Criterion PF120#

# There are safe and stable nappy changing facilities that can be kept hygienically clean. These facilities are located in a designated area near to handwashing facilities and are adequately separated from areas of the service used for play or food preparation to prevent the spread of infection.

The design, construction, and location of the facilities ensure that:

• they are safe and appropriate for the age/weight and number of children needing to use them;
• children’s independence can be fostered as appropriate;
• children’s dignity and right to privacy is respected; and
• some visibility from another area of the service is possible.

Guidance#

How to show you are complying#

You must have a nappy changing area that is safe, easy to clean, and suitable for the age and weight of the children who use it. 

Your nappy changing facilities should be designed to suit the ages and number of children in your care. You should consider the specific needs of children in your care, including their weight. 

Location of nappy change facilities

Your nappy change facilities should:

• be in a designated space, not shared with other activities (as required by Regional Public Health)
• be separate from food preparation and play areas to prevent the spread of germs
• be close to handwashing facilities with warm water (no hotter than 40°C). This will allow for quick access and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

The nappy change area must be smooth, waterproof, and easy to clean and sanitise.

Visibility and privacy

You need to position the nappy change facility to support privacy for the child, in an area that is visible from another area of the centre. This should help keep children safe and enable support for adults where needed. Depending on your layout, a viewing window or open doorway can provide visibility without compromising children’s privacy.

Hygiene

Hygienic nappy change facilities must:

• be smooth, waterproof surfaces that can be easily cleaned and sanitised
• have disposable, non-porous change mats that can be cleaned between each use.

Supporting Independence

There are different ways to support children’s independence. For example, you could:

• encourage children to climb onto the changing table with adult support
• add safe steps or a small platform for children to walk onto the nappy changing facilities – this can help build confidence and their sense of independence
• make nappies and supplies easy to reach, so that children can grab their own items when appropriate.