SAFE DIAPERING

One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to make sure your diapering procedure and area is sanitary. Diseases can be spread by you or the child’s hands due to improper sanitary procedures during diapering. Some diseases, viruses and parasites that can be spread are:

• Salmonella

• Shigella

• Campylobacter

• Giardia

• Crypto sporidia

• Rotavirus

• Norwalk virus

• Hepatitis A

Here are some important points to remember:

• Change diapers on a changing table or designated diapering area

• Separate the diapering area from the food storage, preparation, and eating areas

• Dispose of soiled diapers properly

• Wash both your hands and the child’s hands after diapering

• Do not allow pacifiers, toys, bottles, or food in the diapering area

The surface you use for diapering should be kept out of the reach of your children. It should be made of easily cleanable material. Make sure your water is hot enough for handwashing. Preferably the sink you use for handwashing after diapering is different than your food preparation sink. Use single-use towels such as paper towels when drying your hands and dispose of them immediately.

The equipment you use for diapering should be in easy reach so that you do not have to step away from your baby. However, everything should be kept out of reach or the baby. What equipment should be nearby:

• Creams or wet wipes used in diapering

• Medication creams or lotions applied when diapering.

For example: medication for diaper rash. Never use any cream or lotion that is prescribed for another child.

• Plastic bags should be kept out of child’s reach. Waste containers should be lined with disposable plastic bags. Clothing that is soiled should be placed in a laundry container lined with a plastic bag for washing.

• Waste containers should be tightly covered and away from children. Empty waste container as soon as it is filled or at least every day.

If your child is toilet training and you are using a toilet training chair, you must use proper handling. Clean chair after each use. If chair has a removable waste container, empty it immediately after use, clean and disinfect it after each use. Daily clean and disinfect chair and seat or if it gets soiled during the day.

Disinfecting solution:

Mix household bleach and water at a ratio of ¼ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water, or ½ cup of bleach to 32 ounces of water
Saturate area to be cleaned with the bleach solution and allowed to air dry, do not rinse or wipe dry. Bleach solution should be prepared fresh daily, as it looses the ability to kill germs with time. Make sure bleach is stored out of reach of children.

RESOURCES
EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION