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Important
New version effective 20 April 2026
This is the new version of the licensing criterion and associated guidance.
Criterion HS203#
A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies is consistently implemented.
Documentation required#
A procedure for the changing (and disposal, if appropriate) of nappies that aims to ensure:
- safe and hygienic practices; and
- that children are treated with dignity and respect.
Guidance#
How to show you are complying#
Each home must have a procedure for changing nappies—and for disposing of them when needed. It’s important that the steps in your procedure are easy to understand to help make sure nappy changes are always done safely, hygienically, and with respect.
The nappy changing procedure needs to include:
- steps to ensure safety (such as keeping a hand on a child at all times)
- steps to ensure hygiene (such as, cleaning surfaces, use and disposal of gloves, handwashing and disposal of soiled nappies
- how children’s dignity and respect will be maintained throughout the process.
The National Public Health Service, recommends hygienic practices include the following.
- The surface and equipment are cleaned and sanitised between each change.
The Cleaning and Sanitising Guidelines pamphlet located in the ‘Tools to help you comply’ section, provides specific advice on how to clean nappy changing areas. - Locating a sealed rubbish bin near the nappy change area. Ideally, a rubbish bin that is foot-activated) and not accessible to children for disposal of gloves and nappies.
- Handwashing and sanitising before and after glove use / each child’s nappy is changed.
- Disposable gloves are available to educators and recommended for use by adults changing nappies, after changing a child’s nappy, gloves are disposed of.
- Gloves are used when the educator changing the child has any cuts, abrasions or lesions on their hands or lower arms to prevent transmission of blood-borne communicable diseases.
