Childcare Bathrooms & Changing Areas

Bathrooms & Changing Areas

The Bathroom and Changing spaces are often overlooked-but are important places in your Childcare Home. Using the bathroom, washing hands, and diapering are all important routines that develop self-help skills, and help children gain independence.

When setting up a diapering and toileting area, here are some important tips:

Use a non-porous cover that can be cleaned and easily sanitized
Place your changing area near a hand washing sink and separate from food prepping area
Consider a portable option on the floor to avoid having to lift children
Place a mobile above or a mirror beside the changing table, this will give infants something to focus on during the changing process and be less restless.
Place a stool near the toilet so that it is accessible for small children,
Change out the toilet seat with one that has a toddler toilet seat built in.

Hand washing Area Tips:

Provide a low sink or sturdy stool that will allow children to wash their hands independently
Consider an automatic faucet to reduce wasted water. Current best practice is to use a paper towel to shut off a faucet, this can not only be hard for little ones to remember, but it can also result in paper towels being left in a sink, an automatic faucet removes this obstacle.
A liquid soap dispenser helps preschoolers to get just the right amount of soap, and are often less expensive than pump soap. You can get a manual dispenser or an automatic.
A wall mounted paper towel dispenser can save on paper towels and help prevent germs from spreading. There are many options, the tri-fold paper towels are a good fit for childcare. One towel is just right for drying little hands, they are easy to refill, and refills can be ordered on Amazon or picked up at your local bulk warehouse store.
Place posters near the hand washing area that display photographs of proper hand washing techniques, and hygiene.
Use a step-on trash can to help prevent the spread of germs.