As an adult (which was in fact rare, as nearly all changelings were thought to die in early childhood (most probably killed by displeased parents), it was disabled, gibbered instead of talked, and distrusted people.
When a mother wanted to protect their child from being stolen, they had to tie a red ribbon around its wrist2, put a red hat on its head ,and shield the child’s face from the moonlight. Under no circumstances should a mother wash the baby’s nappies after sunset or turn her head away from the child when it was asleep.
Another method of deterring a Dziwożona was to keep a St. John’s Wort flower or a Harebell at home or to grab it when the danger was known.