Criterion HS203
A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies is 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
Each home must have a procedure for changing nappies and for disposing of them when needed. 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 to ensure safety (such as keeping a hand on a child at all times)
steps to ensure 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 the following.
The surface and equipment are cleaned and sanitised between each change.
The Cleaning and Sanitising Guidelines pamphlet located in the ‘Tools to help you comply’ section, 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/each child’s nappy is changed.
Disposable gloves are available to educators and recommended for use by adults changing nappies, after changing a child’s nappy, gloves are disposed of.
Gloves are used when the educator changing the child has any cuts, abrasions or lesions on their hands or lower arms to prevent transmission of blood-borne communicable diseases.
When assessing whether you comply with HS203
We are likely to look at, measure or count
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 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.
A written nappy changing procedure helps educators 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 provides the nappies – the parents or the educator
how often children’s nappies are checked/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/how often and by whom
how educators 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 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 changing can be a great opportunity to support children’s learning by using nappy change time to engage in one-on-one interactions.
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
Use songs or rhymes from different cultures during the routine
Incorporate words or phrases from the child’s home language during the routine. This supports identity and language development.
Health and safety of educators
Changing nappies can involve lifting, bending, or kneeling. To avoid injury, be mindful of your posture and use equipment that supports your body.