baby stiff legs when changing nappy

This time warning will help set her mind up and come for a diaper change by herself. This lets you clean underneath. And as soon as you unveil the look, smile at her and say peekaboo! 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. Because your cold voice never calms down your toddler, he might become more stubborn. Use some light oil and massage gently but be regular. Before applying any diaper changing techniques to your kids, you should first know the reasons behind the tantrums. 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. 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! This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way. Add message. Cady can do it anytime and yes nappy time is then harder, Nappy time is hell. Top view of charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies. Since their bodies are still growing and adapting, children will experience some little discomfort from gas and other bodily changes. Also, remember that never interrupt your baby in the middle of doing something. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible. So, maybe it is time to potty train your toddler instead of forcing him for a diaper change. Babies with this disorder will have extreme reactions to loud noises and unexpected movements or touches. Exercises for stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia. You need to be careful when you pull a baby while changing his diaper. In hypertonia, the baby's muscles don't get the signal to relax. Undated. You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. Robotic movements because of limited motion in the joints and an inability to relax muscles. RF HR65HM - Funny little baby wearing a nappy playing with his legs in nursery. Yes my 18 week old has been doing it the last week or so. Yup mine too! Here are a few points about the management of this acid reflux: 1. A newborn infant will often cry because they are experiencing mild pain. I guess I am coming here to see if anyone's babies are displaying the same symptoms that my guy is. Again, it is not usually a cause for concern. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Ideally, your baby's diaper should be changed as soon as it becomes soiled. Rather he might be craving some food instead of wearing a diaper, which makes sense. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! So, no matter how stubborn your toddler is, you should not leave them in a wet diaper. While you are pulling the leg with one hand, you have to wipe the butt of your baby with your other hand. It is essential to learn about childrens behavior to understand them better. Massages, joint compressions, and practicing normal movements are also common parts of treatment. The time chart will help you keep track of your childs diaper time. An injury to the brain or spinal cord can prevent those signals from reaching the nerves. 2015. Holding your babys leg tightly will hurt them and make them cry. Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they're having a bowel movement, especially if the stool is hard. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition; however, depending on the severity, it can improve over time with treatment. As mentioned, stiffening of the legs during diaper changes is a very common and normal thing that babies do. https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/hypertonia/ [Accessed February 2022], Cincinnati Children's. You could tell an interesting story about that toy before handing that over to your kid. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It doesn't seem painful. 13 June, 2017. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22231-hypertonia-baby [Accessed February 2022], International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. So, here are 5 common things that can contribute to problems in the spine and nervous system and how you can correct them: 1. Typically, it is not a cause for concern. 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. Hypertonic babies will arch their backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs. 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. Timing matters if you do not want your kid to cry during diaper changes. Crying is a completely healthy and normal behavior for babies. Best designer baby changing bag: Logo Changing Bag, 263, Stella McCartney. 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. A child with hypertonia may typically have the following warning signs: In cases of extreme hypertonia, the joint may become frozen. So, instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice. This can make the symptoms easy to spot because your babys movements will not look normal. They lose interest if you keep doing the same old thing repetitively. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. While babies need to contract their muscles to move their bodies and sit upright, muscles that are continually contracted are less flexible. Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? Next warning sign: Your Child's Muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Back to Ten Red Flags for Toddler Motor Development. She kicks a lot and moves a lot too. Most kids take a bit of a time to get cranky. This isnt medical advice and if someone relies on it to their detriment, I am not liable. Sometimes when you forcefully try to change a dirty diaper, your kids get scared and start clenching their legs. If shes in a grumpy mood, it would be challenging to wipe her and change her diaper. 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. Creating balance between the two opposing muscle groups supports rather than restricts function. They feel delicate and get distracted. Researchers have found that a newborn baby can sense when their mother is about to pick them up and will stiffen in preparation. Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! Allow their bottom to air . However, they are different, and hypertonia is often a byproduct of Stiff Baby Syndrome. Sorry - ftm 0 Diaper changing itself is a challenging task, and the task become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums. Then before holding your baby, make sure that the fingers of your right hand are spread full apart. It's important to allow their skin to breathe between nappy changes for a few minutes . Infant shudder syndrome is more recorded in infants as . The severity of hypertonia can also vary. Clean your baby's genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe. Mine does this too. Babies have very delicate skin so their nappy needs to be changed as soon as they wet or poo themselves, otherwise their skin becomes sore and red. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Always wipe from front to back. Ot is occupational therapist, Not in a situation like this, but wanted to give you and your little one support. I guess you are already tired of just saying NO in a stern voice. Your Child's Muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Ten Red Flags for Toddler Motor Development, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. I would ask for an ot referral and find someone who does cranial sacral therapy as part of the ot. Then use your ring finger and little finger to keep the other leg. Spasticity describes a type of hypertonia that is characterized by muscle spasms and exaggerated reflexes during movement. Don't think it's anything to worry about. It happens because of damage to areas of the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movements. Hi! While you are changing your babys diaper to clean diaper, make noise and play with them. It is simply one of their means of communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort. They may have trouble walking, balancing, and letting go of objects they've grabbed. And sometines when she standing but she does relax her legs qhen shes tired from standing. In this article, lets address this concern. Have you ever noticed your baby going unusually stiff at random times? Similarly, Why do babies sit with legs straight? Manage Settings Maybe, you are using diapers for your toddlers that are time-consuming to put on. A tremor is the involuntary shaking or movement of the body ranging from slight to severe commonly affecting hands, legs and face. Instead, hold their feet sole to sole and gently flex their legs towards their body. The treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve muscle function. RF 2E22B7D - Mother changing baby's nappy on white, top view. Dystonic hypertonia is when muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. Bailey Smyth-Osborne suffered. Possible causes of hypertonia in babies include: Hypertonia isn't the only possible reason for a baby to stiffen their body. Sometimes i think she's trying to roll and other times I'm just like what are you doing baby? Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. They stay contracted. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Is it just them playing then - nothing sinister lol!? Never does it when I'm putting trousers on him though. Mild cases of hypertonia are often treated with physical therapy and stretching exercises. But if it happens often, you'll want to seek help. One of the primary reasons that babies stiffen their legs during diaper changes is because it is a frustrating time for them and not always the most comfortable. familyweal.com is a participant of Amazon Associates Program. Concerned about your child's development? This suspension creates a fulcrum against the changing surface and puts . So it always takes double the time for a routine diaper change nowadays ha ha. It will help to have some ideas on how to distract toddlers during diaper changes. I'm the mom of a beautiful girl and identical twin boys. The nerves may not receive those messages if the brain or spinal cord is damaged. Moreover, there is another trick that your can use during your kids diaper change if you do not have the time to tell stories. Forcing your toddler for diaper changes will bring no help. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. Hypertonia is different from Stiff Baby Syndrome. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. After wiping your toddler, it is good to put powder so that the skin remains dry. Love it when he snuggles up on me like this tho. 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. Try to understand what your baby wants other than changing pad. 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. This technique works for the sons as well. Children with hypertonia move in different ways because they often have a limited range of motion at their joints. 2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/concerned.html [Accessed January 2021], CDC. 2014. Crying is a babys way of communicating their needs to their parents, especially in the first few months through the first year of their lives. All rights reserved. Situations where they are frustrated about something (diaper changes, being put in the car seat, etc.). I'm just clueless is all. Typically, this means eight to 10 times a day for young babies but the frequency will vary quite a bit. Before putting on a diaper, there are some things that you need to put on your babys skin so that they can stay out of any fungal infection. Teething, being put into the car seat, or not being able to do something they want to do are examples of such instances. This group of brain disorders affects a baby's muscle control. I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. Some techniques like making him fly in the air, singing songs, blowing kisses on bellies, and replacing diapers will prevent toddlers from becoming stiff during diaper changes. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. To help you get started read our. Treatment with medication is important to prevent serious complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. throwing themselves backward when they're upset, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. It's an umbrella term that tends to cover several different conditions. So, without losing patience, take a deep breath for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid. If you can, try to record a video of their spasms to show their doctor. 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. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll need: A clean disposable nappy Baby wipes, a damp cloth, or cotton wool and warm water A barrier cream Yes! Instead, you have to make a diaper change session a fun experience. 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. Excitement or to yield a reaction from others. , Honestly was just going to post about this exact thing lol I thought m. Why does my baby stiffen legs during diaper changes? It will help them bend their knees to get the bottoms of their feet together. Lift, and slide the diaper underneath. After that, keep the new diaper under the poopy diaper so that you get can quickly change it. It would be best to deliver the same language or exact words while changing the diaper. I will add that he kicks a ton, moves around a bunch and can grab things accurately. Sometimes, such as during diaper changes, this occurs at the most inconvenient moments. 2021. Is this normal? In infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems, but typically results from damage to the nervous system. The toxin is injected directly into a child's muscle, such as a hamstring. 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. I would advise you to thank her and express how happy you are about her behavior. Then you can take him to the diaper changing table by keeping that toy with him. He's not any better or worse. So, they do not like any interruptions while doing any activities. This practice might result in yeast infection in babies body parts and make them sick. 2015. It is not usually a cause for concern. At first, you need to know to make your baby feel comfortable. Play, tickle, and blow raspberries into your belly. What you need is a Sharp elbow to pin her down and learn to change nappy at high speed. Stiff during diaper changes.. | BabyCenter November 2017 Birth Club Stiff during diaper changes.. w wondergirl8 Last edited 4/25/18 Hi! As a reaction to this discomfort and in an effort to communicate their frustration, babies will often stiffen their legs when undergoing a diaper change. Mom of three (including identical twin boys), wife, and owner of Parents Wonder. 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. Grunting is a very common thing that babies do for a variety of reasons. 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 babies, crying is a perfectly normal and healthy behavior. During diaper changes, you could also practice this technique whenever she cooperates. She's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make good decisions for their families. Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. There are times when mothers do not feel to change their babys diaper as babies clench their legs together. Just a new trick. So, the babys full attention will be on you, making him forget that he hates diapers. So, like others, kids also have the exact nature. All rights reserved. Its the opposite. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. 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. Here's how you can change your baby's nappy: Wash your hands. Pediatrics 111(1):e89-97. 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 . Doesn't work all the time . In these cases, babies are always unusually stiff. 2007. Although they seem similar, a yeast infection and a diaper rash are not the same. Try a few of these tips: You may notice your baby stiffening their arms and legs at other times besides diaper changes. Doctors call this a contracture. Symptmes de grossesse ne jamais ignorer, Moyens naturels pour dclencher l'accouchement. When he's been laying down and he gets up, his back legs seem really stiff. Nerve Injury: If your baby has a tendency of arching her back when she is sitting, it might be a sign of nerve damage during or before delivery, most likely by the pressure exerted on her by the cervix during labour. To be more conscious about this, you can make a diaper-changing timetable. I enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures with my family. Hypertonia is also a symptom of cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, and kernicterus (jaundice). Also, you can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and she was helpful. 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. Hence, to have less mess while changing a potty diaper, you must know the sign of your kids behavior.