Toileting, Diapering & Sanitation

Purpose

Promote children’s health by implementing safe, consistent toileting, diapering, handwashing, cleaning, and sanitation practices that reduce the spread of illness, support children’s growing independence, and maintain a healthy Family Child Care environment.

Toileting, Diapering & Sanitation

Healthy hygiene routines are an essential part of providing high-quality Family Child Care. Daily practices such as diapering, toileting, handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing not only help prevent the spread of illness, but also create opportunities to teach self-help skills, encourage independence, and support children’s overall health and well-being.

Family Child Care providers often care for children representing multiple developmental stages throughout the day. Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children each have unique hygiene and toileting needs. Establishing consistent routines helps create predictable experiences for children while allowing providers to maintain active supervision and respond to individual developmental needs.

Maintaining clean, sanitary environments also strengthens family confidence by demonstrating a commitment to children’s health, comfort, and safety. Consistent hygiene practices support Community Care Licensing requirements while contributing to the professionalism and quality of the Family Child Care business.

Diapering Procedures

Diapering should always be completed using sanitary procedures that protect both children and providers while reducing opportunities for cross-contamination. Preparing supplies in advance, maintaining active supervision, and following consistent cleaning and sanitizing procedures help ensure every diaper change is completed safely and efficiently.

Each diaper change also provides an opportunity to build trusting relationships, encourage communication, and support children’s developing self-help skills through warm, responsive interactions.

Diapering Procedures

Step	Key Requirements & Best Practices	Business Best Practice
Preparation	Gather diapers, wipes, gloves, extra clothing, and cleaning supplies before beginning.	Prepare all materials before placing the child on the diapering surface.
Supervision	Never leave a child unattended during diaper changes.	Maintain one hand on the child whenever appropriate.
Hygiene	Wash hands before and after every diaper change and assist children with handwashing.	Model healthy hygiene routines consistently.
Cleaning & Sanitizing	Clean and disinfect diapering surfaces after every use.	Allow disinfectants to remain on surfaces for the recommended contact time.
Disposal	Dispose of diapers in a covered, hands-free container.	Empty diaper containers regularly to reduce odors and contamination.
Documentation	Record diaper changes and communicate concerns with families when appropriate.	Share observations regarding skin irritation or changes in bowel movements when necessary.

Toileting

Toilet learning is a developmental milestone that should be approached with patience, encouragement, and respect for each child’s readiness. Successful toilet learning is strengthened through ongoing communication and collaboration between the Family Child Care provider and the child’s family.

Children benefit from consistent routines, positive encouragement, and opportunities to develop independence while learning appropriate hygiene practices. Accidents should be viewed as a normal part of the learning process and handled calmly and respectfully.

Toileting Best Practices

Area	Key Requirements & Best Practices	Business Best Practice
Readiness	Support toilet learning when children demonstrate developmental readiness and families are ready to begin.	Maintain consistent expectations between home and child care whenever possible.
Independence	Encourage children to complete as many toileting steps independently as they are able.	Celebrate effort and progress rather than focusing on accidents.
Supervision	Maintain active supervision while respecting children’s privacy and dignity.	Offer assistance while encouraging age-appropriate independence.
Hygiene	Reinforce proper handwashing after every toileting routine.	Model each step and provide gentle reminders as children learn.
Cleaning & Sanitizing	Clean and sanitize toilets, potty chairs, sinks, and surrounding areas routinely.	Increase cleaning frequency during illness outbreaks.
Accidents	Respond calmly and respectfully while following sanitation procedures.	Keep extra clothing available and reassure children that accidents are a normal part of learning.
Family Communication	Share progress, concerns, and successful strategies with families.	Consistent communication supports successful toilet learning.

Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting

Maintaining a clean Family Child Care environment helps reduce the spread of illness while creating healthy learning spaces for children and families. Understanding the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting helps ensure each process is used appropriately throughout the day.

Routine cleaning removes dirt and debris, sanitizing reduces germs to safe levels, and disinfecting destroys many disease-causing organisms on surfaces. Following manufacturer directions and Community Care Licensing requirements helps ensure products are used safely and effectively.

Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting Schedule

Area	Recommended Frequency	Business Best Practice
Diapering Surface	After every use	Clean and disinfect before assisting another child.
Toilets & Sinks	Daily and as needed	Increase cleaning during periods of illness.
Infant Toys	Daily or after being mouthed	Rotate toys to allow proper cleaning and drying.
Learning Materials	Weekly or when visibly soiled	Increase cleaning frequency during illness outbreaks.
Tables & Highchairs	Before and after meals	Use food-safe sanitizing procedures.
Frequently Touched Surfaces	Daily	Include doorknobs, cabinet handles, light switches, and learning materials.

Handwashing

Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness within a Family Child Care home. Consistent handwashing routines should become part of everyday activities for both providers and children.

Teaching children proper handwashing techniques not only supports healthy habits but also encourages responsibility and independence.

Handwashing Guidelines

Handwashing Should Occur:	Examples
Upon Arrival	When children and providers arrive for the day.
Before Meals & Snacks	Before preparing, serving, or eating food.
After Toileting or Diapering	After using the toilet or changing diapers.
After Messy Play After Outdoor Play	After paint, glue and playdough use as examples Following outdoor learning experiences.
After Contact with Bodily Fluids	After wiping noses, assisting sick children, or handling bodily fluids.
After Handling Animals	Following contact with pets or other animals.
Whenever Hands Are Dirty	Anytime hands become visibly soiled.

Business Connection

Consistent hygiene routines protect children’s health, reduce the spread of illness, strengthen family confidence, and support Community Care Licensing compliance. Well-established procedures for diapering, toileting, handwashing, cleaning, and sanitizing create healthy learning environments while contributing to the professionalism, efficiency, and long-term success of a Family Child Care business.