Hi all,

My daughter is nearly 15 months old. The past few weeks, as soon as I take off her diaper, she reaches down to touch, play, scratch -- whatever it might be that she is doing. I know this is normal, and she doesn't have a rash so it's not just that she is itchy.

But what can I do to stop it? I've tried putting toys in her hand so this doesn't happen, but sometimes I am just not fast enough and -- on bad days -- we end up with poopy fingers, clothes, etc. It's not just gross, it's soooo unsanitary.

Does anyone have any advice on how they got through this phase? (And please, please! Tell me it is a phase and I am not crazy!)

Thank you!!

Honestly, as long as it isn't poopy, I'd just let her do it. She's just exploring her body.

For poopy diapers, though, I really quickly hold her legs up at an angle that blocks her arms, and if all else fails, pin her down and do it QUICK.

No you are not crazy it is definetely a phase. One that my DD, 17 months old, is in also.
I do basically what moozle said, if it isn't a poopy diaper I let her do it. I know that it is just natural self discovery, I try and not make a big deal about it. For poopy diapers I let her hold the diaper rash medicine. I'll say "help mommy by holding this" and that usually holds her attention until I have everything cleaned up. Hope that helps

Oh my goodness - I have the same problem with my 11 month old doing this! I don't mind her doing that of course because I know it's normal also but I can't stand when she starts doing this when she has a poopy diaper - I do all in my power to block her hands from that area so I can clean her up but sometimes it's just inevitable. Diaper changes (espcially poopy ones) have become a major struggle with lots of tears.

Thank you, everyone. I suppose I should have been more clear that it doesn't upset me that she reaches down -- it's the whole dirty diaper issue that worries (and frustrates) me. But since you all think I'm not crazy, and you all have similar struggles to keep busy hands busy ... that at least reassures me that I'm not doing anything wrong or missing any fabulous trick!

So, thanks again. I will continue to hand her whatever will occupy her for a minute, and eventually we'll get through this phase!

Depending on what kind of mood my daughter is in, sometimes singing to her or acting silly will distract her. If not, I try to give her a toy or stuffed animal to hold on to but she usually thinks its funny to throw it. It works about half of the time I guess. The other times I guess you just have to be as quick as possible.