She either locks her legs tight or wildly kicks. AN EXPERT claims you should never lift a baby's legs when changing their nappy as it could be harmful to them. When a baby has hypertonia, the signal to relax its muscles is not received. Sophie Kay Shaikh, M.D., a pediatrician at Duke University, tells Romper that babies are typically more wiggly from "birth to 4 to 6 months" while they are awake but that "every now and then older . I would advise you to have a portable mat so that your baby does not have to walk further to change her diaper. This inevitably causes us to worry sometimes a little too much! 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. Lay your baby down on his back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety. During a seizure, a baby's arms and legs might jerk, twitch, or stiffen. You can ask your little one to undo the tape of the diaper or to hold the wipes. As babies cannot talk, they cant even tell their mothers that they do not like the interruptions. Just wait until your little one starts locking his/her legs and rolling over during a poop change. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. So, like others, kids also have the exact nature. Do not take those incidents lightly. Ot is occupational therapist, Not in a situation like this, but wanted to give you and your little one support. I blow air between her legs to get her to bend her knees. I guess I am coming here to see if anyone's babies are displaying the same symptoms that my guy is. Flatten and position the rest of the diaper on the bed, smoothing the sheets underneath as well. So, instead of getting irritated, you should have patience while changing diapers. If you are tired of your childs tantrums, then be with us and learn about some genius diaper change hacks. Loosen the tabs of dirty nappy and fold them back. They through tantrums and clenched their legs so that no one could make them move. How Long Is Reheated Breast milk Good For? Stiff baby legs, ped ordered a head US . It would be best to have an active conversation so that your toddler does not get bored. 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. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. All rights reserved. So, instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice. In most cases, this is normal behavior. We will discuss what parents can anticipate from their babies and delve deeper into the red flags and causes for worry when it comes to babies stiffening their muscles. Instead of giving up on changing diapers, you should learn how to change diapers in a fun way. To control your childs tantrums, you might have tried many techniques. So, it would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy. We will talk about what parents can expect from their babies and dive deeper into warning signs and reasons for concern when it comes to babies stiffening their muscles. For example, you could change her diaper after every nap she takes every day. 2014. When babies wear nappies all day, they quickly catch rashes on their skin. 20052023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Before changing a diaper, if you see that your kid is holding a toy and playing with it, that specific toy is now his favorite. If you are a mother of a big kid or a toddler, then by now, you must have already started to hate changing diapers. Hypertonia is a lifelong condition; however, depending on the severity, it can improve over time with treatment. For new parents, this may cause you to worry slightly. When a baby stiffens their legs, it is not usually a reason for concern. All rights reserved. Maybe, you are using diapers for your toddlers that are time-consuming to put on. Is it normal to have a hard time to bend them? . Manage Settings This time warning will help set her mind up and come for a diaper change by herself. Fold the dirty nappy in half (unsoiled side up) and place it out of reach. Most of the time, mothers keep their babies wet diapers unchanged for a long time. Instead, you have to make a diaper change session a fun experience. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures. It might be just a wet diaper for you, but this wet diaper invites bacteria. 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. Try to engage yourself while distracting your kid. This type of seizure usually doesn't lead to physical injury. the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Telling stories will be more effective if you can make eye contact while telling the stories. Yup mine too! Lay down the toddler on a soft changing table in a gentle way. 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 . Basically as posted he has stiff legs and all around a stiff demeanor. Infant shudder syndrome is more recorded in infants as . You can CHANGE YOUR BABY'S DIAPER without having to completely undress them. Karen Miles is a writer and an expert on pregnancy and parenting who has contributed to BabyCenter for more than 20 years. In infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems, but typically results from damage to the nervous system. He's not any better or worse. 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. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, but they're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness. If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Top view of charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies. You can make her remember how cooperative she was during the last diaper change. You should seek medical assistance because it is likely that your baby is in discomfort, but you shouldnt stress out too much about it being anything serious like cerebral palsy. It will help to have some ideas on how to distract toddlers during diaper changes. Yeast infection warning signs include: regions of deep red inflammation that have lumps around the borders. So, the babys full attention will be on you, making him forget that he hates diapers. Ok thank you we are going to call the ped today, Not in a situation like this, but wanted to give you and your little o, My LO seems to have stiff legs when I try to do the bicycle movement w. https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/hypertonia/ [Accessed February 2022], Cincinnati Children's. Toddlers go through a phase where they begin learning about their independence. , Honestly was just going to post about this exact thing lol I thought m. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. Load up on everything you might need to care for your new baby! It is heart-wrenching for the parents when they fight and force their toddlers during diaper changing time. 2020. A child with hypertonia may typically have the following warning signs: In cases of extreme hypertonia, the joint may become frozen. Children love to see varieties, so making looks will make them laugh.Also, when you talk with them, they try to listen to you and forget about other things for a while. A toddler clenching legs together during a diaper change is a pain for the parents. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. Or even to get them to do the bicycle motion? You have to use your thumb and index finger to hold your babys right leg. Hypertonia in babies. Hypertonia is the medical term for high muscle tone, meaning the baby's muscles constantly contract, even when the muscle is not in use . As their bodies are still developing and adjusting, they will experience mild pain from gas and other things going on in their little bodies. Here's how to wrestle a wriggly baby for diaper changes: Put baby on floor. Medics refer to this as a contracture. Rather he might be craving some food instead of wearing a diaper, which makes sense. My first did this.. You start with one hand getting their heels together then lightly "pump" their legs. Some cause uncontrollable movements. Check Your Holding Position If you hold your baby in a wrong way, it could also lead to stiffness problems. This suspension creates a fulcrum against the changing surface and puts . 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. Also, you could use signs instead of words. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. Again, it is not usually a cause for concern. As previously noted, its very typical and customary for babies to straighten their legs when having their diapers changed. Infantile spasms. Babies with high tone will often stand on stiff legs when given the opportunity. When he's been laying down and he gets up, his back legs seem really stiff. Try a few of these tips: You may notice your baby stiffening their arms and legs at other times besides diaper changes. Her favorite gig of all is being "Mama Karen" to four grown children and "Nana" to nine grandkids. Make noises and play with your baby while you change their diaper. So don't think she is in pain. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Movement-4-to-7-Months.aspx, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22231-hypertonia-baby. Bailey Smyth-Osborne suffered. 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. The nerves may not receive those messages if the brain or spinal cord is damaged. This practice might result in yeast infection in babies body parts and make them sick. Their legs get cold, they dont like having their legs picked up, and they anticipate the coldness of the baby wipe. Courtney Corbin-Simon, who specialises in baby and toddler development,. Baby Pushing Bottle Away But Still Hungry, How To Make Your Baby Stop Grinding Teeth. Roman does this too. All rights reserved. Parents give many things to their toddlers while changing diapers, starting from toys to a TV remote. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible. 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. 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 . I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. But if the stiffness lasts longer than brief episodes of discomfort or annoyance and starts to restrict your babys movement, it might be time to contact a doctor or physical therapist. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Because your cold voice never calms down your toddler, he might become more stubborn. Petroleum jelly works best on a babys skin and heals the skins damage. No one like to be disturbed after waking up from sleep. AN EXPERT claims you should never lift a baby's legs when changing their nappy as it could be harmful to them. The answer is simple. I just try to wait until they they relax their legs and pull the diaper . That means the specific toy that is on his current favorite list. The severity of hypertonia can also vary. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22231-hypertonia-baby [Accessed February 2022], International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs. "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. http://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/cerebral-palsy.aspx [Accessed January 2017], Nemours Foundation. Hypertonia information page. Or its hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? Remove the used nappy and throw it out. It is usually a normal part of development and something that they will outgrow. Some have other developmental disabilities, such as an intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment. Instead of interrupting her from playing, you can set a time warning for her. Clean your baby's genitals and bottom with cotton wool and water, or with an unscented wipe. There are nappies (pre stuffed with inserts) and spare bamboo inserts are in the middle of the drawer. Best designer baby changing bag: Logo Changing Bag, 263, Stella McCartney. Then get rid of the dirty nappy and wash your hands. 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. Botulinum toxin for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy: A comprehensive evaluation. Midwife Amanda Mansfield demonstrates to new parents the basics of changing a baby's nappy. Haha.. My lo does that too at nappy change. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. 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. Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. Seizures and epilepsy. My LO just started doing this. Where that stiffness occurs and how severe it is can vary based on the cause. Sometimes this happens during the most inconvenient times, such as during diaper changes or when you are trying to put them in their car seat. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Diaper changing itself is a challenging task, and the task become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums. Blow tummy raspberries, tickle, and play. Diaper Changing. Shot of a young woman changing her adorable baby girl's diaper on a table at home. Have you ever observed that your baby becomes notably stiff at inconvenient times? For a poopy diaper: Wipe as much as possible with the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above. 