Distract them.
Give your toddler a book or a toy to play with. You can even turn something on, such as a story CD.
Connect.
Talk to your toddler, and make funny noises. Lean forward, give him a kiss.
Be Gentle.
I don’t mean just “not being rough” because that would seem obvious. But if your toddler is struggling, move softly, and gently. Give him some time to play on the changing table (while you hold on to him, of course). Don’t rush it.
Use comfortable diapers.
The diapers he's wearing may be uncomfortable to him. Try different brands of diapers.
Use good wipes.
Make sure that what you’re using doesn’t irritate your toddler, and definitely opt for a sensitive variety.
Don’t wait until you’re desperate!
Toddlers sense all kinds of moods, including desperation. So change diapers as soon as possible. In addition, sitting a little longer in a wet diaper can irritate the area.
Be aware of rashes and irritation.
The worst diaper struggles happen with an irritated tush. If you keep using creams and the rash isn’t going away, talk to your doctor – it could be a fungal infection, and require a prescription.
Be silly.
Toddlers love silliness, and it’s a great way to lighten the mood for an unwanted activity.
Empathize.
Especially when it comes to very dirty diapers, or similar “emergencies”, we often forget about our toddler’s feelings. Toddlers are at a stage when they are really beginning to express emotions, and that is what he is doing when he struggles.
Let him help.
Toddlers love to “help”. Whether it’s choosing which diaper (the one with Elmo or the one with Big Bird?) or allowing him to wipe his hand with a wipe, while you wipe the bottom, let him feel involved.