Diaper changing

Diapering areas in child care settings are important to consider in preventing the spread of germs.

The following measures are important infection prevention and control practices for such areas:  

• Keep the diapering stations separate from food preparation, eating and activity areas
• Ensure the surface for diapering is made of a smooth, non-porous and cleanable material
• Dedicate a hand wash sink close to the diapering station with warm water, soap and disposable towels
• When diapering a child, it is important to ensure that staff wash their hands prior to putting on gloves and handling the soiled diaper
• Gloves should be removed after handling the soiled diaper, followed by hand washing
• Gloves are single use and should not be used for another task or for diapering another child
• Place soiled diapers immediately in a nearby garbage can with a secure lid and disposable liner; a foot operated garbage can is preferred
• Used cloth diapers (outer covering and liner) must be handled as little as possible to limit and prevent exposure to body fluids. Do not shake, scrape, or rinse the cloth diapers. However, formed stool may be released into a toilet if it can be done so with ease, then place soiled items into a plastic bag and return to parents. During an outbreak, children using cloth diapers should switch to disposable diapers for the duration of the outbreak
• Ensure personal diapering items are clearly labelled for each child (creams, wipes and diapers); do not use a child's dedicated items on another child
• If a child's clothing becomes soiled, place it in a plastic bag and send home for laundering
• Use an appropriate cleaner and disinfectant to clean the diapering surface between each use (e.g., after each diaper change)
• Assist children with hand washing after diapering

For more information, call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744