I don’t get it. At least seven times a day, my son needs his diaper changed. At least seven times a day, he cries, fights, struggles and tries to be anywhere in the world but getting his Pampers swapped.

Chances are, the days of playing peek-a-boo behind the diaper are long-gone if you’ve got a toddler. So how do you keep them from squirming and putting up a fight?

I’ve adopted the “distraction” technique. I find something else for him to focus on, and he seems to be fine with laying on his back. Here are some things you can try:

• Tag team him. It’s always easier if you get someone else to make faces and hold the squirming baby while you get that diaper changed as fast as possible.
• Give him a toy to hold.
• Give him a book to read.
• Sing a song. Our day care sings “Row your boat” to our son, and now he can actually sing along and make the motions.
• Give him something to eat. If he’s hungry AND needs a change, we’re in trouble. I give him a bottle or a cup to sip from and he’s occupied.
• Let him hold his clothes.
• Strap him in. Some changing tables come with a strap that’s meant to keep kids still. This will probably make him scream more, but you won’t have to worry about your baby falling off the table.
• Give him a mirror. Babies are so vain. Exploit this liberally.
• Turn on the radio. The new noise might be enough to distract his attention while you change him.
• Potty train him. If your toddler is old enough, screaming and thrashing on the table might be a sign he’s ready to do it himself.