PL T2.04Standing Diaper Change
Once the child stands, diapers are changed in the bathroom with the child standing and holding a rail, pushing their pants down and stepping into clean ones.
Safety
- Check that state licensing permits standing changes in the bathroom area; some rules name a specific changing surface or procedure.
- Follow the posted diaper-changing and hand-washing procedure, including gloves and cleaning the area.
- Use a non-slip floor mat and a rail or bench fixed in place.
- Soiled diapers are handled only by the adult.
Where US guidance differs
Some state licensing rules name a specific changing surface or diaper-changing procedure and may not permit standing changes in the bathroom area. Montessori sources move to standing changes as soon as the child stands, so the child takes part and is not held down. This work uses standing changes where licensing permits them, following the posted diaper-changing and hand-washing procedure; where licensing does not, the adult uses the required changing surface and still invites the child's part in each step.
Presentation
- 1
Set out the clean diaper and wipes before inviting the child.
- 2
Tell the child: 'Your diaper is wet. Let's go to the bathroom to change it.' Wait for them to come, and walk together.
- 3
Invite the child to stand and hold the rail. Say: 'Push your pants down.' Help with the back of the waistband if needed.
- 4
Invite the child to sit on the stool. Take off the pants one leg at a time while the child pulls their foot out.
- 5
Invite the child to stand again. Tell them: 'I am opening your diaper.' Tear the sides and remove it. Wipe front to back, naming the body parts.
- 6
Offer the potty: 'Would you like to sit on the potty?' Accept either answer.
- 7
Hold the clean diaper open at the floor. Say: 'Step in.' The child holds your shoulder and steps in one foot, then the other.
- 8
Invite the child to pull the diaper up, then their pants. Help with the back only. Pulling the pants up over the bottom is the point of interest.
- 9
Wash hands together at the sink. Clean the area as the posted procedure requires.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- The child pushes pants down without help
- The child throws the wet diaper into the lidded can (wet only)
- The child brings a clean diaper from their basket
- The child moves to cloth training pants
Control of error
Pants that are not pulled up at the back stay bunched below the bottom, which the child can feel and the adult can point to.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Walks to the bathroom when told the diaper is wet
- Pushes pants down and steps out of them
- Steps into a clean diaper and pulls it up
- Washes hands after the change
Guide note
At home, the same routine works in the bathroom with the child holding the side of the tub or a low stool.