Toilet routines

When children are older, they are usually able to go to the toilet for themselves, and most children can manage independently in their third year but they will need encouraging in hygiene routines. They may also struggle with buttons or belts on their clothing and accidents will occur if they are in a new routine, they feel unwell or are simply so engaged in play that they leave going to the toilet until it is too late. At this stage, the most important thing is to make sure children go to the toilet at regular times during the day, and that they know they can always ask if they need to go. Children have smaller bladders and bowels than adults, so allowing children to use the toilet regularly is vital to avoid any accidents!

However, up to around 18 months - 2 years of age, children wear nappies. There are lots of different things that you need to be aware of when it comes to changing a nappy, but mostly that you should always change them as soon as possible when they are soiled. It might not be the best job in childcare, but it is vital to stop babies from becoming uncomfortable, and preventing nasty infections. Click through the slider to learn more.

  • Types of nappy

    There are two main types of nappy that parents may use. Most parents use disposable nappies, which can be thrown away when soiled. However, some parents choose to use Terry Towels, which are reusable nappies that can be washed and disinfected, before being used again. Different parents will have different preferences, and you should make sure that you always ask a parent which they prefer if their child requires nappies.

  • How to change a nappy

    To change a nappy safely, you will need a changing mat, disposable gloves, clean nappies, baby wipes, and barrier cream if you are worried about nappy rash. Then, you wash your hands, put on the gloves, and undress the baby and lie them on the mat. After this, you should undo the nappy, gently lift the baby’s legs by their ankles, wipe them clean using baby wipes, and remove the soiled nappy. Then, thoroughly clean the baby, and make sure their skin is dry before putting on a clean nappy.

  • Tips for nappy changing

    It’s important to make sure that babies are not too cold when their nappy is changed. Rooms at around 20 degrees are perfect for changing nappies. As well as this, you should always wipe from front to back to avoid infection, and be careful never to accidentally pull the foreskin back on baby boys. Other tips include always washing your hands both before and after changing the baby, and wiping down the mat with disinfectant. Talking to babies during the process can also help children to feel reassured and gives a great opportunity to support attachment.

  • Nappy rash

    Nappy rash is very common in babies, and can often happen because babies have been left in a nappy for too long, or due to poor nappy changing technique. As it is a painful condition for babies, it’s important to take some steps to avoid it. This includes changing nappies regularly, making sure the baby's skin is dry before putting on a new nappy, and using barrier creams to stop waste directly touching the skin. Another thing that can help is leaving a baby’s nappy off for a few minutes each day.

  • Bowel and bladder patterns

    Babies will pass different kinds of stool, depending on how they are fed. For example, breastfed babies often have orange, yellow, watery stools; while bottle-fed babies have pale brown, solid and smelly stools. It’s important to notice any changes in bowel or bladder patterns, such as stools becoming hard or a baby not passing anything for a day. You should report any changes to parents and supervisors, in case this is a sign of infection! Similarly, making sure that babies urinate regularly is important, as not doing so can be an indication of dehydration or a kidney problem.

  • When to get help

    There are some signs that you should look out for when changing a nappy, as they could indicate that a child has a wider health problem. These include any signs of blood, small green stools, very watery or smelly stools, and unusual rashes and marks. If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to seek medical help. Similarly, if you notice that a baby cries when going to the toilet, this also requires medical attention as they could be in pain or have an infection.

Did you know?

Between 18 months and 3 years of age, children are usually potty trained. This means that they transition from using nappies, to using the toilet. There is lots of information out there for parents seeking to potty train their children. When you work in an early years setting, it’s important that you know about this too!

Take a look at the NHS website to learn more about potty training. Perhaps you could work with a partner to do some research, and identify some important stages in potty training?

You’ve learnt a lot about hygiene and toilet routines over the last few pages! Let’s move on to learn about routines and independence!