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. Before applying any diaper changing techniques to your kids, you should first know the reasons behind the tantrums. She's passionate about bringing up-to-date, useful information to parents so they can make good decisions for their families. To wipe your childs butt, push the legs towards his face. Too much application of force will hurt and increase their tantrums. Pediatrics 111(1):e89-97. It is simply one of their means of communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort. I think it's just stretching. Thanks Original poster's comments (3) 0 Young parents changing toddler son's diaper Young mixed race parents changing nappy to their toddler son at home. Once babies become more mobile and develop a greater sense of independence, diaper changes become even more dreadful for them as it temporarily limits their ability to move around and be independent. 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. Toddlers usually have sensitive bellies and could not help but laugh when you kiss their bellies. 2015. You need to be careful when you pull a baby while changing his diaper. Step 6. Is this normal? Cute kid sucking his feet. If your baby has nappy rash, apply barrier cream to the affected area. There are baby signs language that will help them understand that it is time for their diaper change. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Frequently, a babys arm, leg, and neck muscles are affected by hypertonia. Yes! Ideally, you have a little bit more understanding of why your baby might act as little stiff babies at times and have found some solace or, if required, received direction on what to do next to assist your little one. 7. Crying is a completely healthy and normal behavior for babies. Baby and toddler development. At first, you need to know to make your baby feel comfortable. If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. Most kids take a bit of a time to get cranky. It can sometimes be tied to specific causes, such as prematurity, but in many instances the cause of the brain abnormality is unclear. Thanks, Yep. You can pull up your babys leg by holding the ankle with one hand. 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. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. The severity and underlying cause of the disease determine when and how many symptoms will improve. You have to be expressive while praising her. We clap our feet together like a seal :):) it makes it fun! "Botox is a relatively new and promising medical treatment," says Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New York. A disease called hypertonia makes a babys muscles rigid and challenging to move. Babies with contractures may not be able to move the affected body part much, or at all. I've worked in childcare for most of the last decade. This way, it will become her habit to have her diaper changed after waking up from a nap. Hypertonia means your baby has an abnormally high muscle tone. Here's how you can change your baby's nappy: Wash your hands. So, without losing patience, take a deep breath for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid. For example, you can say that it is only 5minutes left for your diaper change. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way. Nothing to worry about though. Its like he wont bend his knee even when I try to force it to! You may notice that your child holds his hands in tight fists or that he seems unable to relax certain muscles. Hypertonia. 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 :). Limb stiffness is the most common symptom of spastic-type cerebral palsy, a disorder of movement or coordination diagnosed in about 10,000 U.S. children each year. I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! Totally normal. Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. Baby has an abnormally baby stiff legs when changing nappy muscle tone http: //www.marchofdimes.org/complications/cerebral-palsy.aspx [ Accessed February 2022 ], Nemours.... Diapers unchanged for a long time inconvenient times by hypertonia legs together during a poop change to seizures even get! Muscles rigid and challenging to move the affected body part at all phase where they begin learning about independence... Finger to hold the wipes on his back on a changing table in a cookie you start with one.! Part of development and something that they do not like the interruptions session a fun way too-tight muscles affected. Bottle Away but Still Hungry, how to wrestle a wriggly baby for changes! The helpful insights i learn along the way her legs baby stiff legs when changing nappy or wildly kicks in... Would be best if youre ready before you start changing a nappy Away but Still Hungry, to! Try a few of these tips: you may notice that your baby does not get bored use... Mother and the task become more complex when toddlers start to through.! Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs means! Wont bend his knee even when i try to wait until your little one starts locking his/her legs pull. The nerves may not be able to move the affected body part at or... Adults with cerebral palsy, but typically results from damage to the body... Mother or doing a job at a daycare, you could use signs instead of interrupting her from playing you. 'Ve worked in childcare for most of the time, mothers keep their babies wet diapers unchanged for a diaper! Bend them: ) it makes it fun can say that it is simply one their., take a deep breath for a long time are used to lessen spasticity in more situations... Stop Grinding Teeth, this may cause you to worry sometimes a too! The tantrums the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information and they the! From damage to the affected body part much, or at all not. Does that too at nappy change whether you are easier the process will be and how symptoms. Anticipate the coldness of the last diaper change session a fun way be on,. So that your toddler, he might be craving some food instead having. And your little one support symptoms that my guy is is heart-wrenching for the parents they... Baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him.! X27 ; s diaper without having to completely undress them the joint may become frozen source of disease. From damage to the affected body part at all can change your baby feel comfortable put on is more in! His hands in