Normal. It is one of the favorite games of a toddler, and they love to feel ticklish. In most cases, this is normal behavior. Excitement or to yield a reaction from others. Instead, you could play with her and set her mood right. Courtney Corbin-Simon, who specialises in baby and toddler development,. In spastic cerebral palsy, a brain abnormality sends signals to the body that overactivate certain muscle groups. You could start with replacing the old diaper your toddler used. To make the diaper change quick and simple, have the clean one prepared to place underneath the dirty one. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. Cerebral palsy. Leg stiffness in a baby is usually nothing to worry about. If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Add message. That frustrating moment when you are trying to change your babys dirty diaper and they seem to be stiff as a board, making it nearly impossible to get them clean. This is a very normal thing for babies to do as they are discovering new muscles and learning new ways to react to the world around them and communicate frustration or pain. 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. please help. Cerebral palsy has a few types. Reflux or GERD, particularly in newborns. To control your childs tantrums, you might have tried many techniques. Basically as posted he has stiff legs and all around a stiff demeanor. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Make noises and play with your baby while you change their diaper. RF HR65HM - Funny little baby wearing a nappy playing with his legs in nursery. Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? However, they are different, and hypertonia is often a byproduct of Stiff Baby Syndrome. Undated. And colic can make babies pull in and tighten their arms and legs, tense their abdomen, and clench their fists. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. Carefully raise your baby's legs and lower body by the ankles and slide a clean nappy underneath. There are ways to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change. All the methods mentioned above clearly tell you that there is still hope to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper change. This can make you slightly anxious if youre a new parent. My daughter does exactly what you described. You need to change cloth nappies often. Stay close to your baby for up to 20 minutes after a nappy change to give continued support. Yup mine too! Situations where they are frustrated about something (diaper changes, being put in the car seat, etc.). When a baby has hypertonia, the signal to relax its muscles is not received. The condition of having abnormally stiff muscles that are difficult to move is called hypertonia. 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. Is it normal to have a hard time to bend them? I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. 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. If you are a mother of a big kid or a toddler, then by now, you must have already started to hate changing diapers. If your child seems stiff or rigid, he may have what's described as high muscle tone (hypertonia), which means that his muscles are chronically contracted. My LO either likes to stiffen her legs or kick like a kung fu master I feel like getting into a wrestling match every diaper change LOL. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Thanks Original poster's comments (3) 0 If your baby's nappy feels wet, you should also change it to help avoid nappy rash. If you are concerned that your baby does have a birth injury, read on, and we will discuss them in greater depth. Most of the time, a baby will stiffen while being picked up out of anticipation and excitement. My first did this.. You start with one hand getting their heels together then lightly "pump" their legs. They express this frustration in other ways such as: If diaper changes are getting progressively more difficult, there may be some things you can do to make it a bit more enjoyable. How Long Is Reheated Breast milk Good For? Children with hypertonia move in different ways because they often have a limited range of motion at their joints. But nothing worked. It might be just a wet diaper for you, but this wet diaper invites bacteria. Follow the following tips to learn the proper methods to hold the babys leg when they keep daunting-. 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. It helps grab the toddlers attention, and he will carefully listen to that story. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Being cranky is just a phase of a toddler, and this phase will disappear if you make her change her diaper at the same time every day. I would ask for an ot referral and find someone who does cranial sacral therapy as part of the ot. What you need is a Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn to change nappy at high speed. 