Notes for adults

Under 1 year · 3 min · Easy

Turn diaper changing into a moment of connection with short rhymes and gentle movements for your baby.

Learning objectives

• Give the baby a chance to move their legs or arms with gentle adult support.
• Give the baby a chance to respond to an adult's voice or face with a look, gesture, expression, or sound.
• Notice the baby's signs of comfort and need for a break.

What you need

• A clean diaper and your usual changing supplies
• A changing mat or towel on the floor
• The printed rhyme page

Safety notes

Stay with your baby throughout the diaper change and activity. Use a firm surface on the floor when possible; never leave your baby alone on a raised surface. Support their limbs and use small, gentle movements. Never pull, force a joint, or try to stretch your baby's body. Stop if your baby cries, stiffens, resists, or seems uncomfortable.

How to do it

1. Gather your supplies and place your baby on their back on a changing mat or towel on the floor.
2. Change your baby's diaper and clean them as usual.
3. Look at your baby and tell them you're going to share some rhymes.
4. Say the first rhyme while supporting your baby's legs and gently moving them one at a time, as if pedaling.
5. Say the second rhyme while supporting your baby's arms and gently moving them apart and together, without forcing them.
6. Say the last rhyme and give your baby time to stretch or move in their own way.
7. Finish with a smile and wash your hands after the diaper change.

Teaching suggestions

• Say the rhymes in a calm voice and pause to notice how your baby responds.
• If your baby doesn't want you to move their arms or legs, simply say the rhymes and follow the movements they make.
• Try the rhymes again at another diaper change when your baby is comfortable.
• Welcome looks, sounds, and gestures as ways of joining in.

Variations

• Make it easier: Choose just one rhyme and let your baby move freely while you say it.
• Try a little more: Pause before repeating a rhyme and notice whether your baby moves their arms or legs on their own.
• Keep playing: At another time, lay your baby on a firm, safe surface and repeat the rhymes while they move freely.

Talk about it

• Where are your little legs?
• How do your arms want to move?
• What sound would you like to make?
• How are you feeling right now?

What to look for

• Notice whether your baby moves their arms or legs, with support or on their own.
• Notice whether your baby looks at you, makes a sound, changes expression, or gestures in response to your voice.
• Watch for signs of comfort or discomfort so you can adjust or stop the activity.