Change mat protocol?

[lucyD]

Is it worth buying disposable change mats for hygiene or do you use disinfectant wipes etc....what works best for you and what do Ofsted like to see?

[jillplum]

IHave a change mat for each child and use disinfectant wipes. ofsted were happy with this.

[QualityCare]

I use 1 changing mat wiped with disinfectant spray after use but l always cover it with kitchen roll (like drs consulting bed) for each child.

[Mouse]

Up until recently I have only had one changing mat. I used it for all the children & wiped it down with Detol anti-bac wipes after each change.

Someone has now given me another mat, so I alternate them. No real reason really, other than because I have 2! If I only have 2 children here in nappies I will use one mat each, still using anti-bac wipes between each change. If I have 3 or 4 children here in nappies I use either mat, although do tend to use one for dirty nappies & one for wet ones. Again, there's no real reason for it other than I might as well use 2 mats as I've got them!

Ofsted have always been happy when I had just the one mat

[chriss]

Also do you use disposable gloves as you are dealing with body fluids, there must be some rules /regulations about this somewhere .

[singlewiththree]

I have 1 mat and use a disinfectant wipe after each child ofsted were fine with that last time.

[Poppet1]

Ofsted advised me at my initial inspection that wiping the changing mat with disinfectant is enough as long as you don't put the next child onto it when it is still wet. My children often come with their own changing bags which have a foldable change mat in them so I use their own where possible.

[moggy]

Also do you use disposable gloves as you are dealing with body fluids, there must be some rules /regulations about this somewhere .

No, there is no rule about this so it is up to you. Some swear by gloves, some don't. (There are looong threads on this somewhere!) I don't like them, I think they are wasteful and damaging for the environment so I don't use them and Ofsted have no problem with that as long as you wash hands.

[singlewiththree]

I wear gloves as I have eczema on my hands and don't want to get stuff in it

[Muffin]

I have a different changing mat, a thin travel type one, for each child and disinfect after each use

[singingcactus]

I have a vinyl mat for each child. I wipe it down once they've used it and put it away. I use gloves, like a previous poster I have eczema and it hurts and bleeds if I use baby wipes, or creams etc, so for hygeine and comfort gloves are the way in this house.

[Mrs Scrubbit]

one for each child, ani-bac sprayed after each use I also prefer to wear gloves x

[lucyD]

Fab, thanks ladies. Yes I do use gloves as like others have said I get eczema too & find it more hygienic! I currently have one mat & wipe with milton wipes after use so that should be fine. I like the idea of having a spare so may get a cheapy one...cheers

[eddie]

One mat - wipes or spray between each change. I don't like gloves personally as I think it feels a little impersonal for the LO but that's just my opinion. I always wash hands well.

I just make sure the mat isn't showing any signs of ageing ie holes etc as germs can lurk in these bits so I just bin it when it gets a bit manky.

[Boris]

One mat for us too. Cleaned with anti-bac spray and tissue between changes. I use gloves too as there's nothing worse than a nail-full of poop!!

[miffy]

I bought changing mats from the pound shop for each child. They fold and are stored with each child's nappies, wipes etc in their own box. It works for me and each child knows which is their mat.

Miffy xx

[Daisy1956]

I use one mat wiped after each use with anti-bac wipes. Ofsted were ok with it at my last inspection.

[jackie 7]

I use disposable mats for each child but Gompels has incontinance bed pads which are not much money and I will try them out. I get my gloves from them as well. Best price I have ever found.

[Lana10]

I have one mat,I wipe it down with detail anti bacterial spray and kitchen paper.I also wear gloves too.

[Lana10]

Sighs at auto correct that's actually dettol spray