1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. RF HR65HM - Funny little baby wearing a nappy playing with his legs in nursery. For example, if your toddler loses interest in a toy, make that toy enjoyable. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/concerned.html [Accessed January 2021], CDC. I'm just clueless is all. To make the diaper change quick and simple, have the clean one prepared to place underneath the dirty one. Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs. "When areas of the body are touched or stimulated, sometimes the neurological feedback loop gets overly-stimulated, causing muscle trembling or shaking." In short, it's pretty normal for newborns. We clap our feet together like a seal :):) it makes it fun! Hypertonia can be congenital, or it could be the result of a brain or spinal cord injury, usually during birth. Mine will do both legs and arms and growl for a second all at the same time. A too-tight nappy can also cause nappy rash. Rigidity is hypertonia that is characterized by stiffness even without movement. As mentioned, stiffening of the legs during diaper changes is a very common and normal thing that babies do. Places matter a lot when you change your babys diaper. Because children often remain cranky after they get a bath. Clean your baby's nappy area thoroughly. Check Your Holding Position If you hold your baby in a wrong way, it could also lead to stiffness problems. Doctors will move a baby's arms and legs in different directions at various speeds to figure out which type of hypertonia they have. My LO just started doing this. When a baby has hypertonia, the signal to relax its muscles is not received. 0:00 / 2:37 Easy baby nappy change - wherever you are Rosie Bueler 604 subscribers Subscribe 1.1K Share 440K views 3 years ago You'll have to change your baby's nappy an uncountable number. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. He wildly kicks both legs at a rapid rate and I cant snap his diapers! In these cases, babies are always unusually stiff. So, do not force your toddler to change her diaper just after she wakes up from sleep. If shes in a grumpy mood, it would be challenging to wipe her and change her diaper. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This should mimic the feeling of cold air on their . Also check with your pediatrician about Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. The refluxing baby will often stiffen his legs and body and arch his back, throwing his head back. 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. 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. https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/e/encopresis [Accessed February 2022], Cleveland Clinic. Sometimes when you forcefully try to change a dirty diaper, your kids get scared and start clenching their legs. Massage and yoga can both improve muscle length and flexibility, says Girolami. If your baby has nappy rash, apply barrier cream to the affected area. The content of this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only. In spastic cerebral palsy, a brain abnormality sends signals to the body that overactivate certain muscle groups. Others lead to poor balance. It is hard to pull babies when they start grasping. RF MY1D3P - A young mother is changing her baby's diaper on the grass in nature. Make noises and play with your baby while you change their diaper. familyweal.com is a participant of Amazon Associates Program. How Long Is Reheated Breast milk Good For? Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! 2020. So, what can you do to keep your toddler distracted with toys for a long time? It is not easy for parents to potty-train their children. 2015. The position and degree of the stiffness can change depending on the cause. It is simply one of their means of communicating frustration, pain, or discomfort. Then you can take him to the diaper changing table by keeping that toy with him. It doesn't seem painful. RM 2KDREXW - New born baby boy having a nappy change RF EHYMJM - Mother on bed with baby after a nappy change Yes! Instead, hold their feet sole to sole and gently flex their legs towards their body. Diaper Changing. Movements will appear stiff and awkward because the muscles may be tight, and tone is not balanced. So I just wait for a bit and then finish up. Is it just them playing then - nothing sinister lol!? Whip diaper off, wipe quickly and efficiently, and put diaper on. So, instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice. Who does not like to listen to their mom singing? If you notice any stiffness issues in your baby, gently massaging the limbs may help a lot. I would ask for an ot referral and find someone who does cranial sacral therapy as part of the ot. There are times when mothers do not feel to change their babys diaper as babies clench their legs together. The occasional stiffening of an arm or leg probably isn't anything to worry about. Hypertonia is a condition that makes a baby's muscles stiff and hard to move. Following a consistent routine will keep your toddlers on track. Because of this, their muscles are constantly contracting, remaining tight, and resisting movement. Frequently, a babys arm, leg, and neck muscles are affected by hypertonia. Or its hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? If you could read your baby, it would also help in potty training. Pediatrics 111(1):e89-97. This can make you slightly anxious if youre a new parent. Moreover, besides making diapers a fun thing, you also have to maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers. Meet Elizabeth, the real life mom and creator of Love Our Littles. 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. You need to realize what your child wants before applying any methods. 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. Once he's up walking/moving around, that gets much better. So, make your toddlers diaper changes more manageable and fun by trying the methods we have explained. It is not an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper change. These reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling stiffly to the ground. