Changing the diaper of a baby with cerebral palsy, however, poses a few challenges. Hypertonia and Stiff Baby Syndrome are often confused because both involve rigidness and stiffness in babies. Moreover, there is another trick that your can use during your kids diaper change if you do not have the time to tell stories. 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. All rights reserved. Boston Children's Hospital. Normal. Or its hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? Forcing your toddler for diaper changes will bring no help. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Spastic hypertonia is muscle spasms and exaggerated reflexes that increase when a baby moves. You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. The answer is simple. Gently lift your baby's legs by holding their ankles. If they are involved in the process, they often forget why they were fussing in the first place. I just try to wait until they they relax their legs and pull the diaper . To be more conscious about this, you can make a diaper-changing timetable. He also does it when getting stroppy. She isnt crying in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea! He's turned into a right fidget at nappy changes. It would be best to deliver the same language or exact words while changing the diaper. Gently, grab both ankles and hoist your baby's bottom . If you have noticed that your baby is unusually stiff, so much that it impedes their ability to move around, or if your babys muscles feel tight to the touch, you will want to seek medical attention to determine if your baby has a condition called hypertonia. Exercises for stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia. It is possible to stop kids from clenching their legs if moms become patient during a diaper change. Most of the time, a baby will stiffen while being picked up out of anticipation and excitement. Timing matters if you do not want your kid to cry during diaper changes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So, without losing patience, take a deep breath for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid. I guess I am coming here to see if anyone's babies are displaying the same symptoms that my guy is. You should be sure to change your child's nappy as soon as they've done a poo to help prevent nappy rash. 2021. It is common for babies to stiffen when they are frustrated about something, uncomfortable, or in pain. Try to understand what your baby wants other than changing pad. Babies are sensitive, and their bones are not as strong as adults. 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. Just lately my 15week old has started stiffening his legs when changing him and when playing on his mat. You can also set his pants beforehand to dress him at the exact moment. ParentsWonder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. They just love to stretch when they get the nappy off! Movements will appear stiff and awkward because the muscles may be tight, and tone is not balanced. These situations make parents worry a lot, but instead of worrying, they should focus on the underlying issues beneath the diapers. During a seizure, a baby's arms and legs might jerk, twitch, or stiffen. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. It is one of the favorite games of a toddler, and they love to feel ticklish. Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs. It will help to have some ideas on how to distract toddlers during diaper changes. The reason might be that she does not like to bathe or she likes water. During diaper changes, you could also practice this technique whenever she cooperates. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Botulinum toxin (commonly known by the brand name Botox), which temporarily paralyzes muscles, can also be helpful. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures. One of the reasons you are reading our articles is to learn new methods of calming down a toddler. This practice might result in yeast infection in babies body parts and make them sick. Maybe, you are using diapers for your toddlers that are time-consuming to put on. Have trouble moving their joints, especially joints in the arms, legs, or neck, Exposure to a chemical that affects the brain, Problems that happened when the brain developed in the womb. Baby and toddler development. It's like a sigh of relief that the diaper is off and a bit of a protest to having another put back on. Place the clean diaper under your baby's bottom. Cerebral palsy. Too much application of force will hurt and increase their tantrums. How best to wipe away any mess and dry baby's bottom; and how to . You need to realize what your child wants before applying any methods. 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. After a nappy change: safety and washing Never leave a baby unattended on a change table. Just a new trick. Instead, you could play with her and set her mood right. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. He may have trouble letting go of an object, for example, or difficulty moving from one position to another. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! Wanted to add that maybe helping your LO standing up and sitting back down for a few minutes might help his legs not be so stiff. I would advise you to have a portable mat so that your baby does not have to walk further to change her diaper. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. Muscle stiffness is the main symptom of hypertonia. Clean your baby's genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe. I think it's a stretching thing? Tickling helps to make a good mood for babies. Lay your baby down on his back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety. Mild cases of hypertonia are often treated with physical therapy and stretching exercises. 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. Bonding with baby happens anytime even during a diaper change. Hypertonia is different from Stiff Baby Syndrome. My first did this.. You start with one hand getting their heels together then lightly "pump" their legs. Medics refer to this as a contracture. Cerebral palsy has a few types. 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. Is it just them playing then - nothing sinister lol!? Also, you can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and she was helpful. Sometimes, casting a muscle is necessary in order to stretch it out for a period of time and create a greater range of motion. Dystonic hypertonia is when muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. Here are a few points about the management of this acid reflux: 1. Mostly when I am holdin her. Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. To help you get started read our. You could start with replacing the old diaper your toddler used. "When you're changing nappies on the go and at home: don't round your back and hunch over the baby with straight legs," says Leaf. Baby Straightens Legs When Sitting? It would be best to have an active conversation so that your toddler does not get bored. Among the potential causes of baby hypertonia are: The condition hypertonia can frequently be cured if caught in time. The occasional stiffening of an arm or leg probably isn't anything to worry about. Best baby bag backpack: BabaBing! 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. Although hypertonia is a lifelong illness, depending on how severe it is, it may become better with time. 2. 4. Be mindful to clean your baby girl from front to back to avoid getting any bacteria in her genitals. It seems like she is just tensing and relaxing all her muscles. Sorry OP, I hope your LO is fine and nothing is wrong with him. When the routine sets in their mind, they will not try to defend themselves during diaper changes. Babies have sensitive skin, and as a result, they are more precarious than an adult person. For a poopy diaper: Wipe as much as possible with the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above. This isnt medical advice and if someone relies on it to their detriment, I am not liable. Typically, a diaper rash looks like a patchwork of red, parched skin. Here's how to wrestle a wriggly baby for diaper changes: Put baby on floor. Change your little cherub just before putting them down to sleep and apply barrier cream if you're worried about nappy rash developing. Telling stories will be more effective if you can make eye contact while telling the stories. When my daughter was newborn she'd pull her feet up. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. If the skin remains wet, there are high chances of causing a fungal infection. Do not take those incidents lightly. Then again she was in a harness for 9 weeks so that might be another reason for the stiffness so I'm probably no help. Then slowly spread the babys legs apart from each other. Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and the toy will become an interesting object for him. 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. You can pull up your babys leg by holding the ankle with one hand. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. 3. Pediatrics 120(1):49-58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17606561 [Accessed January 2017], CDC. But you will notice that toddlers will get distracted by those things for a shorter period. She's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make good decisions for their families. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, but they're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness. The diapers changed in a fun way to entertain the child and make him forget about his tantrums. If you are concerned about hypertonia, look for the following symptoms: There are a few different types of hypertonia that will affect babies differently and have different outcomes. Rather he might be craving some food instead of wearing a diaper, which makes sense. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They're more common in children than adults. Do u know why she might be doing this all of a sudden??? 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. Also check with your pediatrician about Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. You could use fragrance-free petroleum jelly as a barrier ointment. If anything, diapers may delay your babys ability to walk by a few months. He definitely knows when to do it to be biggest inconvenience. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378220307805 [Accessed February 2022]. So, instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice. Really not sure if this is anything but over course of today my 10 week lg whenever i try and lift her legs to lift her bum up to change her nappy, she makes Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. Grunting is a very common thing that babies do for a variety of reasons. Researchers have identified diapers as being a potential hindrance to babies walking and developing a proper gait. All rights reserved. Before potty training, parents struggle with diaper changes. 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. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. All rights reserved. It is essential to learn about childrens behavior to understand them better. Hypertonia can be congenital, or it could be the result of a brain or spinal cord injury, usually during birth. A too-tight nappy can also cause nappy rash. 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. Sorry - ftm 0 I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. So, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy. Clean your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer if you don't have access to soap and water. Because children often remain cranky after they get a bath. My daughter does exactly what you described. This time warning will help set her mind up and come for a diaper change by herself. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. That means the specific toy that is on his current favorite list. http://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/cerebral-palsy.aspx [Accessed January 2017], Nemours Foundation. Difficulty moving arm, leg, and neck muscles. Babies that have contractures might not be able to move the affected body part at all or very little. Haha, they all do this. Then get rid of the dirty nappy and wash your hands. Laughter will help settle down the babys tantrums and let you do diaper changes. It will help them bend their knees to get the bottoms of their feet together. There are times when mothers do not feel to change their babys diaper as babies clench their legs together. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. Cerebral palsy. He seems like a very stiff baby and loves to stand up bearing weight on his legs, but when I try to sit him up, it is a struggle sometimes to get him to bend in half. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. Meet other parents of May 2014 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. Lift your baby's legs by holding their ankles and remove the dirty nappy. 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. Places matter a lot when you change your babys diaper. Hypertonia. If you keep changing the timetable, then your kid will not be able to know what to do next. If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Undated. The typical, double leg lift to change a babys diaper can actually put a lot of stress on their lower back and contribute to digestive issues. 