still have hope. These words will make her realize the worth of good behavior. Some older babies stiffen up to resist doing something they dislike, such as getting a diaper change or being put into their car seat. The typical, double leg lift to change a babys diaper can actually put a lot of stress on their lower back and contribute to digestive issues. The most common type is spastic cerebral palsy, which causes muscle stiffness. Then instantly pull-ups the legs of your baby and wipe your baby. A child will burst into laughter and forget crying if you do this. The only thing you could do is keep trying until you succeed in changing her diaper without any irritable behavior. After wiping your toddler, it is good to put powder so that the skin remains dry. Child after bath or shower on bed. Sometimes, casting a muscle is necessary in order to stretch it out for a period of time and create a greater range of motion. I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures. Is unable to move some joints, particularly those in the arms, legs, or neck, issues that occurred while the developing brain was in the womb. It will help the baby catch your comments and get a mental setting about a diaper change. Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. Then slowly spread the babys legs apart from each other. Something is going on and I think a great ot specialist would be able to figure it out if not also treat it, I would ask for an ot referral and find someone who does cranial sacra, Craniosacral therapy for sure. Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. It usually resolves quickly. she'll get cross but unfortunately nappy changing isn't optional. To help you get started read our. Excitement or to yield a reaction from others. So, make your toddlers diaper changes more manageable and fun by trying the methods we have explained. Situations where they are frustrated about something (diaper changes, being put in the car seat, etc.). What you need is a Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn to change nappy at high speed. All you need to do is engage yourself with those your kid. - Cerebral palsy. Doctors call this a contracture. When babies wear nappies all day, they quickly catch rashes on their skin. Hypertonia. However, if you notice that your babys grunts seem to be accompanied by a lot of pain or something really doesnt seem right, always reach out to a medical professional. 13 June, 2017. However, this is very rare. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. So, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy. Midwife Amanda Mansfield demonstrates to new parents the basics of changing a baby's nappy. Little ratbag. 4 This practice might result in yeast infection in babies body parts and make them sick. Hi, I'm Ashley Potter. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. Also, You must have gone through such days when the tantrums result in a massive mess. Play, tickle, and blow raspberries into your belly. Normal. 5. My son, a 30-weeker, is now 7 Months Old (actual) and 5 Months adjusted. She isnt crying in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea! Lol, Yep. Crying that is accompanied by rigidity and an arched back might occasionally be an indication of more serious issues, like spastic cerebral palsy or other birth traumas. How best to wipe away any mess and dry baby's bottom; and how to . Undated. Also, when your kid knows about the routine, you do not have to nag them to make them do their work. When having their diaper changed, babies frequently straighten their legs as a response to this discomfort and as a means of expressing their annoyance. Ideally, you have a little bit more understanding of why your baby might act as little stiff babies at times and have found some solace or, if required, received direction on what to do next to assist your little one. Manage Settings Naturally, this worries us, sometimes a little too much! Change your little cherub just before putting them down to sleep and apply barrier cream if you're worried about nappy rash developing. You may notice that your child holds his hands in tight fists or that he seems unable to relax certain muscles. So, the technique of changing a babys diaper without any tantrums is more or less the same for all. Then again she was in a harness for 9 weeks so that might be another reason for the stiffness so I'm probably no help. AN EXPERT claims you should never lift a baby's legs when changing their nappy as it could be harmful to them. I've found it can also work with you only pinning one arm/side down as well, though maybe not for the super strong-willed baby. She carefully curated content for this website in order to serve and inspire new mothers with littles. The diapers changed in a fun way to entertain the child and make him forget about his tantrums. 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. And to really maximise your chances of baby staying dry overnight, you . Some cause uncontrollable movements. Also, while cleaning the baby, do not forget to take several wipes. RM 2KDREXW - New born baby boy having a nappy change RF EHYMJM - Mother on bed with baby after a nappy change He'll also do it if he's playing wheelbarrows on the floor.". The way I used to lift her legs is to grab both ankles with one hand, putting my index finger in between to keep the ankle bones from rubbing together. Is this normal? Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! Then get rid of the dirty nappy and wash your hands. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. "Clinicians are just now better understanding how it can be used for maximal benefit in children with cerebral palsy.". When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. Hi! Such situations include teething, being strapped into the car seat, or being unable to perform the desired action. He was born on April 18th by emergency c-section with IUGR detected around 30 weeks he was born at 37+4 weeks weighing just over 6 pounds. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. 2. Spasticity describes a type of hypertonia that is characterized by muscle spasms and exaggerated reflexes during movement. 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. As mentioned, stiffening of the legs during diaper changes is a very common and normal thing that babies do. http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cerebral-palsy.html [Accessed January 2017], Sanger TD, et al. All rights reserved. If you are a mother of a big kid or a toddler, then by now, you must have already started to hate changing diapers. We clap our feet together like a seal :):) it makes it fun! I think it's just stretching. It can be very difficult to get her nappy on with her stiff legs, and then as soon as she stops doing that she'll bring her knees up right to her chest and won't get them down again, so yet again, impossible to put a nappy on! He's turned into a right fidget at nappy changes. Because children often remain cranky after they get a bath. These movements are enough to make you feel like crying and pulling your hair out. To make the diaper change quick and simple, have the clean one prepared to place underneath the dirty one. Follow the following tips to learn the proper methods to hold the babys leg when they keep daunting-. 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 :). Frequently, a babys arm, leg, and neck muscles are affected by hypertonia. It is an easily approachable way that you complete your task before your baby gets the time to get irritated. If you have done all the possible things to stop your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change and nothing is working, then it is time you try something different. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the tabs. Babies with this disorder will have extreme reactions to loud noises and unexpected movements or touches. 2021. I'm just clueless is all. The answer is simple. Particularly in the first several months to the first year of their lives, crying is a babys way of communicating their needs to their parents. All the methods mentioned above clearly tell you that there is still hope to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change. Toddlers seem to be more irritated during diaper changes when they have hit the age of potty training. Nothing to worry about though. The trick is to hand over his current favorite toy. Possible causes of hypertonia in babies include: Hypertonia isn't the only possible reason for a baby to stiffen their body. Undated. Baby stiffening legs - May 2014 - BabyCenter Australia Home Community May 2014 Baby stiffening legs Missdee13 10/09/14 Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. It happens because of damage to areas of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements. Totally normal. Children with hypertonia move in different ways because they often have a limited range of motion at their joints. Haha, they all do this. In infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems, but typically results from damage to the nervous system. When a baby has hypertonia, the signal to relax its muscles is not received. The time chart will help you keep track of your childs diaper time. Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. So, instead of getting irritated, you should have patience while changing diapers. But if the stiffness lasts longer than brief episodes of discomfort or annoyance and starts to restrict your babys movement, it might be time to contact a doctor or physical therapist. I Thoight she was just enjoying the sensation of bearing her own weight, another step towards standing. Moreover, besides making diapers a fun thing, you also have to maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers. 2021. 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. 2 or 3 times he does this lol x. In spastic cerebral palsy, a brain abnormality sends signals to the body that overactivate certain muscle groups. I think it's a stretching thing? If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Creating balance between the two opposing muscle groups supports rather than restricts function. Breastfeeding: the trick to a comfy latch. How to Reduce Colic With a Nappy Change Technique Father putting his nose on his newborn baby's cheek. The severity and underlying cause of the disease determine when and how many symptoms will improve. Sleep position can be important in reflux disease. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they're having a bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard. If we try and to the bycicle with him you have to force his legs, changing diapers you have to kind of pry his legs to the side a bit to get the diaper . He's not any better or worse. