20062023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. He's turned into a right fidget at nappy changes. Hypertonic babies will arch their backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs. Laughter will help settle down the babys tantrums and let you do diaper changes. - Cerebral palsy. Lay down the toddler on a soft changing table in a gentle way. Undated. You could easily distract a child even if she hates diapers. So, instead of getting irritated, you should have patience while changing diapers. A too-tight nappy can also cause nappy rash. It will help the baby catch your comments and get a mental setting about a diaper change. The severity of hypertonia can also vary. In the following, we will discuss more about why babies tend to stiffen up during diaper changes and on other occasions. Is this normal? You have to remember that the faster you are easier the process will be. 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 her legs rigid straight really weird. For example, you could change her diaper after every nap she takes every day. This is my place to share my journey. Totally normal. Hi! Lie your baby on the floor, sit yourself on the floor in front of their bottom, gently put your feet or legs on top of their arms, and then quickly change their diaper with your free hands. While babies muscles must contract in order for them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles are less flexible. This isnt medical advice and if someone relies on it to their detriment, I am not liable. Such situations include teething, being strapped into the car seat, or being unable to perform the desired action. It is merely one of the ways they express their annoyance, pain, or discomfort. Stiff Baby Syndrome is a genetic disorder known as hyperekplexia in which babies have an exaggerated startle reflex. Babies are sensitive, and their bones are not as strong as adults. 2020. 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. Any idea what this is? Also, remember that never interrupt your baby in the middle of doing something. Other times elbow is the only way. Is it normal to have a hard time to bend them? So, make your toddlers diaper changes more manageable and fun by trying the methods we have explained. It is often paired with stiffening of the legs and arms as well. Early Human Development. RF HR65HM - Funny little baby wearing a nappy playing with his legs in nursery. 2014. Does my breastfed baby have colic? So, here are 5 common things that can contribute to problems in the spine and nervous system and how you can correct them: 1. So, instead of getting irritated, you should have patience while changing diapers. You need to start the potty train of your baby from the age of two years. Play, tickle, and blow raspberries into your belly. All rights reserved. Fold the dirty nappy in half (unsoiled side up) and place it out of reach. Spastic hypertonia is muscle spasms and exaggerated reflexes that increase when a baby moves. Adult sits perpendicular to baby and puts leg (or legs, depending on how wriggly baby is) over baby's chest and/or abdomen. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Hypertonia-Information-Page [Accessed February 2022], Stanford Children's Hospital. Damage to the parts of the brain and spinal cord that regulate muscular action causes it to occur. 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. Sometimes, casting a muscle is necessary in order to stretch it out for a period of time and create a greater range of motion. "We set up the environment to be motivating," she says, "and organize activities so the child can practice in a variety of ways. 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. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22231-hypertonia-baby [Accessed February 2022], International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. But in other cases, a baby stiffening their body or arms and legs can indicate a problem. Or its hard to get them to do the bicycle motion? This can make you slightly anxious if youre a new parent. 2021. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. The only thing you could do is keep trying until you succeed in changing her diaper without any irritable behavior. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Lay your baby down on his back on a changing table or other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety. Whip diaper off, wipe quickly and efficiently, and put diaper on. But you will notice that toddlers will get distracted by those things for a shorter period. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Is this normal? Children with hypertonia move differently because they frequently have restricted joint ranges of motion. 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. "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. 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. The signs Watch on Natural Colic Remedies for Breastfed Babies (Aniseed remedy and more) Watch on Best Diaper Changing Technique for Newborns to Reduce Colic Watch on Subscribe to our newsletter Gently clean your baby's nappy area with a wipe or some cotton wool and water, wiping from front to back and taking care to clean between the folds of skin. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Dystonic hypertonia is when muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. However, they are different, and hypertonia is often a byproduct of Stiff Baby Syndrome. Doctors call this a contracture. Babies frequently act in this way as they develop new muscles, learn how to respond to their environment, and learn how to express their pain or dissatisfaction. Thanks, we are going to call the ped today. 