Criterion HS103
# A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies is displayed near the nappy changing facilities and consistently implemented.
Documentation required
A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies that aims to ensure:
safe and hygienic practices, and
that children are treated with dignity and respect.
Guidance
How to show you are complying
You must have a clear procedure for changing nappies and for disposing of them when needed. The procedure should be displayed near the nappy changing area and followed by everyone.
It’s important that the steps in your procedure are easy to understand to help make sure nappy changes are always done safely, hygienically and with respect.
The nappy changing procedure needs to include:
steps for safety, such as keeping a hand on a child at all times
steps for hygiene, such as cleaning surfaces, use and disposal of gloves, handwashing and disposal of soiled nappies
how children’s dignity and respect will be maintained throughout the process.
The National Public Health Service recommends hygienic practices include:
that the surface and equipment are cleaned and sanitised between each change
information from the 'Cleaning and Sanitising Guidelines' pamphlet located in the ‘Tools to help you comply' section, which provides specific advice on how to clean nappy changing areas
locating a sealed rubbish bin near the nappy change area (ideally, a rubbish bin that is foot-activated and not accessible to children) for disposal of gloves and nappies
handwashing and sanitising before and after glove use or each child’s nappy is changed
that disposable gloves are available to staff and recommended for use by adults changing nappies.
Use of gloves
The National Public Health Service recommends that gloves are used when the person changing the child has any cuts, abrasions or lesions on their hands or lower arms to prevent transmission of blood-borne communicable diseases.
After changing a child’s nappy, gloves are disposed of.
When assessing whether you comply with HS103
We are likely to look at, measure or count
Look at where your procedure is displayed to make sure it is visible when changing a nappy.
If a nappy is being changed, we might see the procedure being implemented.
We are likely to request
A copy of the nappy change procedure.
The hash symbol # indicates that we might ask for a report from a National Public Health Service, under Regulation 55 of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. This report would help check if the nappy change procedure will ensure safe and hygienic processes are used to help prevent the spread of illness.
The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.
The National Public Health Service can help by giving advice on nappy change procedures, how to keep things clean and stop infections from spreading.
Health NZ’s Cleaning and Sanitising Guidelines pamphlet
Cleaning and sanitising guidelines – HealthEd
Early learning service health assessments – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
Contact public health services – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
A written and visible nappy changing procedure helps everyone follow the same safe, hygienic and respectful steps every time. It helps keep children safe and healthy and is an important part of providing quality care.
Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.
Your nappy changing procedure could also include the following:
Who can change children’s nappies.
How often children’s nappies are checked and changed.
The hand washing practices to be used. If relevant, the practices to be used when wearing disposable gloves.
How the nappy changing area is cleaned and disinfected, when and how often and by whom.
How adults should interact with children when changing nappies.
How children are kept safe from falls or other hazards.
How ‘solid waste’ is disposed of.
How soiled nappies are stored and disposed of or if they will be given to parents to take home for disposal.
How cloth nappies are handled and stored for parents to take home.
If relevant, how potties are stored, used and cleaned.
Records of nappy changing
Keeping a record of when and by whom a nappy was changed is a helpful practice. It supports communication with parents and caregivers and provides clarity if any questions arise.
How long you keep these records is up to your service. We recommend keeping records for 3 months. Consider keeping the records longer if you are monitoring nappy change patterns or are making a report of concern about a child.
For children
Nappy change time can be a great opportunity to support children’s learning by engaging in one-on-one interactions. For example, you can:
use consistent routines to help children anticipate and understand the process
talk to the child, sing songs, or narrate what you're doing to build trust and language skill
describe actions (“now we’re wiping your hands”) to support vocabulary growth
encourage children to express themselves, even non-verbally
acknowledge their feelings (“I see you’re not happy about this. Let’s make it quick and gentle.”).
Culturally responsive practices
You can:
use songs or rhymes from different cultures during the routine
incorporate words or phrases from the child’s home language during the routine to support identity and language development.
For adults
Adults in some services can spend a large proportion of their time changing children’s nappies. Build steps into your procedure to help prevent injuries like back strain. This will which contribute to a safe, healthy work environment. The ACC website has more information on preventing injuries at work.