When assessing whether you comply with HS103

We are likely to look at, measure or count

• Look at where your procedure is displayed to make sure it is visible when changing a nappy.
• If a nappy is being changed, we might see the procedure being implemented.

We are likely to request

• A copy of the nappy change procedure.
• The hash symbol # indicates that we might ask for a report from a National Public Health Service, under Regulation 55 of the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. This report would help check if the nappy change procedure will ensure safe and hygienic processes are used to help prevent the spread of illness.

The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.

The National Public Health Service can help by giving advice on nappy change procedures, how to keep things clean and stop infections from spreading.

HNZ’s Cleaning and Sanitising Guidelines pamphlet

Cleaning and sanitising guidelines PDF | 1MB

Early childhood centre health assessments – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Contact public health services – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

A written and visible nappy changing procedure helps everyone follow the same safe, hygienic and respectful steps every time. It helps keep children safe and healthy and is an important part of providing quality care.

Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.

Your nappy changing procedure could also include the following:

• Who can change children’s nappies.
• How often children’s nappies are checked and changed.
• The hand washing practices to be used. If relevant, the practices to be used when wearing disposable gloves.
• How the nappy changing area is cleaned and disinfected, when and how often and by whom.
• How adults should interact with children when changing nappies.
• How children are kept safe from falls or other hazards.
• How ‘solid waste’ is disposed of.
• How soiled nappies are stored and disposed of or if they will be given to parents to take home for disposal.
• How cloth nappies are handled and stored for parents to take home.
• If relevant, how potties are stored, used and cleaned.

Records of nappy changing

Keeping a record of when and by whom a nappy was changed is a helpful practice. It supports communication with parents and caregivers and provides clarity if any questions arise.

How long you keep these records is up to your service. We recommend keeping records for 3 months. Consider keeping the records longer if you are monitoring nappy change patterns or are making a report of concern about a child. 

For children

Nappy change time can be a great opportunity to support children’s learning by engaging in one-on-one interactions. For example, you can:

• use consistent routines to help children anticipate and understand the process
• talk to the child, sing songs, or narrate what you're doing to build trust and language skill
• describe actions (“now we’re wiping your hands”) to support vocabulary growth
• encourage children to express themselves, even nonverbally
• acknowledge their feelings (“I see you’re not happy about this. Let’s make it quick and gentle.”).

Culturally responsive practices

You can:

• use songs or rhymes from different cultures during the routine
• incorporate words or phrases from the child’s home language during the routine to support identity and language development.

For adults

Adults in some services can spend a large proportion of their time changing children’s nappies. Build steps into your procedure to help prevent injuries like back strain. This will which contribute to a safe, healthy work environment. The ACC website has more information on preventing injuries at work.

Preventing injury – ACC