Every morning, I step into my daughter’s nursery with a mix of hope and dread, praying that today will be different. As I scan the room, my heart sinks when I spot it—a diaper lying discarded on the floor near her crib. I meet her bright blue eyes as she gleefully exclaims, “Hi! Stinky! No no!” while pointing to the diaper. “Stinky” is her affectionate term for her favorite stuffed animal, a nod to the chaos that has become part of our daily routine.
This escapade has turned into a near-daily occurrence over the past two months. Sometimes it’s just pee, other times it’s poop, and on lucky days, it’s both—a delightful mixture I never thought I’d have to deal with. Join me on this wild journey filled with both frustration and a hint of humor.
It all began with subtle hints that trouble was brewing. My little one started stripping off her shirt during the day, or at least trying to. It escalated during nap time, as I’d find her pajamas twisted and her shirt in disarray. The breaking point came when I walked into her room one morning to discover she was completely naked—not entirely true, as she had managed to cover herself in poop. Dehydration had turned her bowel movements into tiny pellets, which she generously scattered within a six-foot radius of the crib. To add to the horror, she had smeared some on her skin and even taken a taste. Thank goodness my husband had left for work early that day, allowing me to quickly whisk her off for a bath while my sister-in-law, visiting at the time, bravely tackled the cleanup.
I had hoped this was a one-off incident, but alas, it became a routine. I honed my skills in changing crib sheets and cleaning up messes. Each morning, as my husband would go into her room while I enjoyed some quiet time nursing, I’d listen for clues. If I heard the bath running, it meant poop was involved. A low voice indicated a less severe situation—just pee.
One night, in a moment of kindness, my husband went in to soothe her cries, only to discover the diaper-free truth beneath the gentle pat he gave her. Our new best friend became duct tape, which we used in desperate attempts to keep her diaper secure. Unfortunately, she quickly learned how to peel it off, leading us to resort to longer strips. Cold baths became a common consequence whenever she played with her mess. We attempted discipline, but who can discipline a toddler covered in poop? I would point at the diaper and say, “No, no!” only to have her cheerfully mimic me in return.
Recently, we traveled to Texas to visit family. We brought along a toddler tent, hoping it would prevent her from undressing. Nope. I was sitting with family when my husband walked in holding our naked child at arm’s length, leading her to the bathroom, where the familiar sound of running water echoed once again. There were multiple instances of her handing us her diaper, declaring “poopoo,” regardless of its condition.
The only reliable solution I’ve found is the type of onesie that snaps between the legs—thank heavens! Unfortunately, I don’t have enough of those to use every night, especially since layering them under her fleece pajamas would make her too hot.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, take heart—you’re not alone. I’ve learned to laugh at these moments, though not in front of my daughter, and I look forward to sharing these stories at her wedding. Despite the mess, I’m grateful for her naps, her little hands that can remove her diaper, and the existence of washing machines. Focusing on the small blessings amidst this trial has given me perspective.
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Summary:
Dealing with a toddler who refuses to keep her diaper on can be a chaotic experience. From discovering messes to utilizing duct tape and innovative clothing solutions, every day is an adventure. Through humor and gratitude, parents can navigate this challenging phase.