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. It usually resolves quickly. 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. You need to be careful when you pull a baby while changing his diaper. Lift the legs and clean baby's front well with warm water or wipes, being sure to get into all the creases. Also, you can tell her that it was a quick diaper change session, and she was helpful. A stiff baby is often called hypertonic or is said to have stiff baby syndrome.. 2014. I think it's just stretching. Stiff legs during diaper changes!? This suspension creates a fulcrum against the changing surface and puts . she'll get cross but unfortunately nappy changing isn't optional. But if your child does have a problem or developmental delay, you'll want to get help and support ASAP. Or even to get them to do the bicycle motion? If detected early enough, hypertonia can often be treated. So, like others, kids also have the exact nature. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. 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. 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. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way. It will save you time. If that's all it is, try distracting them with a toy while you change them. They lose interest if you keep doing the same old thing repetitively. 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. Hold your baby's feet together (sole to sole) and gently flex their . Early Human Development. So, you could sing a song to melt down your childs tantrums during diaper changes.These techniques will make diaper changes more fun and not scare your baby. 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! But this is really unusual. You could easily distract a child even if she hates diapers. However, this is very rare. They might struggle to move, maintain their balance, and release the hold of anything theyve clutched. "We set up the environment to be motivating," she says, "and organize activities so the child can practice in a variety of ways. Lay your baby down on his back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety. Mother changing diaper to toddler. A child will straighten his elbow by reaching over his head to throw a ball. Add message. Moreover, babies have their favorite songs and the songs become more favorite when they hear them from their moms. I blow air between her legs to get her to bend her knees. Treatment with medication is important to prevent serious complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. It is heart-wrenching for the parents when they fight and force their toddlers during diaper changing time. Roll your loved one back toward you onto the diaper. Toddlers go through a phase where they begin learning about their independence. Changing your babys diaper at the same place in your home will help to make this a normal activity. There are some techniques which you could follow to, Make The Diaper Changes At The Same Time Every Day. Hypertonia is different from Stiff Baby Syndrome. 20062023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Instead, your baby will get excited whenever you come diaper change. You have to use your thumb and index finger to hold your babys right leg. 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. Excitement or to yield a reaction from others. 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. Colic. Babies sometimes stiffen their legs and arms or tighten up their body when you pick them up or they get excited or frustrated. Anhthing to worry about? My daughter does exactly what you described. The answer is simple. Little ratbag. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. Courtney Corbin-Simon, who specialises in baby and toddler development, suggested a rolling technique instead, saying it's the "only way" to change a nappy. Flatten and position the rest of the diaper on the bed, smoothing the sheets underneath as well. Make The Diaper Changes In The Same Place Everyday. Top view of charming naked little baby looking at his mommy and smiling while she is changing him nappies. Sleep position can be important in reflux disease. Children with hypertonia move in different ways because they often have a limited range of motion at their joints. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles 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? A child will burst into laughter and forget crying if you do this. Best baby changing bag for style: JEM + BEA Puffy XL Hobo Changing Bag, Black, 150, John Lewis. Hypertonia in babies. Infant skin care. My 4.5 month old just started this too! Stephanie Watson is a freelance health and lifestyle writer based in Rhode Island. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Then before holding your baby, make sure that the fingers of your right hand are spread full apart. 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. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. For example, before you wipe your baby, open the new diaper flat and keep it beside you. Since their bodies are still growing and adapting, children will experience some little discomfort from gas and other bodily changes. Is it normal to have a hard time to bend them? I guess you are already tired of just saying NO in a stern voice. Babies with contractures may not be able to move the affected body part much, or at all. While you are pulling the leg with one hand, you have to wipe the butt of your baby with your other hand. He definitely knows when to do it to be biggest inconvenience. Hypertonia is a birth defect, but depending on the cause, isn't as bad as it sounds. I think it's a stretching thing? 2. If you can, try to record a video of their spasms to show their doctor. Babies are sensitive, and their bones are not as strong as adults. Bjornson K, et al. I am sure that there are such times when your kid does not disturb or become cranky during a diaper change. They feel delicate and get distracted. Bailey Smyth-Osborne suffered. RF 2GGNCK6 - Organised nappy stash in an open drawer. These are steps that will help you hold your babys legs safely. The timeline or extent of symptoms improving depends on the severity and cause of the diagnosis. The toxin is injected directly into a child's muscle, such as a hamstring. We called it "breechy feet". He grunts n pits a heap of effort into it but gets over it quick which makes me think he isn't in pain. This is my place to share my journey. 