Sam's a very long baby... if I put him where I can reach him without bending over the change table, I end up with him slamming his feet into my stomach. Unfortunately he's also a very strong baby and this is enough to not only push me off balance, but it's really hurting.
If I move him further away, I end up having to lean over and that hurts my back... and usually allows him to kick upwards at me and puts me in prime line for a shower during change times that I could more than do without!
I need to discourage the kicking, but how?
I've been trying to just hold his feet down on the change table and say very firmly "no", but at not even 6 months old, Sam seems to think this is a game and he just laughs. I know he's not doing it to be deliberately disobedient, but it certainly feels like it some days!
So... how do we convince a 5 and a half month old baby that kicking mummy in the stomach during change times is not a game and not something we are going to continue?
Could you change him on the side, rather than at his feet? I only say this because that's how my sister's change table is set up, coz Jack is a VERY kicky baby - this way he can kick to his hearts content, and we don't hafta check for bruises after!
BW, have you tried moving the change mat onto the bed? You can sit by him that way. Otherwise, get out everything you need first and leave the drawer shut from the side of the drawers.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but nappy changing does not get any easier when they start to move around! We started doing DD's on the floor and I would sit next to her, since lifting up and down and worrying about her wriggling off the table got too stressful!
Change on the side - it's easier when they get older too. I use my chest of drawers too, and I just pull out a nappy and my damp wipes before I start to change him - having the drawer open can put the drawers off balance a bit (unless its anchored to the wall)
Also distraction works well - a bit of baby cream / moisturiser (moogoo in my case!) on their fingers is a huge distraction as they play with the sensation of it. And a pull toy playing a tune within his reach ... also remove shoes etc ... arms can be kept at bay by folding their shirt over their elbows ...
How do I discourage this?
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