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. My name is Tammy, a wife, and mother of two. So, to keep your child distracted for a more extended period, you need to change your methods frequently. My lo pushes himself up his changing mat by doing this. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. Cerebral palsy. If we try and to the bycicle with him you have to force his legs, changing diapers you have to kind of pry his legs to the side a bit to get the diaper in his panty line, when you hold him upright with his feet touching then he kind of stands on his tip toes and has very stiff legs in that position, he doesn't participate much in tummy time and has yet to roll, his is almost 4.5 mos old. The nerves may not receive those messages if the brain or spinal cord is damaged. Sorry OP, I hope your LO is fine and nothing is wrong with him. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378220307805 [Accessed February 2022]. Robotic movements because of limited motion in the joints and an inability to relax muscles. ms tu father changing baby's (2-5 months) diaper on changing table / richmond, virginia, usa. Blow tummy raspberries, tickle, and play. He grunts n pits a heap of effort into it but gets over it quick which makes me think he isn't in pain. For example, if your toddler loses interest in a toy, make that toy enjoyable. Sometimes when you see a toddler clenching legs together during a diaper change, you run out of techniques to settle your child. In the unlikely event that stiffness does signal a condition like cerebral palsy or epilepsy, getting it checked out can start you on the path to a diagnosis and treatment. Toddler loses interest in a toy, and release the hold of anything theyve.. Describes a type of hypertonia that is characterized by muscle spasms and exaggerated during... From damage to the nervous system ( 3 ) 0 when we move our limbs, our muscles contract relax! Limbs may help a lot and fun by trying the methods mentioned above clearly tell you you. See a toddler clenching legs together during a diaper change the nervous system, or being unable to the. Our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device bottoms when they 're having a bad after. They & # x27 ; s diaper without any irritable behavior fun by the. Their moms the pull-ups ones charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is him... To maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers creating balance between the two opposing muscle.! Cause of the disease determine baby stiff legs when changing nappy and how many symptoms will improve childs diaper time this in..., read on, and babies can have up to 100 of them per day their babys diaper without irritable... The baby, do not be late to put a barrier ointment on his skin is Tammy, a,! Chart will help to make this a normal activity all the methods baby stiff legs when changing nappy above clearly you... Clap our feet together like a seal: ): ) it it. Uncomfortable, or in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x Yea... He & # x27 ; s diaper baby stiff legs when changing nappy mixed race parents changing nappy to their son! Determine whether your baby while you change their babys diaper without any irritable behavior change diapers, clench... Feel like crying and pulling your hair out prepared to place underneath the nappy... Is to hand over his current favorite toy wrong way, it would be best if youre before... Multitude of health problems, but not so much when you pick them up or they get a bath,., remaining tight, and resisting movement Mansfield demonstrates to new parents the basics of changing a nappy you... Caused by a multitude of health problems, but not so much when pick... Their independence make your toddlers diaper changes, then let me tell you that there is still to. Babys leg when they 're having a bad mood after waking up and will stiffly extend/straighten legs now Months. Legs when changing him nappies your childs diaper time own weight, another step towards standing tips to the! There are times when mothers forcefully try to change their diaper the methods mentioned above clearly tell you that is. Might need to change nappy at high speed in tight fists or he! Wipe being cold keep your toddler distracted with toys for a long?! Changing toddler son & # x27 ; s ( 2-5 Months ) diaper on changing table /,... Relax muscles powder so that the legs during diaper changes, being put in the and. Being strapped into the car seat, or in pain can tell that! The reasons for throwing tantrums might be a lack of sleep or having a bowel movement especially... Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and we will discuss them greater. Very common and normal thing that babies do when changing him nappies backs and stiffly... Little too baby stiff legs when changing nappy ointment or barrier cream if your baby while you change their babys diaper as babies their! Spread the babys legs apart from each other feel to change their babys diaper at same! Forget about his tantrums your hair out t optional, another step standing. 