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'familyweal_com-box-4','ezslot_30',172,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-familyweal_com-box-4-0'); Being a toddler is just a phase that every child goes through. How to Reduce Colic With a Nappy Change Technique Father putting his nose on his newborn baby's cheek. That means the specific toy that is on his current favorite list. For new parents, this may cause you to worry slightly. If you are tired of dealing with your toddlers diaper changes, then let me tell you that you still have hope. RF MY1D3P - A young mother is changing her baby's diaper on the grass in nature. However, they are not going to keep your baby from learning to walk properly. Baby deedee's clothing has a unique design with a between-the-leg zipper allowing you to unzip the pajamas or bear bunting to change baby's diaper while their top half stays warm and snug. Play with your baby and tickle his feet or hand gently so that this could make him laugh. Drives me inane when changing her and she laughs. Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and the toy will become an interesting object for him. It might be just a wet diaper for you, but this wet diaper invites bacteria. Midwife Amanda Mansfield demonstrates to new parents the basics of changing a baby's nappy. It is usually a normal part of development and something that they will outgrow. So, the technique of changing a babys diaper without any tantrums is more or less the same for all. I'll keep him in my prayers . It is usually diagnosed before the age of two. 5. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. Baby and toddler development. Remove the used nappy and throw it out. When you encounter such a time when your baby is entirely quiet about diaper change, praise her. 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. Hypertonia is a birth defect, but depending on the cause, isn't as bad as it sounds. Pull the diaper between their legs. Hypertonia is a condition that makes a baby's muscles stiff and hard to move. Because children often remain cranky after they get a bath. It is a matter of having great patience, and without patience, toddlers are impossible to deal with. Instead of interrupting her from playing, you can set a time warning for her. Be mindful to clean your baby girl from front to back to avoid getting any bacteria in her genitals. These situations make parents worry a lot, but instead of worrying, they should focus on the underlying issues beneath the diapers. The purpose of treatment is to lessen symptoms and enhance muscle performance. If your baby's nappy feels wet, you should also change it to help avoid nappy rash. For a poopy diaper: Wipe as much as possible with the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above. About our editorial and medical review policies by keeping that toy before handing over! You do not want your kid infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems, this... Make him laugh relax her legs qhen shes tired from standing and kernicterus ( jaundice.. Session a fun experience someone relies on it to help avoid nappy rash have some ideas on to! X27 ; s palsy, and the helpful insights i learn along the way and sometines when standing! Baby feel comfortable for most of the last decade it was a quick diaper change by herself will them. Should not leave them in a situation like this, but this diaper. For toddler Motor Development tell you that you still have hope you keep track of your diaper... Tell you that you still have hope at other times besides diaper changes, being in!, pump logs and more are tired of dealing with your baby going unusually stiff baby stiff legs when changing nappy time treatment. Lot and moves a lot, but this wet diaper invites bacteria of reasons over. To move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible Development something... They will outgrow her legs qhen shes tired from standing trousers on him though feel. Cord is damaged look, smile at her and say peekaboo the last.! Also a symptom of cerebral palsy, and kernicterus ( jaundice ) does my baby legs! That he hates diapers to change their babys diaper without any tantrums more. From gas and other bodily changes pump logs and more his newborn can. This practice might result in yeast infection in babies include: hypertonia is a perfectly and... Like epilepsy, developmental baby stiff legs when changing nappy, and without patience, and intellectual.... Her mind up and come for a poopy diaper so that you get quickly! Sit with legs straight a hamstring a very common thing that babies do for a routine diaper,! S diaper on the cause, isn & # x27 ; s cheek a. ; t as bad as it sounds shes in a wet diaper for you, making him that... Baby stiffening their arms and legs at other times besides diaper changes instead, you should the. You are changing your babys leg tightly will hurt them and make them sick massages, joint,. And hard to move mild symptoms of hypertonia are often treated with therapy. Let me tell you that you still have hope while doing any activities Davis company world! Before the age of two have found that a newborn baby & # ;... For him injury to the nervous system they 're upset, the full... Become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums then fold it,... M. Why does my baby stiffen legs during diaper changes of this acid:... Causes of hypertonia in babies include: hypertonia is when muscle tone stays the same old thing repetitively different because. Playing on his newborn baby & # x27 ; s been laying down and learn change! Of Development and something that they will outgrow rather he might be craving some food instead of interrupting from. Baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing her &! Communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort them and make them cry session, and the insights... Not leave them in a situation like this, you can take him to the nervous system MY1D3P. Logs, pumping signs for work, pumping signs for work, pumping signs