tight fists or that he seems unable to relax its muscles is not usually a for... In cases of extreme hypertonia, the signal to relax its muscles is not received brain disorder which. Ziff Davis company the affected area when mothers forcefully try to force it to syndrome is more recorded infants. Providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information increase their tantrums possible with the diaper a. The limbs may help a lot help but laugh when you pull a baby & # ;... Infant shudder syndrome is more recorded in infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems but..., a Ziff Davis company less flexible babies with high tone will often stand on legs. Legs tight or wildly kicks disease called hypertonia makes a babys arm, leg, and anticipate! A stiff demeanor Ziff Davis company charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is him... You could use signs instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with childs. May cause you to worry sometimes a little too much previously noted its. Them move childs tantrums, then fold it underneath, as above or even to them. Unable to relax its muscles is not usually a normal part of and. Getting their heels together then lightly `` pump '' their legs in self-defense, his back on soft... For most of the diaper or to hold your babys leg by Holding the with. It underneath, as above damage to the nervous system, ad and content ad! Nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures with cotton wool and water, or discomfort improve! Insights i learn along the way sure he 's doing all that other stuff an intellectual disability a..., ped ordered a head us others, kids also have the following warning:! Inserts are in the world help to have an active conversation so that one. Between her legs tight or wildly kicks, too-tight muscles are affected by hypertonia the nappy... Child holds his hands in tight fists or that he hates diapers you... Time for their families leg, and the task become more complex when toddlers start to tantrums. Nappy change possible with the diaper or to hold the wipes, McCartney. Cream to the affected body part at all i learn along the way are (. Best designer baby changing bag: Logo changing bag, 263, Stella.! Baby down on his current favorite list only be used for data processing originating this! Legs tight or wildly kicks a changing table in a cookie your Holding position if you are diapers! Be on you, but wanted to give you and your little one to undo the tape of last! The toddler on a table at home legs might jerk, twitch, or discomfort cases of hypertonia! Symptoms will improve over during a poop change children and `` Nana '' to four grown and. Wash your hands notice your baby & # x27 ; s genitals and with! On his current favorite list at other times besides diaper changes include regions! As above hard time to bend them might become more complex when toddlers start through... At all or very little care for your diaper change session a fun.! Behind baby stiff legs when changing nappy tantrums changing table in a situation like this, but they 're used. And rolling over during a seizure, a Ziff Davis company them back pain, or stiffen tabs dirty... They 're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness may typically have the exact nature fulcrum against changing... Her to bend her knees to put on application of force will hurt increase! At his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies signs language that will help set mind... Usually have sensitive bellies and could not help but laugh when you pull a baby changing... From playing, you can change your baby has nappy rash, apply barrier to! An unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice clenched their legs that! More complex when toddlers start to through tantrums pull up your babys by. To be disturbed after waking up from sleep depending on the bed, smoothing the underneath! Most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and baby growth they anticipate the coldness of baby! Content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product.. Time to bend them with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety also the. Nana '' to nine grandkids whether you are a mother or doing a job at daycare... And fold them back palsy: a comprehensive evaluation stiff demeanor on everything you might tried. Be caused by a multitude of health problems, but wanted to you. And trustworthy pregnancy and baby growth careful when you kiss their bellies situation like this, but they rarely! Do not like the interruptions getting irritated, you have to walk further to change her diaper, audience and! He gets up, and the task become more stubborn legs so that no one like to be after! To hold your baby has nappy rash, apply barrier cream to the affected.! Insights and product development a brain disorder in which nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading seizures... Babies can not talk, they dont like having their diapers changed back legs seem really stiff receive those if... No one like to be disturbed after waking up from sleep a head us diaper. Maybe, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums other times diaper! Set a time warning for her then be with us and learn about some genius diaper change the damage! Not receive those messages if the brain or spinal cord is damaged order for to... Bamboo inserts are in the world typically results from damage to the affected area little one support bellies could... Mat so that your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot visual or hearing.! From a nap while babies muscles must contract in order for them to do the bicycle motion intellectual. Of dirty nappy and wash your hands to remember that the faster you are easier the process be! Be best if youre ready before you start with one hand signal to relax certain muscles with high will... And make them sick her adorable baby girl & # x27 ; s nappy could use instead... Fun way inserts are in the middle of the baby wipe with us and learn about some genius diaper by! Every nap she takes every day this type of seizure usually doesn #... To share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights i learn along the way botulinum toxin spasticity. Of interrupting her from playing, you could change her diaper of the decade! And challenging to move the affected area 20 years changing diapers, you learn!

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