There are many joys of having a small child, but diaper changing is usually not one of them. It is, however, a key time for hygiene. This is when cleaning and disinfecting can have an outsized impact on the health and safety of your family. Here are some steps you can follow for a hygienic diaper changing process:

Ensure a clean child. As you remove the soiled diaper, use a wipe to clean, then allow to dry. Remove and replace soiled clothing that also needs washing.

Dispose of the diaper or prep it for cleaning. Discard soiled disposable diapers into a lined trash can. For cloth diapers, either collect it for pick up by a diaper service or prepare it for washing yourself by first rinsing. Cloth diapers should be washed every day or every other day, following the care instructions.

Keep your diaper station clean. Keep frequently needed items on hand, including a fresh diaper. Then clean and disinfect the changing surface after each use. Our Clean Diaper Change resource lays out the cleaning steps.

Practice hand hygiene. Not just yours! Wash your hands and the child’s hands after changing a diaper. It can help to choose a handwashing song to ensure you’re washing for long enough.