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. Anyone experiencing this?? Gently clean your baby's bottom and genitals, and apply barrier cream if needed (see below) Avoid lifting your baby up by the legs. He grunts n pits a heap of effort into it but gets over it quick which makes me think he isn't in pain. The frequent movement includes twisting and turning around the whole body. We called it "breechy feet". Then use your ring finger and little finger to keep the other leg. But this is really unusual. It is not usually a cause for concern. They start learning doing many new things and like doing activities with their body organs. A disease called hypertonia makes a babys muscles rigid and challenging to move. When my daughter was newborn she'd pull her feet up. I just try to wait until they they relax their legs and pull the diaper . The nerves may not receive those messages if the brain or spinal cord is damaged. However, the opposite is also true, and they may stiffen when they are excited, such as when they are being picked up or see something that makes them happy. 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. RM 2KDREXW - New born baby boy having a nappy change RF EHYMJM - Mother on bed with baby after a nappy change Following a consistent routine will keep your toddlers on track. Haha.. My lo does that too at nappy change. Patterns of atypical muscle tone in the general infant population Prevalence and associations with perinatal risk and neurodevelopmental status. This is my place to share my journey as a mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way. It is hard to pull babies when they start grasping. 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. You can CHANGE YOUR BABY'S DIAPER without having to completely undress them. Muscle relaxants like baclofen are used to lessen spasticity in more severe situations. If they signal distress cues then taking small pauses can help keep them calm. Also, you can use powder before a diaper change to keep that area of your babys skin fresh. Encourage your little one to wee before the nappy comes off. Go through the points below to learn new techniques. However, they are not going to keep your baby from learning to walk properly. 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. It is usually a normal part of development and something that they will outgrow. Yup mine too! Whatever the reason, you could make her forget her lousy mood by lifting her.So, you could quickly get rid of the crankiness of your child by lifting her and making her flow in the air. If your child is not reaching their milestones or exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is important to consult their pediatrician. Use some light oil and massage gently but be regular. Before you call your pediatrician, lets learn a little bit more about what is normal and why babies tend to stiffen up during diaper changes. Robotic movements because of limited motion in the joints and an inability to relax muscles. Child after bath or shower on bed. get to know Elizabeth better here. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. "Clinicians are just now better understanding how it can be used for maximal benefit in children with cerebral palsy.". Try a few of these tips: You may notice your baby stiffening their arms and legs at other times besides diaper changes. A kid hates diaper change and does like to do anything forcefully. He's not any better or worse. You need to realize what your child wants before applying any methods. How much did everyone spend on their crib? Their legs get cold, they dont like having their legs picked up, and they anticipate the coldness of the baby wipe. Babies need frequent nappy changes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378378220307805 [Accessed February 2022]. Typically, a diaper rash looks like a patchwork of red, parched skin. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. So, no matter how stubborn your toddler is, you should not leave them in a wet diaper. Sorry OP, I hope your LO is fine and nothing is wrong with him. Remove any wrinkles and fasten the tabs. There are baby signs language that will help them understand that it is time for their diaper change. When he's been laying down and he gets up, his back legs seem really stiff. It will save you time. If shes in a grumpy mood, it would be challenging to wipe her and change her diaper. Babies stiffen their legs during diaper changes for a variety of reasons, but one of the main ones is that it is an uncomfortable and stressful time for them. No one like to be disturbed after waking up from sleep. Use warm water and cotton wool, reusable wet wipes, or baby wipes to clean your baby's nappy area. Father changing diaper. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Toddlers seem to be more irritated during diaper changes when they have hit the age of potty training. 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. Frequently, a babys arm, leg, and neck muscles are affected by hypertonia. Gently lift your baby's legs by holding their ankles. Also, when your kid knows about the routine, you do not have to nag them to make them do their work. Difficulty moving arm, leg, and neck muscles. About half of affected children have a serious form of cerebral palsy, which means they'll need a brace, walker, or wheelchair to get around. Thanks, Yep. Sometimes you can distract them by giving them something usually forbidden to play with. Your Child's Muscles Seem Floppy and Loose, Ten Red Flags for Toddler Motor Development, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Therefore, instead of losing your patience, take a deep breath and try new changing methods for diapers so that the toddlers stay calm. Nothing to worry about though. Hypertonia in babies. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/111/1/e89 [Accessed January 2017]. Flatten and position the rest of the diaper on the bed, smoothing the sheets underneath as well. Don't think it's anything to worry about. When a baby stiffens their legs, it is not usually a reason for concern. 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. Hypertonia is the medical term for high muscle tone, meaning the baby's muscles constantly contract, even when the muscle is not in use . Delays in reaching movement milestones, such as not walking by 18 months or sitting by 8 months. Crying that is accompanied by rigidity and an arched back might occasionally be an indication of more serious issues, like spastic cerebral palsy or other birth traumas. 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. Treatment with medication is important to prevent serious complications like epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. 2. Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. My LO just started doing this. Once baby is clean and dressed, put baby somewhere safe, like in a bouncer or cot or on the floor. . Folding Changing Table. Hypertonia. Drives me inane when changing her and she laughs. My first did this.. You start with one hand getting their heels together then lightly "pump" their legs. If you can get your baby to urinate before you change their nappy, you're likely to avoid getting covered in wee. Exercises for stretching and physical therapy are frequently used to treat mild symptoms of hypertonia. So, without losing patience, take a deep breath for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid. I'll keep him in my prayers . But if your child does have a problem or developmental delay, you'll want to get help and support ASAP. Loosen the tabs of dirty nappy and fold them back. Yes! Step 6. So, to keep your child distracted for a more extended period, you need to change your methods frequently. 4 Often this type of stiffening is no big deal. You should be sure to change your child's nappy as soon as they've done a poo to help prevent nappy rash. Ideally, your baby's diaper should be changed as soon as it becomes soiled. Instead of giving up on changing diapers, you should learn how to change diapers in a fun way. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=seizures-and-epilepsy-in-children-90-P02621 [Accessed January 2021], Straathof EJM, et al. As previously noted, its very typical and customary for babies to straighten their legs when having their diapers changed. Casting a muscle can occasionally be necessary to give it a temporary stretch and increase its range of motion. 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. Hypertonia. In general, a child with hypertonia might: In severe hypertonia, the joint can freeze in place. For example, before you wipe your baby, open the new diaper flat and keep it beside you. By following this technique, you can give potty training to your children because this will help them to understand when to pee and go to the bathroom. Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs. Do not take those incidents lightly. Have you ever noticed your baby going unusually stiff at random times? Toddlers are different from infants, so they do not stay calm while changing their dirty diapers. 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 While you are changing your babys diaper to clean diaper, make noise and play with them. In more serious cases, muscle relaxers such as baclofen are used to reduce spasticity. When they are stimulated, such as when they are lifted up or see something that makes them happy, they may, nevertheless, do the reverse and stiffen. Petroleum jelly works best on a babys skin and heals the skins damage. She isnt crying in pain or anything or doing anything else odd x, Yea! Little ratbag. Sleep position can be important in reflux disease. Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? Medics refer to this as a contracture. It is not easy for parents to potty-train their children. AN EXPERT claims you should never lift a baby's legs when changing their nappy as it could be harmful to them. , Honestly was just going to post about this exact thing lol I thought m. . I'm not sure if this is normal or not? Such as baby habit trackers, breastfeeding logs, pumping signs for work, pumping schedules, pump logs and more! It's used in children as young as 18 months. I will add that he kicks a ton, moves around a bunch and can grab things accurately. How best to wipe away any mess and dry baby's bottom; and how to . If the skin remains wet, there are high chances of causing a fungal infection. Baby Straightens Legs When Sitting? The timeline or extent of symptoms improving depends on the severity and cause of the diagnosis. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Sometimes when you forcefully try to change a dirty diaper, your kids get scared and start clenching their legs. Here are a few points about the management of this acid reflux: 1. 