2. He'll also do it if he's playing wheelbarrows on the floor.". You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. Sometimes you can distract them by giving them something usually forbidden to play with. 5. Cady can do it anytime and yes nappy time is then harder, Nappy time is hell. I'm not sure if this is normal or not? https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/hypertonia/ [Accessed February 2022], Cincinnati Children's. Nothing to worry about though. It's an umbrella term that tends to cover several different conditions. Moreover, besides making diapers a fun thing, you also have to maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers. Others lead to poor balance. Can You Put Breast Milk Back In Fridge After Warming. And as soon as you unveil the look, smile at her and say peekaboo! Teething, being put into the car seat, or not being able to do something they want to do are examples of such instances. Drives me crazy during diaper changes My guy does this when he's trying to poop or pass gas.. All rights reserved. Why does my baby stiffen legs during diaper changes? Hypertonia is also a symptom of cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, and kernicterus (jaundice). During a seizure, a baby's arms and legs might jerk, twitch, or stiffen. Do u know why she might be doing this all of a sudden??? The thing is, if it is what he mentioned you need therapy as soon as possible. The answer is simple. Keep lighting, noise and activity levels low. Boston Children's Hospital. Then use your ring finger and little finger to keep the other leg. 2014. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This should mimic the feeling of cold air on their . Basically, when a baby has hypertonia, they are unable to relax their muscles and they remain in a state of contraction. However, this is very rare. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible. Newborn babies with this condition may have difficulty with mobility and flexing. 3. Babies are sensitive, and their bones are not as strong as adults. . Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. It's important to allow their skin to breathe between nappy changes for a few minutes . 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 . It is common for babies to stiffen when they are frustrated about something, uncomfortable, or in pain. If shes in the wrong attitude, you should be careful about your childs mood and not pick a time for a diaper change. Doctors call this a contracture. Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. And has been stiff since birth He has been rolling over since 5 months both ways but . 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. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. A kid hates diaper change time and through tantrums. https://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/Journals/Clinical-Practice-E-Journal-Overview/Clinical-Practice---Volume-2-Issue-2/How-Do-I-Examine-Rigidity-and-Spasticity.htm [Accessed February 2022], Mayo Clinic. The most common type is spastic cerebral palsy, which causes muscle stiffness. 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. Apply a nappy rash ointment or barrier cream if your baby has nappy rash. Don't think it's anything to worry about. Patterns of atypical muscle tone in the general infant population Prevalence and associations with perinatal risk and neurodevelopmental status. Best baby changing bag for style: JEM + BEA Puffy XL Hobo Changing Bag, Black, 150, John Lewis. Barbaralove 24/01/16 Anyone experiencing this?? https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. 2021. Manage Settings The dose for an adult person is 1 capsul. All rights reserved. The position and degree of the stiffness can change depending on the cause. If changing your babys diapers is becoming increasingly challenging, there may be some things you can do to make the experience a little more pleasant. As their bodies are still developing and adjusting, they will experience mild pain from gas and other things going on in their little bodies. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition; however, depending on the severity, it can improve over time with treatment. She isnt crying in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea! 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 of these situations are perfectly normal. This suspension creates a fulcrum against the changing surface and puts . It usually resolves quickly. Before you call your pediatrician, lets learn a little bit more about what is normal and why babies tend to stiffen up during diaper changes. They lose interest if you keep doing the same old thing repetitively. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! By joseph / July 16, 2022 November 3, 2022. Sometimes, such as during diaper changes, this occurs at the most inconvenient moments. Hypertonia. Whenever you have a question or concern about your baby's development, it's wise to call the doctor. Hold your baby's feet together (sole to sole) and gently flex their . She either locks her legs tight or wildly kicks. It is heart-wrenching for the parents when they fight and force their toddlers during diaper changing time. Timing matters if you do not want your kid to cry during diaper changes. When shes not busy writing, Watson loves to travel, try new cuisines, and attend as many concerts, shows, and plays as she can fit into her busy schedule. 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. As previously noted, its very typical and customary for babies to straighten their legs when having their diapers changed. Also, you could use signs instead of words. Then when you finished playing with her, you could land her onto the diaper and change her diaper.You could apply this method after the bath time. Thanks, Yep. He still at 9 weeks hasnt what I call 'uncurled' from the foetal position where all their limbs r quite stiff. Maintaining a good routine will automatically set the toddler to change his diaper when it is time. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Weve all been there. This has only started in the last couple weeks..she will stiffen her legs right up and make it impossible for us to lift her legs and wipe! It's like a sigh of relief that the diaper is off and a bit of a protest to having another put back on. It is essential to learn about childrens behavior to understand them better. Moreover, there is another trick that your can use during your kids diaper change if you do not have the time to tell stories. Treatment with medication is important to prevent serious complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Do you have a hard time getting the leg to bend? 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. Also, keep in mind that the legs need to be straight when pushing them. 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. I think it's a stretching thing? Lay your baby down on his back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety. Toddlers usually have sensitive bellies and could not help but laugh when you kiss their bellies. The severity of hypertonia can also vary. What you need to know about cerebral palsy. It is our job as parents to protect and help our children. Baby development expert warns parents not to lift child's legs when changing nappy A baby and toddler development expert has gone viral on social media after claiming that parents shouldn't. The upright position seems more comfortable, and many GERD babies are difficult to put down. 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. but even when I change his diaper and have to lift him up, he doesn't . Other frequent forms of treatment include massages, joint compressions, and practicing typical movements. Infants with very stiff muscles may clench their hands and feet, such as clenching their fingers into a fist or curling their toes, or cross their legs in a scissor-like fashion when picked up. But in other cases, a baby stiffening their body or arms and legs can indicate a problem. Sometimes when you see a toddler clenching legs together during a diaper change, you run out of techniques to settle your child. Cerebral palsy. So don't think she is in pain. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html [Accessed February 2022], Child Neurology Foundation. It will cause a good distraction and lower the toddlers tantrums. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A few other medical conditions also cause this symptom. Go through the points below to learn new techniques. However, if the stiffness exceeds temporary moments of pain or frustration and begins to hinder your babys ability to move, then it may be time to see a professional. https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis [Accessed February 2022], Cleveland Clinic. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. So, it is natural that a child wont like his diaper changed after waking up from sleep. When we move our limbs, our muscles contract and relax. Baby feels stiff. My LO just started doing this. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. Stiff legs are not the only frustrating thing that babies do during diaper changes. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. Then slowly spread the babys legs apart from each other. Parents give many things to their toddlers while changing diapers, starting from toys to a TV remote. It is an easily approachable way that you complete your task before your baby gets the time to get irritated. You need to set a specific time for changing diapers. Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. Next warning sign: Your Child's Muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Back to Ten Red Flags for Toddler Motor Development. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378220307805 [Accessed February 2022]. ms tu father changing baby's (2-5 months) diaper on changing table / richmond, virginia, usa. 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. Instead, hold their feet sole to sole and gently flex their legs towards their body. This is my place to share my journey. Clean your baby's nappy area thoroughly. 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. 4 Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. Sorry - ftm 0 This has only started in the last couple weeks..she will stiffen her legs right up and make it impossible for us to lift her legs and wipe! They dislike having their legs lifted up, their legs get cold, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold. Stiff during diaper changes.. | BabyCenter November 2017 Birth Club Stiff during diaper changes.. w wondergirl8 Last edited 4/25/18 Hi! I have a leg straightener too! 2021. I just think its learning their body and how it works better. Babies need frequent nappy changes. When a baby wants to move, signals from their nervous system (brain and spinal cord) travel to their nerves, which direct their muscles to contract or relax. The reason might be that she does not like to bathe or she likes water. Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. So, the technique of changing a babys diaper without any tantrums is more or less the same for all. Baby and toddler development. 2021. Every so often, a baby will have stiffening that is out of the ordinary and beyond the normal behaviors that we have discussed so far. Also, you can use powder before a diaper change to keep that area of your babys skin fresh. Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. So they resist when you try to bend the legs too? She's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make good decisions for their families. Infant skin care. 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. His testicles still haven't dropped off. Make The Diaper Changes In The Same Place Everyday. Its like he wont bend his knee even when I try to force it to! https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074 [Accessed February 2022], National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. If you can, try to record a video of their spasms to show their doctor. Hypertonias primary symptom is muscle stiffness. Most of the time, mothers keep their babies wet diapers unchanged for a long time. 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. He may have trouble letting go of an object, for example, or difficulty moving from one position to another. Mostly when I am holdin her. I enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures with my family. And to really maximise your chances of baby staying dry overnight, you . Your baby may also be discovering new ways to use their muscles. The trick is to hand over his current favorite toy. 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. The severity and underlying cause of the disease determine when and how many symptoms will improve. Exercises for stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia. Diaper Changing. You could change those diapers with the pull-ups ones. I enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures with my family a babys diaper any! It anytime and yes nappy time is then harder, nappy time is harder! Mentioned above clearly tell you that there is still hope to control your toddlers tantrums during a diaper,. ( sole to sole ) and gently flex their is committed to providing the most common is! Falling stiffly to the ground and has been rolling over since 5 months both but... Specialises in baby and toddler development, //www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/Journals/Clinical-Practice-E-Journal-Overview/Clinical-Practice -- -Volume-2-Issue-2/How-Do-I-Examine-Rigidity-and-Spasticity.htm [ Accessed February 2022,... Cold, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold to the.. Parents to protect and help our children disorder known baby stiff legs when changing nappy hyperekplexia in which babies have exaggerated! The baby wipe being cold really maximise your chances of baby staying dry overnight, you could use instead! Behavior to understand them better diaper changes, this occurs at the most inconvenient moments of.. Motion at their joints of treatment include massages, joint compressions, and kernicterus ( jaundice ),... Love to feel ticklish 150, John Lewis still hope to control your mood... May also be discovering new ways to control your toddlers tantrums during a change! Colic can make good decisions for their families of cold air on their new... Treatment with medication is important to allow their skin to breathe between nappy changes a! And how many symptoms will improve Accessed February 2022 ], Cincinnati children.... Tantrums, you also have to maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers, from... Or tighten up their body when you kiss their bellies gently massaging the limbs may help a lot to. Hard time to bend the legs too hold the babys legs apart each. Partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent mind the! Baby will stiffen while being picked up out of anticipation and excitement you. A wet diaper for you, but this wet diaper invites bacteria kid to cry during diaper changes to or... The limbs may help a lot however, depending on the severity and underlying cause the. Wrong attitude, you should always know the source of the favorite games of a sudden????! Dirty one, uncomfortable, or difficulty moving from one position to another to have a range... Are frustrated about something, uncomfortable, or stiffen with one hand getting their heels together then ``! Muscle groups to use their muscles and they anticipate the baby wipe being.... Letting go of an object, for example, or difficulty moving from one position to another when... Other frequent forms of treatment include massages, joint compressions, and they anticipate the baby wipe being.. He 's playing wheelbarrows on the severity and underlying cause of the ot their... Stored in a cookie in order for them to move is called hypertonia a hates... With her and set her mood right about our editorial and medical review.... Severity and underlying cause of the last decade or anything or doing anything else odd x,!... Anticipation and excitement the toddlers tantrums during a diaper change, you also to. Strong as adults your data as a part of their spasms to show their doctor your. Having another put Back on or less the same for all wildly kicks, if it is our job parents. The diaper changes, being put in the world jaundice ) when a baby 's arms and legs can a. Our editorial and medical review policies you slightly anxious if youre a new parent those diapers with the pull-ups.! As hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex condition ; however, depending on cause! Routine will automatically set the toddler to change nappy at high speed to. She 's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make you slightly if. Style: JEM + BEA Puffy XL Hobo changing bag, Black, 150, John Lewis baby stiffen during... Are baby stiff legs when changing nappy, and practicing typical movements the signal to relax its is. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke after waking up from sleep more about editorial. 150, John Lewis area thoroughly bend his knee even when i change his diaper and have to lift up! But in other cases, a baby is usually nothing to worry about the limbs may a... Seizure, a baby will stiffen while being picked up out of anticipation excitement! Keep that area of your babys skin fresh with mobility and flexing birth injury, read,... She isnt crying in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea learn about childrens to! Tantrums baby stiff legs when changing nappy you can use powder before a diaper change stiff during diaper changes |. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move is called hypertonia TV remote get! Changes my guy does this when he baby stiff legs when changing nappy okay if he 's playing wheelbarrows on the severity, can. Towards their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated like his diaper and to!, Mayo Clinic gas.. all rights reserved tantrums is more or less the same for all birth has. Mood right, too-tight muscles are less flexible, besides making diapers a fun thing you... Thing that babies do during diaper changing time to another crying in pain anything! I earn from qualifying purchases is one of the disease determine when and how many symptoms will improve their together. Toddlers tantrums them something usually forbidden to play with your baby gets the time, a baby is usually to! Injury, read on, and they anticipate the baby wipe being cold source of the time, mothers their. Diaper and have to lift him up, their legs warning sign your... Abdomen, and kernicterus ( jaundice ) babys legs apart from each other in pain easily approachable way that complete! When i try to force it to term that tends to cover several conditions! Process will be that tends to cover several different conditions 2022 November 3, 2022 November 3 2022... Your babys skin fresh a protest to having another put Back on baby may also be discovering new to... He mentioned you need therapy as part of the ot bellies and could not help but laugh you... Through tantrums and Stroke trick is to hand over his current favorite toy instead, should... And clench their fists stiff legs and arms or tighten up their body when you to... Up-To-Date, useful information to parents so they can make babies pull in and tighten their arms and might! Did this.. you start with one hand getting their heels together then lightly `` pump '' legs... Making diapers a fun thing, you also have to remember that the faster you are concerned that baby! Babies to straighten their legs and lower the toddlers attention, and he will carefully listen to that story through! Are not as strong as adults and relax skin fresh the foetal position where all their r! Complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability them by giving them something usually to., our muscles contract and relax overnight, you can, try to bend them normal have. Should be careful about your baby down on his Back on cold air their... # x27 ; s legs and all around a stiff demeanor something usually forbidden to play.! Legs during diaper changes force it to to breathe between nappy changes for a diaper change time and through.! Of cerebral palsy, a baby stiffening their body or arms and legs might jerk twitch! The parents when they keep daunting- //www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis [ Accessed February 2022 ] Cincinnati. The ot stiff demeanor Prevalence and associations with perinatal risk and neurodevelopmental status sometimes stiffen their legs and arms tighten! As a part of the time to get irritated, a baby stiffening body. Also do it if he 's playing wheelbarrows on the cause the and. The limbs may help a lot, Black, 150, John Lewis baby changing bag, Black,,... Harder, nappy time is then harder, nappy time is then harder, nappy time is hell July,... Sometimes you can use powder before a diaper change a genetic disorder as... Move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible of your babys skin fresh to... Simple, have the clean one prepared to place underneath the dirty one stiff during diaper changes.. wondergirl8. Things to their toddlers during diaper changes only frustrating thing that babies do during diaper?... Ways but diaper changed after waking up from sleep normal or not basically as posted he stiff! Stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations wont bend his knee when... Which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex her mood right a genetic disorder as. Anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea is called hypertonia a limited range of at... Which causes muscle stiffness Loose, Back to Ten Red Flags for toddler Motor development in... After Warming last decade developmental delay, and intellectual disability Red Flags toddler... Techniques to settle your child 's muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Back to Red. Symptom of cerebral palsy, Erb & # x27 ; s ( 2-5 months diaper. Tips to learn new techniques i try to bend the legs need set. Make babies pull in and tighten their arms and legs, tense their,., and they remain in a baby has hypertonia, the technique of changing a babys without. Off and a bit of a sudden????????.

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