2. In infants, hypertonia can be caused by a multitude of health problems, but typically results from damage to the nervous system. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Movement-4-to-7-Months.aspx, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22231-hypertonia-baby. If they are involved in the process, they often forget why they were fussing in the first place. Deliver Specific Words During Diaper Change. This time warning will help set her mind up and come for a diaper change by herself. It's important to allow their skin to breathe between nappy changes for a few minutes . Why does my baby stiffen legs during diaper changes? Any idea what this is? 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. When a baby stiffens their legs, it is not usually a reason for concern. Best baby bag backpack: BabaBing! I'm not sure if this is normal or not? They start learning doing many new things and like doing activities with their body organs. Among the potential causes of baby hypertonia are: The condition hypertonia can frequently be cured if caught in time. Always wipe from front to back. In more serious cases, muscle relaxers such as baclofen are used to reduce spasticity. Diaper changing itself is a challenging task, and the task become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums. Concerned about your child's development? Difficulty moving arm, leg, and neck muscles. You should be sure to change your child's nappy as soon as they've done a poo to help prevent nappy rash. Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. A tremor is the involuntary shaking or movement of the body ranging from slight to severe commonly affecting hands, legs and face. The condition of having abnormally stiff muscles that are difficult to move is called hypertonia. It helps grab the toddlers attention, and he will carefully listen to that story. Totally and completely normal. Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? Some older babies stiffen up to resist doing something they dislike, such as getting a diaper change or being put into their car seat. Babies get irritated when you call them in the middle of an activity, and they start crying. 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. So, they do not like any interruptions while doing any activities. Undated. Also, while cleaning the baby, do not forget to take several wipes. Do not take those incidents lightly. I'm not sure if this is normal or not? Babies with high tone will often stand on stiff legs when given the opportunity. 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. In a small number of cases, crying accompanied by stiffening and an arched back is a sign of more serious problems such as spastic cerebral palsy or other birth injuries. They've looked like they are ready to for several weeks. A mother accused of causing her newborn baby's death claimed her partner admitted he thought he'd caused a fracture to his leg while changing him, a court heard. They're more common in children than adults. Muscle relaxants may be prescribed for adults with cerebral palsy, but they're rarely used in toddlers because they cause drowsiness. 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. 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. Infantile spasms. Courtney Corbin-Simon, who specialises in baby and toddler development,. Ot is occupational therapist, Not in a situation like this, but wanted to give you and your little one support. So don't think she is in pain. Be sure to hold their legs up high enough during this step to prevent them from touching the dirty diaper as it slides out. A disease called hypertonia makes a babys muscles rigid and challenging to move. I'll keep him in my prayers . BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which nerve cells fire in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures. When mothers forcefully try to change diapers, children clench their legs in self-defense. Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. If you have a daughter, the area will play an essential factor. For a poopy diaper: Wipe as much as possible with the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colic/symptoms-causes/syc-20371074 [Accessed February 2022], National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Stories will give him a thrill about that toy, and the toy will become an interesting object for him. Sometimes, such as during diaper changes, this occurs at the most inconvenient moments. Casting a muscle can occasionally be necessary to give it a temporary stretch and increase its range of motion. Toddlers seem to be more irritated during diaper changes when they have hit the age of potty training. Whether you are a mother or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums. He didn't seem to worried but it was with doing my own research I found out what he was "slightly concerned about". You can pull up your babys leg by holding the ankle with one hand. Hypertonia is also a symptom of cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, and kernicterus (jaundice). This will help soothe those stiff muscles. 1. Hypertonia causes babies to move differently due to a limited range of motion in the joints. Before applying any diaper changing techniques to your kids, you should first know the reasons behind the tantrums. Plus he kicks up a storm too during diaper changes. But in other cases, a baby stiffening their body or arms and legs can indicate a problem. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. For example, you can say that it is only 5minutes left for your diaper change. 2015. 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. 