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Safe & Healthy Diapering in the Home

Baby crawling

Protect yourself and your children from germs by following these diapering steps.

Steps to Safe and Healthy Diapering in the Home

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 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 child has pooped, fold diaper closed and set aside for now, out of child’s reach.
    • If child has not pooped, place the dirty diaper in a cloth diaper pail.
  • If 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

replacing the 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

washing the child's hands

Wash 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)

cleaner and paper towels
  • 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.

7. Wash Your Hands

washing your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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