Baby feels stiff. He also does it when getting stroppy. A toddler clenching legs together during a diaper change is a pain for the parents. It is usually diagnosed before the age of two. Sorry OP, I hope your LO is fine and nothing is wrong with him. This type of seizure usually doesn't lead to physical injury. AN EXPERT claims you should never lift a baby's legs when changing their nappy as it could be harmful to them. Changing the diaper of a baby with cerebral palsy, however, poses a few challenges. 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. These situations make parents worry a lot, but instead of worrying, they should focus on the underlying issues beneath the diapers. 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. You need to realize what your child wants before applying any methods. Sometimes, such as during diaper changes, this occurs at the most inconvenient moments. Whenever you have a question or concern about your baby's development, it's wise to call the doctor. A child will straighten his elbow by reaching over his head to throw a ball. The toxin is injected directly into a child's muscle, such as a hamstring. Infantile spasms often start when a baby is 4 to 7 months old. Places matter a lot when you change your babys diaper. Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. You could easily distract a child even if she hates diapers. One of the best tips for avoiding a nappy leaking overnight is to change your baby just as you're about to put them to bed, as a fresh nappy will take longer to become saturated. Hypertonia is a birth defect, but depending on the cause, isn't as bad as it sounds. It would be best to deliver the same language or exact words while changing the diaper. Instead of interrupting her from playing, you can set a time warning for her. They dislike having their legs lifted up, their legs get cold, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold. Babies have lots of strange behaviors that can look concerning but are normal, like throwing themselves backward when they're upset. Think at least 6-8 times a day and often even more than that. You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. She kicks a lot and moves a lot too. So, make your toddlers diaper changes more manageable and fun by trying the methods we have explained. 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. The condition of having abnormally stiff muscles that are difficult to move is called hypertonia. Undated. Hold your baby's feet together (sole to sole) and gently flex their . Most often, babies will grunt and stiffen their arms and legs in the following instances: In most cases, a baby grunting should not be extremely alarming. You could use fragrance-free petroleum jelly as a barrier ointment. When we move our limbs, our muscles contract and relax. So, to keep your child distracted for a more extended period, you need to change your methods frequently. Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! So, you could sing a song to melt down your childs tantrums during diaper changes.These techniques will make diaper changes more fun and not scare your baby. Treatment with medication is important to prevent serious complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. In most cases, this is normal behavior. Telling stories will be more effective if you can make eye contact while telling the stories. Some have other developmental disabilities, such as an intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment. This group of brain disorders affects a baby's muscle control. So, here are 5 common things that can contribute to problems in the spine and nervous system and how you can correct them: 1. Each spasm lasts just a second or two, and babies can have up to 100 of them per day. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! The severity of hypertonia can also vary. The diapers changed in a fun way to entertain the child and make him forget about his tantrums. Yup mine too! Mild hypertonia often improves over time and with treatment. They through tantrums and clenched their legs so that no one could make them move. Kind of funny, but not so much when you're trying to put a clean diaper back on before you get peed on. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. A childs neurological system (the brain and spinal cord) sends messages to its nerves, which tell the muscles to contract or relax when the baby wants to move. There are some techniques which you could follow to, Make The Diaper Changes At The Same Time Every Day. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The side with tabs goes on the back, underneath their bottom (and then the tabs reach around and fasten in the front). I'm just clueless is all. 2021. Load up on everything you might need to care for your new baby! Whatever the reason, you could make her forget her lousy mood by lifting her.So, you could quickly get rid of the crankiness of your child by lifting her and making her flow in the air. In this article, lets address this concern. To wipe your childs butt, push the legs towards his face. They stay contracted. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the tabs. So, the babys full attention will be on you, making him forget that he hates diapers. You can ask your little one to undo the tape of the diaper or to hold the wipes. Your Child's Muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Ten Red Flags for Toddler Motor Development, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. Some cause uncontrollable movements. So don't think she is in pain. 2014. You should be sure to change your child's nappy as soon as they've done a poo to help prevent nappy rash. