Prime times- intimate care and nappy...

Prime times – Intimate care and nappy changing

Last updated: July 30 2024

Last reviewed: July 30 2024

Prime times of the day make the very best of routine opportunities to promote ‘tuning-in’ to the child emotionally and to create opportunities for learning. Nappy changing times are key times in the day for being close and promoting security as well as for communication, exploration and learning.

Nappy changing records.

Staff record when they changed the child and whether they passed a stool and if there was anything unusual about it e.g. hard and shiny, soft and runny or an unusual colour.
If the child does not pass a stool, or if he/she strains to do so, or is passing hard or shiny stools, the parents will be informed.
A stool that is an unusual colour can usually be related to the food that was eaten, so it is important that this is noted. However, a stool that is black, green or very white indicates a problem, and the child should be taken to the doctor.
Very soft, watery stools are signs of diarrhoea; strict hygiene needs to be carried out in cleaning the changing area to prevent spread of infection. The parent should be called to inform them, and that if any further symptoms occur they may be required to collect their child.
Sometimes a child may have a sore bottom. This may have happened at home as a result of poor care; or the baby may have eaten something that, when passed, created some soreness. The child also may be allergic to a product being used. This must be noted and discussed with the parent and a plan devised and agreed to help heal the soreness. This may include use of nappy cream or leaving the child without a nappy in some circumstances. If a medicated nappy cream such as Sudocrem is used, this must be recorded as per procedure 04.2 Administration of medicine.

Young children, intimate care and toileting

Nappies are changed between 10:15-11:00 and 13:15-14:00. Nappies that require changing between these times are changed as soon as noticed.
We discourage pull-ups unless the child is well on their way to potty training.
Changing areas are warm, appropriately sited and there are safe areas to lay young children if they need to have their bottoms cleaned.
If children refuse to lie down for nappy change, they can be changed whilst standing up, providing it is still possible to clean them effectively.
Each young child has his/her own bag to hand with their nappies/pull ups and changing wipes.
Staff ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.
Young children are encouraged to take an interest in using the toilet; they may just want to sit on it and talk to a friend who is also using the toilet.
They are encouraged to wash their hands and have soap and paper towels to hand. They should be allowed time for some play as they explore the water and the soap.
Anti-bacterial hand wash liquid or soap should not be used by young children, as they are no more effective than ordinary soap and water.
Staff are gentle when changing and avoid pulling faces and making negative comment about the nappy contents.
Wipes are used to clean the child. Where cultural practices involve children being washed and dried with towels, staff aim to make reasonable adjustments to achieve the desired results in consultation with the child’s parents. Where this is not possible it is explained to parents the reasons why. The use of wipes achieves the same outcome whilst reducing the risk of cross infection from items such as towels that are not ‘single use’ or disposable.
Staff do not make inappropriate comments about young children’s genitals when changing their nappies.
Older children use the toilet when needed and are encouraged to be independent.
Members of staffs do not wipe older children’s bottoms unless there is a need, or unless the child has asked.
Parents are encouraged to provide enough changes of clothes for ‘accidents when children are potty training.
As a charity run setting we have minimal space to keep spare clothes, these may not be gender neutral and may not be the correct size. We encourage parents to send plenty of spare clothes for their children whether potty training or not.
If young children are left in wet or soiled nappies/pull-ups in the setting, this may constitute neglect and will be a disciplinary matter.

Nappy changing is always done in an appropriate/designated area. Children are not changed in play areas or next to snack tables. If there are limitations for nappy change areas due to the lay-out of the room or space available this is discussed with the setting manager’s line manager so that an appropriate site can be agreed that maintains the dignity of the child and good hygiene practice.