What workarounds did people try for "How to handle a toddler fighting diaper changes and teeth brushing"?

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Community members documented 56 workarounds:
1. holding down the child and forcing the task for safety and health reasons
2. offering choices such as the drink to have after medicine or where to have it done
3. using a physical timer to give time warnings before transitions
4. letting the child sleep in daytime clothes or tomorrow's clothes to avoid morning dressing battles
5. finding and fixing the root cause of discomfort such as water in the eyes or itchy sweaters
6. Restraining the child physically on the ground or floor
7. Using electric toothbrushes
8. Using reward charts
9. Giving the child choices between normal brushing or being held down
10. Brushing without toothpaste or using water only
11. putting the child in a pull-up when leaving the house to avoid accidents while out
12. Putting the child on the toilet every 10 to 15 minutes
13. Removing all diapers and pull-ups during the day and going naked
14. Using high-value rewards, bribes, and special toys kept exclusively near the potty
15. Out-stubborning the child and having them help clean up their own accidents
16. Continuing to dress the child to save time and avoid morning conflicts
17. Using bribes or rewards systems
18. Turning the routine into a game or a race
19. Giving the child control over picking out their own clothes as an incentive
20. Using television time or other screen privileges as leverage
21. Doing baths less frequently (once or twice a week)
22. Using sponge baths or baby wipes for clean-ups instead of full baths
23. Switching from baths to showers using detachable shower heads
24. Making bath time fun with toys, bubbles, and bath bombs
25. Putting a diaper on and letting the child sleep in just a diaper, a quick nightgown, or a big t-shirt
26. Sending the older child to the bedroom to dampen the noise while fighting the diaper fight in the bathroom
27. Putting the child in a sling carrier
28. Holding the child while walking
29. Using a shopping trolley instead
30. Using videos or screen time as a distraction during brushing
31. Physically pinning the child down using legs in a V-sit position
32. Locking the bathroom door until cooperation is achieved
33. Using soft toys or playful approaches to encourage compliance
34. using detangling spray
35. brushing hair in the bath with conditioner
36. keeping hair in braids or ponytails
37. distracting the child with television or shows
38. switching from a comb to a wet brush or detangling brush
39. starting from the bottom of the hair and working upward
40. Having the child stand in the shower area while using a bucket with warm water, a washer, and soap for a very brief wash (about 20 seconds)
41. Offering baths instead of showers
42. Integrating water play
43. Giving options to pick between a bath or shower
44. Giving the option to wash hands beforehand to help with unclenching
45. Playing with toys and going through bath-time scenarios
46. Switching from yes/no questions to either/or choices
47. Using natural consequences (e.g., missing out on fun activities or outings if uncooperative)
48. Using positive reinforcement and praise when they listen or comply
49. Trying to use toys or objects as distractions during changes
50. Tuning out the crying to rush through the task safely
51. Having the preferred parent hide in another room so the other can complete bedtime routines
52. Giving them a head's up before changing gears
53. Limiting choices to exactly two options rather than open-ended questions
54. Stating tasks as non-negotiable statements instead of asking
55. Handing them the item (like a toothbrush) and removing it immediately without a fuss if they say no
56. Saying 'okay, bye' and walking away if they refuse to leave a place

How to handle a toddler fighting diaper changes and teeth brushing

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