Diaper Changing Steps at Home
Print and Go Fact Sheet
Protect yourself and your children from germs by following these diapering steps.
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
- Slide a fresh diaper under the child.
- Apply diaper cream, if needed.
- Fasten the diaper and dress the child.
4. Wash 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)
- 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.
