4.7 NAPPY CHANGING, TOILETING AND BATHING

DATED: December 2005

SOURCED: Staying Healthy In Child Care, 3rd Ed.

National Health & Medical Research Council

__________________________________________________________________

POLICY

   Children will be engaged positively, be respected, and have their dignity

   protected during nappy changing, toileting and bathing routines.

   At all times, the child’s health is protected through good hygiene practices.

PROCEDURE

Nappy changing

· The dignity and privacy of the child is respected during nappy changing.

· The child is always closely attended on the nappy change table

· Nappy changing is an opportunity to engage positively with a child

· Put on disposable gloves

· Place paper on the change table

· Place the child’s bottom on the paper

· Remove the child’s nappy and clothes

· Clean the child’s bottom with wipes

· Bag/Wrap the nappy, wipes & paper

· Remove gloves and peel over the nappy to envelope it

· Put on a clean nappy & dress the child

· Wash the child’s hands (If child under 1 year, option to wipe child’s hands with a wet wipe)

· Clean the change table

· Wash your hands

Toileting for Children

· Pre-schoolers and school aged children are to be supported in their toileting, bathing, dressing and hand washing routines which maintains their dignity and rights and meets good health and hygiene practices.

· It is important to explain and/or discuss the reasons for bathing and keeping clean.

· If a child has an ‘accident’ or bed wetting incident whilst in care the care provider will deal with it calmly and respectfully

· Young children may need to be reminded to use the toilet on a regular basis to establish continence

· Always have a clean change of clothing

· Assist the child to use the toilet

· Maintain the dignity and privacy of the child

· Remind child to flush the toilet after use

· Assist child to wash their hands

· If the child uses the potty, empty the contents into the toilet

· Wash potty in facility where cross contamination will not occur

· Store soiled clothes safely and hygienically

· Wash hands

Bathing

· Children should never be left alone when bathing due to the high risk of drowning or burning

· Hot water outlets where children are bathed must be regulated to between 45-50 degrees Celsius

· The water should be lukewarm, test before child is placed in bath – a baby’s skin will burn easily and quickly

· The water should be run to a low level adequate to bath a child (100-150mm)

· Ensure the water spout is not hot

· Taking a bath should be a pleasurable experience

· Bathing is a time to interact positively with a child

· The dignity and privacy of a child is to be respected at all times

· Have the baby in a safe place while you gather everything you need.

· Support the child’s head and shoulders if they can not sit up alone

· Slowly lower the child into the water - never let go—always keep one hand on the baby

· Use your free hand to gently soap the baby, using only a small amount of soap and rinse

· Use only a damp cloth on the child’s face, no soap

· Pull the plug out of the bath to release the water

· Take the child out of the bath immediately

· Dry and dress the child

· Take the child out of the bathroom

· When bathing older children, ensure they sit still in the tub as children can slip and fall if they are standing or moving around in the bath.

· Young children may need assistance in cleaning themselves

· Explain and discuss the reasons for bathing and keeping clean.

· Children under school age should not be left unattended in the bathroom

· School aged children should be monitored while in the bathroom