Healthy Habits: Diaper Changing Steps at Home

Tips

1. Clean child

Keep a hand on the child for safety at all times.

• Place the child on diapering surface and unfasten diaper.
• Clean the child's diaper area with fresh baby wipes. Remember to always wipe from front to back!
• Keep dirty diaper/clothing away from any surfaces that cannot be easily cleaned.

2. Remove dirty diaper

• If the child is using cloth diapers:
  • Place used disposable baby wipes in a plastic-lined, lidded trash can or place cloth wipes in a cloth diaper pail.
  • If the child has pooped, fold diaper closed and set aside for now, out of child's reach.
  • If the child has not pooped, place the dirty diaper in a cloth diaper pail.
• If the child is using disposable diapers:
  • Set the used baby wipes in the dirty diaper.
  • Place the dirty diaper and used baby wipes in a plastic-lined, lidded trash can.

3. Replace diaper

• Slide a fresh diaper under the child.
• Apply diaper cream, if needed.
• Fasten the diaper and dress the child.

4. Wash child's hands

• Wash the child's hands with soap and water and place him or her in a safe, supervised area.

5. Clean diapering surface (especially if there were any spills or leaks of diaper contents)

• If diapering surface is waterproof, wipe up any visible soil with damp paper towels or a baby wipe. Then scrub with a disinfectant spray or wipe and allow surface to air dry.
• If diapering surface has a fabric cover, remove the soiled cover and replace it with a fresh one.

6. Flush poop (if using cloth diapers)

• If the child had pooped into the diaper, discard poop in toilet. Take care not to touch any other surfaces.
• Place the dirty diaper in the trash can or cloth diaper pail.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.