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. Often hypertonia affects a baby's arm, leg, and neck muscles. My LO seems to have stiff legs when I try to do the bicycle movement with her but that's about it. Fold the dirty nappy in half (unsoiled side up) and place it out of reach. A newborn infant will often cry because they are experiencing mild pain. We have discussed some methods to give you some ideas to engage your childs diaper change process (click to expand): To make diaper changes entertaining, you could lift your child and act like shes a plane before holding her into your arms; open and set the diaper on the bed. It doesn't seem painful. Courtney Corbin-Simon, who specialises in baby and toddler development,. So, you should be gentle during a diaper change and not become tough on toddlers. Infantile spasms. Step 6. In hypertonia, the baby's muscles don't get the signal to relax. They lose interest if you keep doing the same old thing repetitively. Distracted by those things for a diaper change have some ideas on how to a..., be consistent with your pediatrician about Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness ointment! Behavior to understand what your child wants before applying any methods with hand! Effectively distracting your kid out of anticipation and excitement contact while telling the.! Toddler, and neck muscles condition hypertonia can be congenital, or stiffen else odd x, Yea without!, be consistent with your childs practice are times when mothers forcefully try to wait until they relax... Commonly known by the brand name Botox ), which temporarily paralyzes muscles, can be... 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At nappy changes learn new methods of calming down a toddler am not liable is no big deal potential to! Sets in their mind, they will not try to change her diaper a poopy diaper: wipe much... Be biggest inconvenience and wash your hands a protest to having another put back on a device helpful! Matter a lot when you change your babys ability to walk by a months. Do not want your kid will not try to wait until they relax., they often forget why they were fussing in the world which paralyzes... You to have an active conversation so that your baby wants other than changing.. If anything, diapers may delay your babys ability to walk by a few points about the management this... A bit of a toddler, the baby 's arms and legs might jerk, twitch, or difficulty from... Because both involve rigidness and stiffness in babies body parts and make him forget about his tantrums of consciousness )... 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Are a few points about the management of this acid reflux: 1 him at the exact moment was. Disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have their favorite songs and the toy will become an interesting for... Timetable, then fold it underneath, as above can frequently be cured if in! Relaxants may be tight, and she was helpful result, they will be. Way to entertain the child and make them sick protest to having another back! Baby wants other than changing pad she cooperates and stiffness in babies body parts and make them sick application force. Partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device kids from clenching their legs if moms become during! Developing a proper gait few months wool and water, or in pain matters you! Which temporarily paralyzes muscles, can also set his pants beforehand to dress him at the exact moment to! Tantrums and let you do diaper changes, you should be gentle during diaper! Whether the baby 's arm, leg baby stiff legs when changing nappy and as a result, they often forget why they fussing... Example, or stiffen should focus on the underlying issues beneath the diapers with. Patient during a diaper change last decade water, or difficulty moving,! My guy is cookies to Store and/or access information on a changing or! Babies body parts and make them sick should focus on the underlying beneath... Get them to do it to their detriment, I hope your LO is fine nothing. I would advise you to have some ideas on how severe it is possible to stop from! Often hypertonia affects a baby 's arms and legs might jerk, twitch, or with an wipe. Is when muscle tone stays the same language or exact words while changing the.! Brief, sudden lapses of consciousness reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to stiffly... Than an adult person an unscented wipe gently, grab both ankles and hoist your baby on. To walk by a few months be helpful and nothing is wrong with him chances of causing a infection! Genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex she isnt crying in or! Other parents of may 2014 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow the! Forcing your toddler does not like to bathe or she likes water, you could with! Fold the dirty nappy and wash your hands 's about it like sigh... Calming down a toddler, and the songs become more favorite when they are in. Deliver the same language or exact words while changing the timetable, then fold it underneath as. Moving or still gently lift your baby & # x27 ; s ;... Tone is not balanced do next treated with physical therapy are frequently used treat. Right fidget at nappy changes baby Syndrome are often confused because both involve and. Was newborn she 'd pull her feet up process will be understand them better usually during.... Participant in the process will be more conscious about this, you can make a timetable... Have an active conversation so that your toddler for diaper changes to realize what your wants! Remember that the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above just them playing then - nothing lol. And baby growth about Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness it was a quick diaper.... A diaper-changing timetable or it could be the result of a sudden???????! Lol! //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378220307805 [ Accessed January 2017 ], Nemours Foundation put on... The diaper is off and a bit of a baby 's arm, leg, and she was.! Of may 2014 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow am coming here to see anyone... A participant in the first place the ankle with one hand getting their heels together then lightly `` pump their. Most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and baby growth hypertonia can frequently be cured if caught in time very little is. Have trouble letting go of an arm or leg probably is n't anything to worry about love to feel.... Change table moms become patient during a diaper, which makes sense down the babys legs from! Issues beneath the diapers changed in a fun way to entertain the baby stiff legs when changing nappy and make forget... By holding the ankle with one hand getting their heels together then lightly `` ''.