It's morning and you have to get going for work and the baby's diaper needs to be changed again. Does this sound familiar? Busy moms are always in a rush to get themselves and the baby ready to head out the door as quickly as possible to go to work and to drop off the baby to daycare. However, the baby's diaper changes seem to be running on a different schedule, and in the end, this occurrence can cause you to be late. Being frustrated is normal, but there are ways to mom hack this situation to make sure that the baby is clean and ready to go when you are.
Mom Survival Tips to Get Out the Door Quicker
Most moms notice that morning diaper changes tend to be full diaper changes soaked with urine in the overnight diapers. It is rare to find surprise poop in the first diaper change of the morning unless it is a newborn baby who is frequently feeding at night. Most babies tend to go number 2 in a clean diaper so depending on when you decide to change the baby to get dressed and out of pyjamas, it might be a good idea to change the baby out of their wet diaper as soon as they get up and allow yourself ample of time to get ready. Chances are when the baby is in a clean diaper they are most likely to go number 2. Therefore, giving yourself the luxury of having baby poop in the morning before you have to leave will set the tone for the rest of the day.
Also, if you are running late, it may be a good idea to feed the baby their breastmilk or bottle as soon as they wake up in the morning so that you can manage the amount of time it will take until the baby goes to the bathroom. This will help with any unnecessary surprises.
Diaper Change Struggle
The diaper struggle is when mom and the baby struggle over a diaper change. Some babies really hate it when you change their diaper and put up a fit. Especially, if they are over 6 months old and are very mobile. According to the blog, Mommy Shorts there are ways to win the diaper struggle. In the morning, try changing the baby's diaper in a different location, spread a blanket on the floor, or change the baby on the bed with some baby toys to provide a distraction. Place an item in the baby's hand so that they can play with it while you change them. Be sure that if you are not changing the baby on a changing table that you are staying with them the whole time and not leaving them unattended on the bed while you go and grab the baby wipes that you forgot for the diaper change. Safety first wherever you decide to change the baby.
Also, attitude is everything. If the baby senses your frustration during diaper changes then they are more likely to lash out or start crying. Try and set a happy tone for diaper changes even though you are in the morning routine rush. Try singing a song, or play patty-cake or do itsy-bitsy spider while changing the baby as a reward. The baby is most likely to stop crying and participate by smiling or cooing to your song.
How to Deal with Morning Poops
According to the mommy blog, Littlezsleep.com; there are ways to effectively deal with morning poopy diapers, especially if the baby is sleeping through the night. For example, right before laying the baby down for the night apply a thick coat of diaper rash cream before putting the baby's diaper on.
However, if you have a baby that is fussy and over four months old change them and throw a feeding in or soother to calm them back to sleep. Moreover, if your newborn baby is pooping in the early hours of the morning it is always best to change baby and a newborn baby's needs are more time-sensitive and their skin is also more sensitive. Babies who are not peeing and pooping enough could be suffering from dehydration.
Toddlers Who Are Still in Diapers
Toddlers who are still in diapers may have a routine to follow when they suddenly seem to go on themselves in their diapers before you want to leave the house. Although most young children can't think that too far ahead they can gage emotions and anxiety from mom rushing to get ready in the morning to leave the house. So if your toddler feels the stress of having to leave the house every day at the same time they may decide to soil themselves right before you want to strap them in the car for daycare.
Diaper Rash During Diaper Changes
The most important thing is to reassure that the baby is not sick, therefore not having painful stomach aches and runny poop. It is also imperative to note that babies can go unexpectedly and to always keep an extra diaper in your purse or car to make sure that you are prepared if the baby decides to poop as soon as you are ready to leave the house. The baby's butt should be dry and clean at all times. It is important not to leave the baby in a soiled diaper or soaked diaper from urine to prevent diaper rash. A diaper rash is an unfortunate situation for the baby and should be treated to prevent prolonged discomfort and infection.
According to the experts at the Mayo Clinic, diaper rash is red, rash-like in appearance that can be found on the baby's buttocks, groin and thighs. In order to treat diaper rash at home, you can keep baby without a diaper to air dry, add topical ointments and keeping baby dry by changing it's diaper more often. Should the baby's condition not improve within a few days, it may be a good idea to consult with your baby's doctor.
Sources: Mayoclinic.org;Littlezsleep.com; Mommyshorts.com