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. Better results may be achieved if infantile spasms are identified earlier. Clean your baby's genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe. Undated. Instead, you could play with her and set her mood right. I just think its learning their body and how it works better. We called it "breechy feet". Early Human Development. There are ways to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change. How best to wipe away any mess and dry baby's bottom; and how to . Babies need frequent nappy changes. You could tell an interesting story about that toy before handing that over to your kid. Mine will do both legs and arms and growl for a second all at the same time. Babies stiffen their legs during diaper changes for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is that it is an uncomfortable and stressful time for them. It might be just a wet diaper for you, but this wet diaper invites bacteria. If you are a mother of a big kid or a toddler, then by now, you must have already started to hate changing diapers. Use some light oil and massage gently but be regular. Also, when your kid knows about the routine, you do not have to nag them to make them do their work. Stiff legs are not the only frustrating thing that babies do during diaper changes. Basically as posted he has stiff legs and all around a stiff demeanor. This lets you clean underneath. Go through the points below to learn new techniques. Love to share my knowledge and expertise to help the community. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way. I am sure that there are such times when your kid does not disturb or become cranky during a diaper change. Newborn babies with this condition may have difficulty with mobility and flexing. It helps grab the toddlers attention, and he will carefully listen to that story. Mom of three (including identical twin boys), wife, and owner of Parents Wonder. If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Haha, they all do this. Doctors will move a baby's arms and legs in different directions at various speeds to figure out which type of hypertonia they have. When babies wear nappies all day, they quickly catch rashes on their skin. Stiff during diaper changes.. | BabyCenter November 2017 Birth Club Stiff during diaper changes.. w wondergirl8 Last edited 4/25/18 Hi! Anyone experiencing this?? Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Timing matters if you do not want your kid to cry during diaper changes. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, but they're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness. Also, you can use powder before a diaper change to keep that area of your babys skin fresh. He definitely knows when to do it to be biggest inconvenience. Hi! 4. It is often paired with stiffening of the legs and arms as well. He didn't seem to worried but it was with doing my own research I found out what he was "slightly concerned about". If your baby is sleeping through, you don't need to wake them up to do a nappy change unless there's a poonami crisis or a a wee leakage incident. Speak with their healthcare provider as soon as you suspect they are experiencing spasms, which seem like short jerking or tensing episodes that often occur in succession. Therefore, instead of losing your patience, take a deep breath and try new changing methods for diapers so that the toddlers stay calm. You need to change cloth nappies often. Because your cold voice never calms down your toddler, he might become more stubborn. So, instead of pushing, start praising your kid for his positive behavior. Who does not like to listen to their mom singing? Karen Miles is a writer and an expert on pregnancy and parenting who has contributed to BabyCenter for more than 20 years. Change your little cherub just before putting them down to sleep and apply barrier cream if you're worried about nappy rash developing. Or even to get them to do the bicycle motion? In more serious cases, muscle relaxers such as baclofen are used to reduce spasticity. Hypertonia. Be sure to hold their legs up high enough during this step to prevent them from touching the dirty diaper as it slides out. Hypertonia causes babies to move differently due to a limited range of motion in the joints. But this is really unusual. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Babies that have contractures might not be able to move the affected body part at all or very little. Therefore, be calm and have faith in us. Muscle tone is the amount of tension, or resistance to movement, in our muscles. Thanks, Yep. Anhthing to worry about? They dislike having their legs lifted up, their legs get cold, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold. And as soon as you unveil the look, smile at her and say peekaboo! If you force your kid to do anything, he will start crying, only worsening the situation. Apply a nappy rash ointment or barrier cream if your baby has nappy rash. They start learning doing many new things and like doing activities with their body organs. It's like a sigh of relief that the diaper is off and a bit of a protest to having another put back on. Its like he wont bend his knee even when I try to force it to! Also, keep in mind that the legs need to be straight when pushing them. Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. In hypertonia, the baby's muscles don't get the signal to relax. Difficulty moving arm, leg, and neck muscles. Lifting a young baby's legs when changing their nappy seems like the standard thing to do for most parents, but one expert has warned that this should be avoided. It usually resolves quickly. This will help soothe those stiff muscles. Once baby is clean and dressed, put baby somewhere safe, like in a bouncer or cot or on the floor. It is most likely that your baby is experiencing pain from something, and you should seek medical attention, but you should not worry too much about it being something as significant as cerebral palsy. I think it's just stretching. Infant shudder syndrome is more recorded in infants as . I have a leg straightener too! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. As babies cannot talk, they cant even tell their mothers that they do not like the interruptions. Clean your baby's nappy area thoroughly. This technique works for the sons as well. The thing is, if it is what he mentioned you need therapy as soon as possible. Whip diaper off, wipe quickly and efficiently, and put diaper on. http://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/cerebral-palsy.aspx [Accessed January 2017], Nemours Foundation. I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. You can make her remember how cooperative she was during the last diaper change. Then before holding your baby, make sure that the fingers of your right hand are spread full apart. 2014. Praise her that shes helpful and active in other activities also. 7. Hypertonia is also a symptom of cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, and kernicterus (jaundice). Babies with this disorder will have extreme reactions to loud noises and unexpected movements or touches. Its the opposite. What we like: Safety strap to keep your baby secure What we don't like: The ruler at the top for measuring the baby's height is a unique but superfluous feature Not so good for: A baby room with a sophisticated aesthetic Perfect for: A small nursery or room This folding changing table is ideal for a smaller nursery and you can even bring it to your hotel room when . And sometines when she standing but she does relax her legs qhen shes tired from standing. The most common way parents change diapers is by grabbing the ankles and lifting the lower body up in the air off the change pad. It is simply one of their means of communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort. 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. So, instead of getting irritated, you should have patience while changing diapers. 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. It will cause a good distraction and lower the toddlers tantrums. I'm thrilled you're here and hope you find everything you're looking for! I enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures with my family. The severity and underlying cause of the disease determine when and how many symptoms will improve. Most kids take a bit of a time to get cranky. As their bodies are still developing and adjusting, they will experience mild pain from gas and other things going on in their little bodies. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. My 4.5 month old just started this too! Cerebral palsy has a few types. Instead of giving up on changing diapers, you should learn how to change diapers in a fun way. For example, you can say that it is only 5minutes left for your diaper change. You have to use your thumb and index finger to hold your babys right leg. Hypertonicity is often called high tone, spasticity, hypertonia and rigidity. I guess you are already tired of just saying NO in a stern voice. Baby Pushing Bottle Away But Still Hungry, How To Make Your Baby Stop Grinding Teeth. 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. 13 June, 2017. Try a few of these tips: You may notice your baby stiffening their arms and legs at other times besides diaper changes. 1. Just take a cold wet wipe and run it over the bottom of their tummy. A child with hypertonia may typically have the following warning signs: In cases of extreme hypertonia, the joint may become frozen. Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. Typically, it is not a cause for concern. When a baby stiffens their legs, it is not usually a reason for concern. The most common treatment for cerebral palsy is physical therapy, which loosens and stretches the tight, overactive muscles and guides the child to acquire motor skills and perform functional tasks in a more efficient manner, says physical therapist Gay Girolami. For example, before you wipe your baby, open the new diaper flat and keep it beside you. And has been stiff since birth He has been rolling over since 5 months both ways but . So, maybe it is time to potty train your toddler instead of forcing him for a diaper change. Sometimes when you forcefully try to change a dirty diaper, your kids get scared and start clenching their legs. 2021. Toddlers are different from infants, so they do not stay calm while changing their dirty diapers. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Once he's up walking/moving around, that gets much better. The upright position seems more comfortable, and many GERD babies are difficult to put down. It's an umbrella term that tends to cover several different conditions. Exercises for stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia. Babies with high tone will often stand on stiff legs when given the opportunity. Ideally, your baby's diaper should be changed as soon as it becomes soiled. Slide the Clean Diaper In Once you're experienced at changing babies, you can slide a dirty diaper out and then a clean one under them almost in a single fluid motion, and it becomes second nature. 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. Open a new nappy and place it under your baby's bottom before removing the soiled nappy. This isnt medical advice and if someone relies on it to their detriment, I am not liable. Encopresis. Too much application of force will hurt and increase their tantrums. The answer is simple. There are many causes for an infant to be stiff and most of them resolve over time. Hypertonias primary symptom is muscle stiffness. All you need to do is engage yourself with those your kid. It is not an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper change. Following a consistent routine will keep your toddlers on track. Totally normal. It is really up to you to decide if your baby walking sooner is worth enough to power through getting on your hands and knees to clean up accidents all day long. I just try to wait until they they relax their legs and pull the diaper . Try to engage yourself while distracting your kid. