Top tips for Toileting Babies and Toddlers

Every church is different in its context; one size doesn’t fit all and churches must be able to set their own policy, but we hope the following principles offer helpful guidance.

This is only guidance and churches must decide what is practical in their context, at all times ensuring keeping children safe is paramount.

Only staff and volunteers who have a full enhanced DBS (with the barred list checked) can have unsupervised access to a child, this includes toileting, however as a church it’s important to have some guidance around this.

Ultimately the child/ren is/are the parents’ responsibility and their personal care needs should be met by them. However, during the course of providing childcare there may be times when staff or volunteers may have to intervene.

Don’t change a child’s nappy unless specifically given consent by the parent/carer signing a consent form.

Change the nappy in the same room as the activity with another adult present if possible and try to ensure privacy of the infant as much as you can. Nappy changing should be carried out by a team member who has a current disclosure certificate.

If written permission has not been given to change a baby/toddler’s nappy then the parent/carer must be called if a nappy requires changing.

TOILETING TODDLERS

This is only guidance and churches must decide what is practical in their context, at all time ensuring keeping children safe is paramount.

Children should be taken to the toilet by a team member who has a current enhanced DBS.

Girls should be taken to the female toilets. Boys should be taken to male toilets if a male helper is available.

If a child is in the process of potty training, discuss their needs with the parent/carer.

If a child needs help on the toilet, leave the door open so you can be heard and seen, if possible perhaps take another child with you.

Allow the child to do as much as is possible for themselves.

Assess the help they may need by asking:

Do you need help taking down your trousers/leggings ?
Do you want help getting onto the toilet?
Do you need help pulling your trousers/leggings up?
Do you need help washing your hands?

If a child is fully toilet trained, the staff/volunteer should wait outside the cubicle holding the door closed so they have privacy.

Encourage children to wash their hands after using the toilets.

DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS

If a child has an toileting accident and their clothes are soiled, then the child should be changed. Ideally the parents should be called to deal with the situation as the child may need more intimate care or they may be distressed.

Always treat the child with respect and never chastise them if an accident happens.

If spare clothes have been left and you have permission from the parents, then change the child. A second adult should always be present where removal of a child’s clothing is essential (e.g. soiling).

Staff/volunteers should never use the toilet themselves at the same time when supporting the toileting of a child.

In all situations consider the age, stage, and development of the child.

Minimum intrusion is key, don’t do for the child what they can do for themselves.