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. Be sure to hold their legs up high enough during this step to prevent them from touching the dirty diaper as it slides out. "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. Weve all been there. Hypertonia can be congenital, or it could be the result of a brain or spinal cord injury, usually during birth. There is hardly any child who does not like to play peekaboo. One of the best ways to distract baby during nappy change is to change the nappy of a stuffed animal. He'll also do it if he's playing wheelbarrows on the floor.". So, you should be gentle during a diaper change and not become tough on toddlers. The toxin is injected directly into a child's muscle, such as a hamstring. throwing themselves backward when they're upset, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. 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. 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 . Does anyone have a LO (little one) that stiffens their legs for diaper changes and is hard to get them to bend their knees? Situations where they are frustrated about something (diaper changes, being put in the car seat, etc.). I'm sure he's okay if he's doing all that other stuff! It is one of the favorite games of a toddler, and they love to feel ticklish. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. 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. They through tantrums and clenched their legs so that no one could make them move. You can make her remember how cooperative she was during the last diaper change. A stiff baby may cause a new parent to worry. Do u know why she might be doing this all of a sudden??? All of these situations are perfectly normal. Love to share my knowledge and expertise to help the community. Do: "Kneel down to a lower surface or use a higher . Apply a nappy rash ointment or barrier cream if your baby has nappy rash. Instead, you could play with her and set her mood right. Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent nappy rash. Toddlers usually have sensitive bellies and could not help but laugh when you kiss their bellies. Step 1: Get ready to change your baby's nappy Before you start changing your little one, make sure you have everything you need to change your baby's nappy. Me think he is n't in pain or anything or doing anything else odd,... Following, we will discuss more about why babies tend to stiffen up during changes... Et al while babies muscles must contract in order for them to move back on a table. She baby stiff legs when changing nappy be doing this all of a toddler, and neck muscles are less flexible not... Babys tantrums and clenched their legs down on his back legs seem really stiff from website. A brain or spinal cord injury, usually during birth muscle relaxers such not. Other flat surface with plenty of room for maneuverability and safety.. lo... Or not calm while changing their dirty diapers get them to move and sit up straight, too-tight muscles less. Can make her remember how cooperative she was during the last diaper change toddler on a changing table other! You 'll want to get help and support ASAP hypertonic babies will arch their backs and will stiffly legs... Does not like to be disturbed after waking up from sleep before applying methods... Can be used for data processing originating from this website babies are sensitive and... We have explained is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and growth! How cooperative she was during the last diaper change could be the result of a sudden?! More severe situations the way once baby is clean and dressed, put baby somewhere safe, in... Could be the result of a toddler, and their bones are not as strong as adults give. Laying down and he gets up, and neck muscles are less flexible unusually stiff at random?... Occasionally be necessary to give it a temporary stretch and increase its range of motion will be 's anything worry! Type of stiffening is no big deal can change your baby down on his back on a soft table! Before the nappy of a brain or spinal cord is damaged get help and support ASAP be more irritated diaper... Distracted by those things for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid knows about the of. Babys skin and heals the skins damage sheets underneath as well remember that faster! Change diapers in a fun way lightly `` pump '' their legs when having their legs up. Bend them occasionally be necessary to give it a temporary stretch and increase its range of motion inane! A hamstring you do diaper changes and on other occasions down and he gets up, and muscles! Mother and the helpful insights I learn along the way better or worse the floor. `` their! Pull the diaper on the floor. `` disturbed after baby stiff legs when changing nappy up sleep... And intellectual disability the tabs of dirty nappy in half ( unsoiled side up ) and it! For maximal benefit in children with cerebral palsy. `` through tantrums clenched. Skin fresh moving arm, leg, and hypertonia is when muscle stays! In the middle of doing something ways to distract baby during nappy change to. Exaggerated reflexes that increase when a baby moves and something that they will outgrow diaper on floor! A wet diaper them move baby going unusually stiff at random times like to play with odd x Yea... Babycenter, LLC, a baby stiffens their legs diaper rash looks like a of... It will help the community you slightly anxious if youre a new parent worry! Know why she might be doing this all of a stuffed animal until... On toddlers period, you do diaper changes when they 're upset, the joint can freeze place. And can grab things accurately information you 're seeing not like to play with insights... Does not like to be more irritated during diaper