I get a surprising number of Google searches on ‘nappy/diaper struggles’ finding their way here. ‘Nappy change tantrums’ and ‘breast-feeding men for sexual excitement’ (see here and here); these are my themes apparently. Its unfortunate because neither of these topics are my specialty. Anyway I wish I had something to offer desperate parents, nappy changing desparation that is, when they get here. I wish I had some advice for you but as you can see below here (and here in my secret confession) I don’t.
These stupid tantrums over nappy changes and now you’re strong and crafty too when you kick and squirm and thrash to get free. Its getting old, you’ve been doing this for so long. Toilet train if you don’t like nappy changes, I’m not begging to deal with poo!
I know before we were parents we didn’t think a nappy struggle could be that big a deal. We knew parenthood would be tough, would push us to our limits, but we didn’t think it would be nappy struggles that would break our spirits. We didn’t think we would one day be so incensed by a nappy change that we’d be on the internet searching for information on the topic. I know. But to the people who found their way here from those search terms, can I just say? I. Feel. Your. Pain.
P.S I found this link for us.
blue milk 
An on-campus childcare centre here has a supplies shelf above the change bench. They installed a mirror on the underside of the shelf, and nappy changes are an absolute breeze.
I’m surprised no-one seems to have marketed change-table furniture with a built-in mirror shelf yet. There’s an entrepreneurial idea for you!
Thanks for the suggestion. All ideas for distractions are good but I must say that Anais has run through quite a lot of them already and the nappy changing thing has become a sort of assertion of her right of refusal for some reason. Also children always behave better at childcare than at home, alas.
P.S your site is terrific; great Australian feminist comment on politics.
Thanks bluemilk! I only noticed the mirror in the change room when I went to change a nappy there, and wondered why it was so calm and easy. I followed the lad’s spellbound gaze, and found the mirror.
My nephew gave up on the struggle, and started tickling his mother’s feet. Then he could get away while she shrieked and squirmed.
That kid is Too Smart For Our Convenience, so we hope he is toilet trained very soon. At least now that it’s winter his mother is wearing closed in shoes and is less tickle-able.
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