Report: Safe and Effective Nappy Changing Practices in ECE

This report analyzes nappy changing practices within an Early Childhood Education (ECE) setting, applying professional guidelines to ensure safe and effective pedagogical approaches. The core focus is on the importance of safety and hygiene during nappy changes, detailing effective routines and the crucial role of the ECE teacher in maintaining these standards. The report examines a video example, pointing out both correct and incorrect practices, such as proper handling of infants, cleaning procedures, and the importance of hygiene measures like handwashing and glove use. It references the National Quality Standard, emphasizing the need for health and safety, and highlights the significance of adhering to ECE regulations to safeguard children's wellbeing. The report also includes references to relevant resources such as the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and ECE guidelines to support the discussed practices.

Running Head: SOCIOLOGY 1
Early Childhood Education and Care
Name of University

SOCIOLOGY 2
Introduction
The paper makes an application of ECE professional guidelines to discuss the importance
of safe and effective pedagogical practices. The focus is on safety & hygiene, effective routines,
and the role of the ECE teacher and record keeping.
Safe and effective handling of an infant in an ECE setting
The nappy change should be a safe and hygienic practice, and the engaged staff must
ensure that it is a relaxing and safe experience for the infant. Quality Area 2 under the National
Quality Standard emphasizes the health and safety of the child and safeguard him against any
harm or injury by minimizing the risks. Every child has a right to experience quality care that
supports his health and safety. Element 2.1.1 ensures the child's wellbeing and comfort, while
Element 2.1.2 promotes effective hygiene practices while Element 2.2.1 standardizes adequate
supervision and reasonable precautions to minimize the risks of injury (ACECQA, 2019).
In the given video, the staff holds the baby properly and safely and places him gently on
the bed. She talks to the baby in a soft, gentle voice that keeps him relaxed. She removes his
clothes gently and ensures that her movements are as gently as possible. She removes the nappy
carefully and starts cleaning the child's bottom with wipes. Once the cleaning is done, she
removes the soiled nappy and the used wipes. Next, she takes out a fresh nappy and secures it
firmly. Then she dresses up the child.
A careful inspection of the video shows that the woman is not wearing any gloves, and
there is no paper towel placed on the nappy change mat. Next, she is not shown putting the soiled
nappy in a nappy bin. She cleans the child's bottom when the soiled nappy is still beneath him.
Plus, she is no shown applying any cream or powder on the child's bottom. She should inspect
the child's bottom for any rashes or redness and apply any ointments recommended by the
doctor. Once the nappy changing process is over, she doesn't wash and dry her hands. While the

SOCIOLOGY 3
virtual infant in the ECE setting is being handled safely, there are some aspects where
compromises are being made, such as washing hands, wearing gloves and throwing the soiled
nappy immediate in the nappy bin. Those missing steps are essential for the safety and hygiene
of the child and to prevent contamination.
Early childhood services function under an all-inclusive set of regulations that focus on
children's safety and wellbeing as per the new regulations. The licensed staff is responsible for
remaining updated with the latest regulations and meet current requirements for the complete
safety and wellbeing of the children (ECE, 2016). The emotional and physical safety can have a
high impact on children's wellbeing. It is the responsibility of the ECE teacher to remain up to
date with health and safety regulations and maintain safety & hygiene as per the health and
safety policies.

SOCIOLOGY 4
References
ACECQA (2019). Quality Area 2 – Children's health and safety. Australian Children’s
Education and Care Quality Authority, retrieved from
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard/quality-area-2-childrens-health-
and-safety
ECE (2016). Meeting requirements for children’s safety and wellbeing in ECE.education.govt.nz
, retrieved from https://www.ero.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Meeting-requirements-for-
children-s-safety-and-wellbeing-in-ECE-FINAL2.pdf