It never fails, when all of my children have been around nine months old, changing them starts to feel like pig wrestling!  It is a struggle to get their diaper on or their clothes on before they flip over and start crawling or running away naked.  Here are a few of my suggestions to help during this time:

Suggestions

• First of all, expect it and plan for it. Know that it will take you a little longer to get them dressed and ready.
• Play games with them as you change them.  Play peek-a-boo, blow raspberries on their tummy, tickle them, etc.  The more engaged you are and the more you enjoy it, the less hassle and stressful it will be.  Your child may even have a little fun too.
• Sing silly songs
• Talk about their body parts and their functions
• Give them a small toy to play with
• Have everything with you when you start (diaper, wipes, clothes) so that you aren’t the one having to run off.

My Routine

With my current child of this age, this is my routine:

1. have everything ready and in the spot where I’m planning on changing him
2. take off his pants/shorts and throw them on top of his face
3. play peek-a-boo with him as I’m changing his diaper
4. put on his clothes as I name body parts when I touch them or right before I blow raspberries on them
5. I try my best to enjoy this time and not get frustrated, before long, I’ll have to chase him and wrestle him just to even get close to him

Do you have any suggestions?