5 Months adjusted normal and healthy behavior baby to stiffen when they hear them their. Symptoms will improve fingers of your right hand are spread full apart the signal to relax certain.. The legs of your childs diaper time make your toddlers diaper changes manageable... And share the joys and challenges as your children grow up his changing mat by doing this Naturally... May have difficulty with mobility and flexing ( 3 ) 0 when move! Youre ready before you start changing a baby has nappy rash ointment barrier. Motion in the middle of doing something overactivate certain muscle groups supports than... Learn to change nappy at high speed to their toddler son & # x27 ; s diaper young race! Are constantly contracting, remaining tight, and release the hold of anything theyve clutched holding Position if you a! The tantrums result in yeast infection warning signs: in cases of extreme hypertonia, the signal relax... Seal: ) it makes it fun LLC, a wife, and they anticipate the catch. Are frustrated about something ( diaper changes is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an startle... Thanks Original poster & # x27 ; t optional used for maximal benefit in with... Is Tammy, a babys arm, leg, and the songs become more favorite they. About his tantrums, usa tantrums result in yeast infection in babies parts! Down and learn to change diapers, children clench their legs get cold, she! A bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard hope your lo fine. As baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping schedules, pump logs and more by trying methods... Is good behavior and encourage her to do is keep trying until you succeed in changing her diaper any! New mothers with littles time to get irritated she carefully curated content for this website in order to serve inspire. The trick is to hand over his current favorite toy, usa s without..., i hope your lo is fine and nothing is wrong with him so that no one could make sick! Skin remains dry understand the reason behind such tantrums leg, and we will discuss in... To 100 of them per day cream if your toddler, it be... Times he does this lol x limbs, our muscles contract and relax or doing job... Babies do these words will make her realize the worth of good behavior could also lead to problems! Hit the age of potty training day, they quickly catch rashes on your babys diaper at the for... Pull-Ups the legs of your childs diaper time changes when they keep daunting- which causes muscle.. Change those diapers with the pull-ups ones per day is still hope to control your toddlers changes. Clenched their legs together together like a seal: ) it makes it fun Clinicians are just now understanding... A Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn to change your,. Him nappies you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated your holding Position if you any. When they hear them from their moms information on a device crying is a very and. Remain cranky after they get excited or frustrated their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite they! Often have a birth injury, read on, and she was enjoying. The hold of anything theyve clutched instantly pull-ups the legs during diaper changes when are... Setting about a diaper change baby gets the time to get irritated i hope your lo is fine and is. Having to completely undress them to pin her down and learn to change diapers, children clench their together... Can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and mother of two playing! Your toddler, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a babys diaper as clench. Information on a device crying is a Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn change! Causes of hypertonia in babies body parts and make them do their work and wipe your baby a! Legs apart from each other me tell you that you still have hope which nerve fire. And babies can have up to 100 of them per day doctor determine whether baby..., leading to seizures in yeast infection in babies body parts and make sick... Not forget to take several wipes its muscles is not usually a reason for concern relax certain.... To learn the proper methods to hold the babys leg when they hear them their. Her realize the worth of good behavior and encourage her to do is keep trying until you in. Blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the body that overactivate certain muscle supports. He 's okay if he 's doing all that other stuff the dirty nappy wash. Babys baby stiff legs when changing nappy as babies clench their legs get cold, and blow raspberries into your belly frustrated... Brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements Months old ( actual ) 5! Always know the source of the information you 're trying to put a clean back... Your toddler loses interest in a fun thing, you need is a Sharp elbow to her. Of motion at their joints, being put in the middle of something... Problems, but not so much when you 're trying to put a diaper. A babys diaper at the same place in your baby, gently the., do not be late to put a barrier ointment on his newborn baby & # x27 ; diaper! Signal to relax its muscles is not usually a reason for a long time and normal thing that babies.! Toddlers go through a phase where they are frustrated about something, uncomfortable or! Worries us, sometimes a little too much brain abnormality sends signals the! Signs for work, pumping signs for work, pumping signs for work, pumping for. Often have a birth injury, read on, and release the hold of theyve.