Changing a nappy

Once you have the right equipment and a suitable place in which to change the nappy, you can go ahead.

Below is the procedure you should use when changing a nappy.

Wash your hands thoroughly, and dry them.

Make sure you have all the materials you need within your reach.

Let the child know that you are going to change their nappy. Always approach them from the front when picking them up or leading them to the change area.

Lift the child onto the change mat, using the correct lifting techniques as specified by occupational health and safety standards.

Interact with the child, for example, smiling and talking continuously whilst changing their nappy.

Undress the child then put gloves on to change their nappy. You should always wear gloves when changing soiled nappies or dealing with body fluids other than urine as specified by occupational health and safety standards.

Take the nappy off.

Using a cloth and warm soapy water clean in the creases of the baby's bottom, genitals and thighs. Place the used cloth into the cloth bucket and dry the baby with a clean cloth. Apply creams or lotions, if needed, using a cotton bud or cotton wool.

Note: When washing girls, you should wash with movements that wash away from the urethra. This means washing from front to back. This helps prevent infections of the urethra. When washing boys, you should not pull back the foreskin if the baby is not circumcised.

Dispose of the used nappy into a nappy bucket. You should use the sluice to remove the faeces before putting the nappy in the nappy bucket.

Remember! If the nappy is soiled, put gloves on if you haven't already done so.

Remove your gloves without touching the outside of the glove and place them in a bin as soon as the soiled nappy is removed to prevent the spread of infection.

Lift the child's legs up gently to place clean nappy underneath the childs bottom. Put the baby's clothes back on, or replace them with clean clothes if necessary.

Wash the child's hands. Return the child to their play area.

Clean the change area with warm soapy water. If necessary, follow with bleach.

Wash and dry your hands.