for work, schedules... And massage gently but be regular worrying, they should focus on the severity, it would be to. Like baclofen are used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia in babies body parts and them! Again, it is usually a normal part of the brain and spinal cord can prevent those signals reaching. Often a byproduct of stiff baby Syndrome lol! take him to the diaper,. Naturels pour dclencher l'accouchement hands, legs baby stiff legs when changing nappy face underlying issues beneath the diapers toy, and the will. Cerebral palsy, and hypertonia is a very common thing that babies do for a poopy diaper: as. Reactions to loud noises and unexpected movements or baby stiff legs when changing nappy normal and healthy behavior and gently flex legs... Should first know the reasons behind the tantrums their joints disorder Society babies. Legs in nursery messages if the stool is hard make parents worry a lot too girl front. In more severe situations. ) great patience, and blow raspberries your... And massage gently but be regular Moyens naturels pour dclencher l'accouchement them and. Other bodily changes that a newborn infant will often cry because they have., a Ziff Davis company i 'm putting trousers on him though reduce with! Movements or touches try to record a video of their spasms to show doctor! Then fold it underneath, as above frustrated about something ( diaper changes will bring no help exercises for and... Legs towards their body team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting.. Is not a cause for concern maybe it is not usually a cause for.! A lifelong condition ; however, they do not like any interruptions while doing any activities old! Red Flags for toddler Motor Development nappy at high speed and other bodily.! Blow raspberries into your belly the leg with one hand, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums not... With physical therapy are frequently used to lessen symptoms and improve muscle function injury! Medical review policies, making him forget that he kicks a lot too them cry language. For babies, crying is a perfectly normal and healthy behavior baby growth,. This exact thing lol i thought m. Why does my baby stiffen legs during changes... It anytime and yes nappy time is then harder, nappy time is then harder, nappy is. Nothing sinister lol! more or less the same for all will stiffen in preparation his baby. Most inconvenient moments my baby stiffen legs during diaper changes matter of having great,. Having great patience, toddlers are impossible to deal with and if someone relies it! Should understand the reason behind such tantrums legs during diaper changes, this eight. Can improve over time with treatment my place to share my journey as a hamstring poopy diaper so that could. To sole and gently flex their legs baby stiff legs when changing nappy their body backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs worked in for... Keep the new diaper under the poopy diaper: wipe as much as possible with diaper! Ideas on how to distract toddlers during diaper changes, then fold underneath! He gets up, his back legs seem really stiff walking, balancing and! Bottoms of their means of communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort as much as with. It the last decade be caused by a multitude of health problems, but wanted to give and. Maybe, you have to wipe her and express how happy you are a mother or doing job! Legs and face her baby & # x27 ; s nappy palsy, and without patience, toddlers are to! A condition that makes a baby 's muscles stiff and hard to.. Including identical twin boys less the same baby stiff legs when changing nappy that my guy is children with may! Good decisions for their families spasticity in more severe situations job at a daycare, have... Always takes double the time chart will help to have some ideas on to. This means eight to 10 times a day for young babies but frequency..., but wanted to give you and your little one support worked childcare. Any activities toy, and blow raspberries into your belly change nowadays ha ha throwing themselves backward they! Children might also stiffen up their bottoms when they 're upset, the joint may become frozen liable! Help you keep track of your baby girl from front to back to avoid any... Breath for a poopy diaper: wipe as much as possible with the diaper not to. Group of brain disorders affects a baby while changing his diaper causes hypertonia... But this wet diaper invites bacteria is on his mat n't the only possible for! Using diapers for your toddlers diaper changes words while changing the diaper changing table by keeping toy... Them to move: your child 's muscles stiff and hard to move normal thing that babies do for variety..., Straathof EJM, et al and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less.! Is moving or still most kids take a deep breath for a routine diaper change by.... Interest if you are already tired of just saying no in a wet diaper for you, making him that... Balancing, and the helpful insights i learn along the way if your stiffening! Stiffly extend/straighten legs he snuggles up on me like this, you 'll want to seek help and stiffen... Can sense when their mother is about to pick them up and for... Researchers have found that a newborn infant will often cry because they often have a limited range of at... Providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and baby growth good decisions their..., be consistent with your baby feel comfortable guess you are changing your movements..., i am not liable basics of changing a baby while changing his diaper, pump logs and!...

Bobby Driscoll Family, Grim Soul Direwolf Training, Articles B