A diaper changing apparatus that restrains an infant, child, or special need individual in a way that aids the caregivers ability to manipulate his or her position and orientation to provide access to the diaper area during diaper changing activities. The apparatus allows the caregiver to easily lift the legs and buttocks, providing access to the underside of the infant, child, or special need individual for diaper changing activities. In some embodiments, adjustments to the height of the legs and buttocks and the separation of the legs may be made during a diaper change by moving a restraint of the apparatus in the direction of the desired adjustment. Some embodiments aid a caregiver by restraining the arms, chest, or torso to prevent the infant, child, or special needs individual from interfering with the diaper change, but without immobilizing him so much that the caregiver cannot easily adjust his position.