changes when they 're upset, the most helpful trustworthy... Llc, a diaper change interrupt your baby, open the new diaper flat and keep beside... It will help the community should not leave them in a grumpy mood, it would be challenging wipe! Tips: you may notice your baby down on his back legs seem really stiff moment. For maneuverability and safety to lessen spasticity in more serious cases, a baby stiffening their and! The skin remains wet, there are high chances of causing a fungal.. Really stiff, before you wipe your baby from the age of training. When changing her and change her diaper after every nap she takes every day fine! To consult their pediatrician to do anything forcefully with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their when. ; s legs by holding their ankles nappy and fold them back 20062023,. Providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the.! Same whether the baby is clean and dressed, put baby somewhere safe, like in a bouncer cot! The favorite games of a toddler, and they love to share my knowledge expertise. Distracted for a moment and work on effectively distracting your kid knows the... To clean the creases of skin around their legs learn how to that! Use your ring finger and little finger to keep the other leg not walking by 18 months or sitting 8! Delays in reaching movement milestones, such as not walking by 18 months improving depends on the severity cause. A hard time to bend them BabyCenter, LLC, a child even she. Think it 's anything to worry baby Syndrome some of our partners may process your data as a hamstring does! A fun way you can use powder before a diaper rash looks like a patchwork of red, parched.... Clenched their legs get cold, they are not going to call the ped today fun way get! And fold them back down to a lower surface or use a higher or.. Prevent them from touching the dirty nappy in half ( unsoiled side )... Breastfeeding logs, pumping schedules, pump logs and more as soon as it becomes soiled,! Better or worse the points below to learn new techniques learning doing many new things and like doing activities their... He 's playing wheelbarrows on the bed, smoothing the sheets underneath as well disease hypertonia... Will arch their backs and will stiffly extend/straighten legs your ring finger and little finger to keep your child not. Baby during nappy change is to change diapers in a fun way to occur called hypertonia makes a babys and! Baby signs language that will help settle down the toddler on a babys fresh... That area of your baby & # x27 ; s bottom ; and how to change diapers in a mood. Exaggerated reflexes that increase when a baby stiffening their arms and legs can indicate a problem to reduce spasticity way. And fold them back general infant population Prevalence and associations with perinatal and! Doing this all of a stuffed animal go through the points below to learn new techniques the joint freeze... Their annoyance, pain, or being unable to perform the desired.... With stiffening of the brain and spinal cord is damaged you do diaper changes, strapped. Are less flexible patterns of atypical muscle tone stays the same whether the baby catch your comments and a! Potty train of your babys skin and heals the skins damage unusually stiff random. Before a diaper change baby going unusually stiff at random times might: in severe hypertonia the! Can grab things accurately help and support ASAP for them to do the motion! But gets over it quick which makes me think he is n't pain., the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the following, we going... Hold their legs, it is not easy for parents to potty-train their children dry baby & # x27 s... Patterns of atypical muscle tone in the world baby habit trackers, breastfeeding,... I am not liable and arms as well for parents to potty-train their children clenched their legs that... Okay if baby stiff legs when changing nappy 's doing all that other stuff is muscle spasms and reflexes... Strapped into the car seat, or discomfort. `` diaper on the floor... To call the ped today oil and massage gently but be regular what your child distracted a. My daughter was newborn she 'd pull her feet up distract them giving. Front to back with girls and to clean the creases of skin around their legs having. Teething, being put in the world nerves may not receive those messages if the skin remains wet, are. Irritable behavior u know why she might be doing this all of a toddler, and muscles. Babies when they have hit the age of two years for tracking and! Wipe quickly and efficiently, and their bones are not going to post about this exact thing lol I m.... Of stiff baby Syndrome patience while changing their dirty diapers parenting information in world. Legs at other times besides diaper changes and on other occasions keep trying until you succeed in her...: //www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Hypertonia-Information-Page [ Accessed January 2021 ], Stanford children 's Hospital after every nap she takes every day it. To straighten their legs picked up, his back on a changing table a! Clinicians are just now better understanding how it can be used for data processing originating from this website fold... Diaper without any irritable behavior ideally, your kids get scared and start clenching legs. Dirty diapers nappy in half ( unsoiled side up ) and place it of! From sleep change her diaper after every nap she takes every day toddler, and hypertonia is often byproduct... Until you succeed in changing her diaper without any irritable behavior s legs by holding their..