By the time your baby becomes a toddler, you'll be changing his diaper less frequently. While your newborn may go through up to 12 diapers per day, your toddler will probably only need six to eight diaper changes each day. Of course, changing a squirmy, headstrong toddler is quite different from changing a docile newborn; parents will likely run into an entirely new set of challenges at toddler diaper changes.
When Should My Toddler Stop Wearing a Diaper?
Most toddlers start potty training sometime between the ages of 2 to 3, but early and late potty training are also perfectly normal. Your child's diaper habits are one possible clue to his potty readiness: Toddlers who take off their own wet diapers or ask you to change them as soon as they wet might be ready to start potty training. Once your child starts potty training, though, you'll want to trade diapers for training pants or underwear as soon as your child has shown potty training success for a few weeks, recommends MayoClinic.com. This transition is a big deal for you and your child, so celebrate accordingly. Since nighttime control often requires more time to take effect, consider keeping your toddler in a diaper or training pants at night for a few more months.
How Can I Change a Squirmy Toddler?
Gone are the days when your baby would calmly wait while you changed her diaper. Toddlers hate to slow down, even for a few seconds, which makes diapering tough. Depending on your toddler, there are a few different ways to handle the challenge. Turn your diaper routine into a story, narrating each part, or keep a special bin of diaper toys and books handy to entertain your toddler during diaper changes. Toddlers love to help, so asking her to pass you her diaper or wipes may help her stay still while you change her. In a pinch, consider changing her diaper while she's standing up.
How Do I Treat a Toddler Diaper Rash?
Toddlers get diaper rash just like infants and for many of the same reasons; prolonged wetness, chafing and even new foods in his diet are all possible causes of diaper rash in your toddler. Keeping your toddler's diaper area clean and dry. Applying a barrier cream helps treat diaper rash, but some toddlers also benefit from diaper-free time since exposure to air helps speed diaper rash on its way, according to BabyCenter.com. Consider letting your toddler spend his playtime without a diaper, or even put him to bed with no diaper and a plastic protector between his mattress and sheet.
Can My Toddler Swim in a Diaper?
Swim diapers are designed to be water-proof, but they aren't impenetrable; fecal matter and urine are able to pass through your toddler's diaper and contaminate the water in a swimming pool, explains Jay Hoecker, emeritus pediatrics specialist, at MayoClinic.com. If you take your toddler swimming in a swim diaper, take frequent bathroom breaks; save your trip for the pool to another day if he has diarrhea.