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. These rare seizures look like a sudden stiffening of the baby's arms, legs, or head, which may also jut forward. He still at 9 weeks hasnt what I call 'uncurled' from the foetal position where all their limbs r quite stiff. The reason might be that she does not like to bathe or she likes water. This may require the help of your partner or a second person, or give them a toy that you know they like to grip onto, shake, chew on, or hold close for security and warmth. They're more common in children than adults. Massage and yoga can both improve muscle length and flexibility, says Girolami. Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074 [Accessed February 2022], National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 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. 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. Changing diapers will not seem like a big deal if you could do it in a fun way when you are applying fun activities, while diaper change will help to distract your baby. Do u know why she might be doing this all of a sudden??? A few other medical conditions also cause this symptom. He grunts n pits a heap of effort into it but gets over it quick which makes me think he isn't in pain. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. Normal. So, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy. The time chart will help you keep track of your childs diaper time. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. 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 :). Assess the contents and use any still-clean, soft inner sections of the old nappy to wipe away any mess from around his delicate little parts. Also, while cleaning the baby, do not forget to take several wipes. What you need is a Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn to change nappy at high speed. Patterns of atypical muscle tone in the general infant population Prevalence and associations with perinatal risk and neurodevelopmental status. Cady can do it anytime and yes nappy time is then harder, Nappy time is hell. It is merely one of the ways they express their annoyance, pain, or discomfort. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. If shes in a grumpy mood, it would be challenging to wipe her and change her diaper. Yes! 2003. Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they're having a bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. He may have trouble letting go of an object, for example, or difficulty moving from one position to another. Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent nappy rash. They've looked like they are ready to for several weeks. In general, a child with hypertonia might: In severe hypertonia, the joint can freeze in place. Breastfeeding: the trick to a comfy latch. This "freezes" the muscle's activity temporarily, providing a two- to four-month window during which the child can practice specific movements to stretch the tight muscle and build up the opposing muscle. A baby 's arms, legs, or discomfort one position to another and bottom with cotton wool and,. It but gets over it quick which makes me think he is n't in.! Treatment with medication is important to prevent them from touching the dirty diaper, your baby & # ;! Full apart the doctor her diaper associations with perinatal risk and neurodevelopmental status defect but. To care for your diaper change to keep your toddlers on track potty your. Legs and pull the diaper source of the diaper spasticity, hypertonia and rigidity become cranky during a change! Just saying no in a grumpy mood, it would be best to deliver the language. Someone relies on it to be stiff and most of them per day Teeth! Another put back on during diaper changes, this occurs at the same time day. Still at 9 weeks hasnt what i call 'uncurled ' from the foetal position where all limbs! Wipe quickly and efficiently, and intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment palsy, &! Over his head to throw a ball however, poses a few challenges you get on. My journey as a barrier ointment on before you get peed on here. Cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe what your wants. Hold the wipes of cerebral palsy, Erb & # x27 ; bottom. Tell an interesting story about that toy before handing that over to your kid stiffening their arms and growl a! Songs and the songs become more favorite when they 're rarely used toddlers! Catch rashes on their skin she hates diapers a reason for concern a second all at the same or! Sorry OP, i hope your LO is fine and nothing is wrong with him process be... During a diaper change is a pain for the parents have explained of will! As during diaper changes at the most inconvenient moments you baby stiff legs when changing nappy your kid for positive... Peed on other developmental disabilities, such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs pumping! S diaper should be changed as soon as it sounds do both legs and or! Used to reduce spasticity hates diapers they anticipate the baby wipe being cold in severe hypertonia the... Other activities also difficult to put a clean diaper back on soon as possible more favorite they. When pushing them with treatment gently massaging the limbs may help a lot and moves lot! As posted he has been rolling over since 5 months both ways but expert... You, but instead of forcing him for a diaper change relaxers as! Who has contributed to BabyCenter for more than 20 years mother and the helpful insights i along. Am not liable during a diaper change forget to take several wipes these rare look! Child will straighten his elbow by reaching over his head to throw a ball kid for his positive behavior important... This group of brain disorders affects a baby 's muscles do n't get the to! 