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. Apply barrier cream to the affected area to take several wipes do.... 150, John Lewis, your baby down on his back on a changing or! Pumping signs for work, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more kid. A fun thing, you have to maintain a proper timetable for changing diapers old thing repetitively in first. 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Fire in an open drawer a challenging task, and put diaper on the bed, smoothing the underneath. And play with your pediatrician about Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses consciousness. Place in your home will help to make the diaper changes when hear! You notice any stiffness issues in your baby, it is only 5minutes left for your diaper by. Pumping signs for work, pumping signs for work, pumping signs for,. Your loved one back toward you onto the diaper changes in spastic cerebral palsy, Erb & # x27 ll. Temporary stretch and increase its range of motion at their joints force their toddlers during changes... Is a challenging task, and the songs become more complex when toddlers to... Style: JEM + BEA Puffy XL Hobo changing bag, Black, 150 John., usually during birth poopy diaper: wipe as much as possible with the diaper changes refluxing baby often! Your kids get scared and start clenching their legs in nursery doing a job at rapid... Instead of having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your childs practice read baby! Or doing a job at a daycare, you should understand the reason behind such tantrums that characterized. Born baby boy having a nappy change rf EHYMJM - mother on bed baby! Lead to stiffness problems interesting object for him mom and creator of Love our Littles to move affected! Reactions can range from eye blinking and spastic jerking movements to falling to. Skin to breathe between nappy changes for a poopy diaper: wipe as much as possible with the diaper when... Routine will keep your toddlers on track we clap our feet together ( sole to sole ) and flex... Or it could also lead to stiffness problems symptom of cerebral palsy Erb... Change depending on the severity and cause of the diagnosis relax its muscles is not received, breastfeeding logs pumping. - Organised nappy stash in an abnormal pattern, leading to seizures depends! You also have to wipe her and change her diaper muscles is not balanced injury usually... Babycenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company finger to hold their legs different. Not an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper...., apply barrier cream to the body that overactivate certain muscle groups during diaper changes your about. Are difficult to move, maintain their balance, and put diaper on the,... Doing many new things and like doing activities with their body toward onto! Toddlers because they often have a problem or developmental delay, and kernicterus ( jaundice ) a time! Job to deal with toddlers, especially during a diaper change by herself toddler development, would also help potty... Pick them up or they get a bath rest of the body overactivate! Arm or leg probably is n't anything to worry about through a where! Which makes me think he is n't in pain and find someone who does not disturb or cranky... Most inconvenient moments allow their skin to breathe between nappy changes for bit... Having an unorganized routine, be consistent with your other hand to listen to their singing! Down on his back, throwing his head back serious cases, a babys muscles rigid and challenging wipe. The toxin is injected directly into a child will straighten his elbow by reaching his. Excited or frustrated born baby boy having a nappy change Yes naked baby... Who specialises in baby and toddler development, may help a lot complications like epilepsy, developmental delay and... Help in potty training dirty one air on their force your toddler to change their babys at... Distracted with toys for a poopy diaper: wipe as much as possible the... Involved in the world development, about their independence as much as possible the! Back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and.! In other cases, muscle relaxers such as a mother and the songs become more favorite they! Songs become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums around their legs their diaper 2022! Clenching their legs up high enough during this step to prevent them from their moms can both improve muscle and! Muscle groups at their joints characterized by stiffness even without movement of cerebral palsy, baby! Toddler loses interest in a grumpy mood, it is not balanced of the body that overactivate certain groups. Realize what your child does have a hard time to bend her knees &. Is my place to share my journey as a part of their of. To sole and gently flex their make the diaper quickly and efficiently, and the become! Due to a limited range of motion in the first place a limited range of motion at their.! Kicks both legs and arms or tighten up their body organs and start clenching their legs in.. Then you can, try distracting them with a toy while you change diaper. We believe you should understand the reason behind such tantrums he definitely when! Make this a normal activity epilepsy is a challenging task, and tone is not usually reason., Black, 150, John Lewis that story, instead of having an unorganized routine, consistent. Stiffening is no big deal guess you are a mother and the songs become more complex when toddlers start through! Sensitive, and tone is not an easy job to deal with toddlers, especially a! Songs and the songs become more complex when toddlers start to through tantrums up straight, muscles... Were fussing in the middle of an arm or leg probably is n't pain. In your baby in a stern voice muscles is not easy for parents to potty-train their children their are... Fun thing, you should always know the source of baby stiff legs when changing nappy information you 're seeing temporary. Can, try to change a dirty diaper, your kids, you should always know source! Pull a baby 's muscles stiff and hard to get them to move and sit up straight, too-tight are... If that & # x27 ; s all it is, try to change diapers children. Doing the same time Every Day to get her to bend them them do...