NAPPY CHANGING POLICY

RATIONALE

To ensure safe and hygienic practices are followed and that children are treated with dignity and respect.

POLICY;

To develop effective procedures for the changing (and disposal if appropriate) of nappies.

Reg 45/HS3 Education ECS 2008

Remember that children can feel vulnerable during such intimate procedures as nappy changing. It is important that we are sensitive to this and offer calm reassurance where necessary and talk to children throughout. It is a fantastic opportunity for 1:1 interaction and for teaching children about self-care.

Children’s nappies should be checked every 2-3 hours, and this must be recorded, including if they are dry.

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Ensure you have all you require before you start, and they are easy to reach during the nappy change procedure:

• Apron, Gloves, Nappy, Wipes,
• Cream (if requested and given permission by parent/guardian)
• Change of clothing (if needed)
• Reusable bag for soiled clothing

          - Ensure you never leave a child unattended on the change table, keeping one hand on the child at all times. Nappy changing is a 1:1 ratio.

           - Do not lift children unnecessarily, encourage children to climb up the steps onto the change table. When lifting children, keep your back straight and bend your               knees. Tuck stairs under the change table in between each nappy change.

• Put gloves on and remove the soiled nappy.
• Clean child with wipes. Roll the wipe into the soiled nappy. Put nappy aside / or into nappy bin, if within reach.
• Remove gloves, in between each nappy change, peeling the second glove form the wrist so as not to contaminate the gloved hand and place in separate bin. If gloves are soiled, use new gloves to put on the nappy cream if required.
• Put child’s clothing on and then lift or help them to climb down from the change table.
• Put the soiled nappy in the nappy bin provided.  Cloth nappies to be placed in waterproof, air-tight container or in child’s specified bag, and put in plastic bucket with lid.
• Spray change table and the nappy bin with bleach solution and dry off mat.
• Wash your own and the child’s hands with soap (regardless of whether you have worn gloves or not).
• Record nappy change or activity of toilet learners, including time, contents, cream used, rash, etc.
• Nappy bins are emptied throughout the day into the general waste wheelie bin. Nappy bins to be cleaned weekly with bleach.
• Soiled underwear process:
  - If a child soils their clothing / underwear, remove faeces into toilet.  Double bag clothing item, label bag and place in the soiled clothing bucket. Make sure lid is properly sealed and the bag with the soiled items of clothing are sent home at the end of the day.

• In the event of an illness outbreak, all children who usually use reusable nappies must use disposable nappies temporarily, to prevent the spread of infection.
• Children who are toileting need support and guidance. Use correct body terminology to offer clear guidance. Communicating the correct way to wipe after toileting i.e. front to back