Nappy changing

**caz** · 29-11-2008, 08:50 PM

Hi would Ofsted have a problem with me changing nappies in the living room. At the moment I take my 2 toddlers upstairs to change, 1 child comes down on his own and I carry the other. However on Monday I start with another toddler who will also need carrying, I was thinking this could be too dangerous and maybe I should use the room or hall until one of them can use the stairs. But will Ofsted think this is unhygienic.
Thanks for any advice
Caz

**Pauline** · 29-11-2008, 09:12 PM

I changed a little one on the lounge floor on a changing mat while inspector was here and no problem.

Much safer on the floor than a changing table as they can't fall off, I just make sure any wipes etc. are kept well out of reach of other children and I choose a quiet area out of the way. Always done it that way and always will.

**fionamal** · 29-11-2008, 09:13 PM

I always change my ones in the livingroom aswell. Its safer and saves having to take the other all upstairs with you.

**Lou** · 29-11-2008, 09:42 PM

yep agree i always change nappies in living room, where i have access to mat, wipes, etc.

**beerheaven** · 29-11-2008, 09:46 PM

Same here! I have always changed nappies downstairs in sight of others!

**marian** · 29-11-2008, 09:57 PM

Me too - i use a changing mat on the living room floor
Marian x

**manjay** · 29-11-2008, 10:35 PM

I change mindees downstairs but I do it in the hallway. I can still see the others but I like to give the one i am changing a bit of privacy and as I mind all boys the floor in the hall is much easier to clean than the carpet in the lounge

**Heaven Scent** · 30-11-2008, 12:22 PM

I do mine on the floor in the the DS Loo but mine is stupidly big. I see no problem in doing it on the living room floor - When I lived in my first house which was very small I always changed my DS on the the living room floor - so long as you can access somewhere safe to dispose the wet/soiled nappy and then have safe access to handwashing facilities.

**Bushpig** · 30-11-2008, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Pauline

I changed a little one on the lounge floor on a changing mat while inspector was here and no problem.

Much safer on the floor than a changing table as they can't fall off, I just make sure any wipes etc. are kept well out of reach of other children and I choose a quiet area out of the way. Always done it that way and always will.

ditto!

**butterfly** · 30-11-2008, 03:29 PM

i was wonderng about this issue with my inspection coming up. i'm worried about giving privacy to the one i'm changing. currently i do it in the lounge but my ds and sometimes dd is there as well. i was wondering about doing it in the hall but it's a bit awkward on the laminate floor for my kneesand also my ds would crawl down the hall from the lounge anyway!!

**helenlc** · 30-11-2008, 03:46 PM

I change mine in the hallway as its quite spacious but allows privacy for the one I am changing. I can also see clearly into the front room and also hear what anyone may be up to!! I sometimes find that if I do do it in the front room and its been a particularly smelly one, the smell can linger for some time.

At my inspection in May my inspector asked me what nappy changing facilities I had. I said that at present I didnt have any children in nappies, but when I do, I will get a change mat etc. She asked if I would get a proper changing station. I said that I wouldnt because a) I didnt have the room and b) because I think the floor is safer than a child being up high. I said for example, I have a 2 yr old and 1 yr old both in nappies. Say I am changing the 2 yr old and the 1 yr old begins to choke on something. I am then torn between removing the 2 yr old safely from the changing station or going to the choking baby. If I was doing it on the floor, the worst that can happen to the 2 yr old is that he may roll in his own mess which isnt pleasant but thats not as dangerous as choking. My inspector was fine with this.

Hope this helps

**Chatterbox Childcare** · 30-11-2008, 03:58 PM

I do mine wherever I am. I ask the parents to put the change mats in the bags.

**marion123** · 30-11-2008, 05:21 PM

i do mine in the living room its much safer as i can keep my eyes on the other mindees

**caz** · 01-12-2008, 04:30 PM

Thanks for all your advice I feel much better about my Ofsted inspection due any time now.
Caz

**chaotic_space** · 02-12-2008, 01:59 PM

I change babies on my lap on top of a thin mat. Neither Ofsted or assessors have ever had a problem with it. What's important is that you wipe the mat down afterwards, dispose of the nappy properly and wash your hands. I have one of those little clips on my belt loop with a bottle of handwash attatched. Best thing since sliced bread