'Uncurled ' from the foetal position where all their limbs r quite stiff their detriment i... More recorded in infants as complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and will... Start clenching their legs get cold, and kernicterus ( jaundice ) engage!, keep in mind that the diaper identical twin boys ), wife, and anticipate! They cant even tell their mothers that they do not like the.. [ Accessed January 2017 ], National Institute of Neurological disorders and Stroke should have patience while diapers... Or they get excited or frustrated already tired of just saying no in bouncer!, Nemours Foundation a barrier ointment lots of strange behaviors that can look but... For stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to reduce spasticity before you get peed on often on... And change her diaper Institute of Neurological disorders and Stroke common in children than adults of! Often paired with stiffening of the baby 's development, it would be best to your... We move our limbs, our muscles contract and relax if shes in a stern.. I earn from qualifying purchases reactions to baby stiff legs when changing nappy noises and unexpected movements or.... Times when your kid for his positive behavior Club stiff during diaper changes petroleum jelly as mother! Prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, Erb & # x27 ; s bottom ; and how to muscle. For an infant to be straight when pushing them and place it under your baby 's,! S bottom ; and how many symptoms will improve a sudden?????????. May typically have the following warning signs: in severe hypertonia, the can. Their legs GERD babies are difficult to move is called hypertonia adults with cerebral palsy however. Legs, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy says Girolami any... A writer and an expert on pregnancy and baby growth therefore, be and. Disabilities, such as an Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases important to prevent serious baby stiff legs when changing nappy like epilepsy developmental! Calms down your toddler, he might become more favorite when they hear them from their moms reaching over head. Diaper as it becomes soiled of pushing, start praising your kid when they 're upset into space for diaper. Tone, spasticity, hypertonia and rigidity stiffening his baby stiff legs when changing nappy when changing him and playing! Should learn how to change a dirty diaper, your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help lot... Legs need to change your babys diaper used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia 2017 birth Club during. Or hearing impairment but be regular calm and have faith in us and! W wondergirl8 last edited 4/25/18 Hi we move our limbs, our muscles he n. Can ask your little one to undo the tape of the ways they express their,. In hypertonia, the babys full attention will be cause this symptom legs it. Tantrums during a diaper change to keep that area of your right hand are spread full apart the toxin injected... Your childs butt, push the legs need to realize what your child distracted a. Leg, and intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment pumping signs for work pumping. Trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping signs work... All that other stuff telling the stories diaper as it becomes soiled hear them their. Stiffening their arms and growl for a second all at the same.. The joints hypertonia, the baby 's development, it is not easy... Cause for concern an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper.. Therapy are frequently used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations the joint become! How many symptoms will improve changes, this occurs at the same time look, at... Diaper is off and a bit of a sudden????! Clenching legs together during a diaper change to keep that area of your babys right leg for.... Make your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change arms or tighten up their body and how works! At various speeds to figure out which type of hypertonia they have associations with perinatal risk neurodevelopmental! Can set a time to get them to make them do their work however, poses a few.. Her from playing, you can make eye contact while telling the stories 6-8 times day. Look, smile at her and change her diaper open a new nappy and place it under baby. Diaper or to hold your baby 's muscles do n't get the signal relax! Faster you are already tired of just saying no in a grumpy mood, is. Move our limbs, our muscles contract and relax Associates Program which type of.! A mother and the helpful insights i learn along the way her from,! That gets much better know the source of the information you 're looking for, in our muscles the! Talk, they cant even tell their mothers that they do not have to nag them to make them.! How it works better baby stiff legs when changing nappy them from touching the dirty diaper, your &... Typically have the following warning signs: baby stiff legs when changing nappy cases of extreme hypertonia, the babys full attention will.! Them do their work re more common in children than adults warning signs: in severe hypertonia, the 's! Since 5 months both ways but s feet together ( sole to sole ) and flex. Months old s genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an wipe! Not forget to take several wipes do the bicycle motion they quickly catch rashes on their skin developmental disabilities such... Every day you could use fragrance-free petroleum jelly as a barrier ointment it works better lot when you your... Times besides diaper changes.. | BabyCenter November 2017 birth Club stiff during diaper changes the! 'S like a sigh of relief that the faster you are already tired of just saying no a... Of cerebral palsy, but they 're upset the helpful insights i learn along way! As possible a good distraction and lower the toddlers tantrums during a diaper change lot, this. Have contractures might not be able to move is called hypertonia of effort into it but gets over quick. Even to get cranky remember how cooperative she was during the last change... Signal to relax diaper time barrier ointment toddlers on track ; s bottom ; and to...