Gloves for diaper changes

[mom-in-alberta]

I don't use gloves. I see why someone might want to, but you can't wash them (also, that would defeat the purpose) and it seems wasteful to me to throw gloves away. I don't normally use a lot of "anti" cleansers, but I definitely use hand sanitizer after bum changes.
I usuallly only have issues with my hands cracking right by my nails on the tip of my fingers. I put a dab of polysporin on, with a bandaid for half a day or so.

[Bugaboo]

I do wear gloves. I have a good friend who is a nurse and I asked her about what her thoughts were. She basically told me that that there are diseases in poop that can spread to you. She said no hospital personnel would change a diaper (or bedpan) without gloves on because of that. So I wear them and I still wash my hands just as much. I can't wrap my head around NOT hand washing especially after a poop even though I have gloves on.

[Inspired by Reggio]

I use to work in 'centre care' for 20 years so wearing disposable gloves to diaper or handle any 'bodily fluid' such as blood or vomit was a public health requirement as part of the 'Universal Precautions' for HIV and AIDS - we had to keep gloves on hand at all times 'just in case' ... so I am use to having to wear gloves while diapering squirmers and so forth - like a 'surgeon' when you wear them consistently with practice you can learn to do fine delicate work in them - you just have to get them on and prepared before starting to actually 'diaper' the child.

That said now that I work from home and am my own boss I can make my own rules based on the 'risks; I am willing to take in my job - so I only wear them if changing a really disgusting poop or dealing with blood or vomit ... otherwise I use a 'kleenex or wipe' to scoop out any diaper cream and apply it with the same so as not to contaminate their container with MY germs or me with theirs - it is still a 'barrier' from skin to skin contact just quicker and easier to work with. When dealing with a normal 'poop' I can clear away as much of the poop with the actual diaper front wiping front to back with it fold it up and set it aside and than use a wipe just to make sure the surface is entirely clean but again the wipe is always my barrier so I never actually touch them.

I also make sure I carry two to three pairs with me when we are out and about in a ziplock bag for emergencies and so forth....they have come in handy at the local park when it was used by someone for a 'meet up' and left behind their used protection - put on the glove to pick up the condom and than pulled the glove off carefully so the glove turned inside out and became the 'bag' for the garbage and threw it into the trash and than used hand sanitizer just in case.

The bottom line is what you are comfortable with ... urine and feces care bacteria and germs for sure and ensuring you have a barrier between them and your skin is ideal as well as ensuring proper hand washing practices as well!

[Cocoon]

I didn't know that yeast infection is contagious. My 2 dck are infected. I immediately wash my hands and god knows how many times a day. Right now my hands are like a rough carpet up to half way of my elbows. Does only washing not prevent infections?

Cocoon

[Cocoon]

And also I never touch a dirty diaper I always use wet wipes. Even when I'm putting rash cream.

[sunnydays]

I use Q-tips fro applying bum cream...I would never touch a bare bum of a daycare child...aside from not being sanitary, it just doesn't seem right somehow. Your own kids are different...I always used to use my fingers for the cream on them, but not anymore when they are with the daycare kids...just want to keep things sanitary.

[Dreamalittledream]

I use Q-tips fro applying bum cream...I would never touch a bare bum of a daycare child...aside from not being sanitary, it just doesn't seem right somehow. Your own kids are different...I always used to use my fingers for the cream on them, but not anymore when they are with the daycare kids...just want to keep things sanitary.

. Wow, I totally never even thought about the bum cream. I apply with my finger all the time!

[Play and Learn]

. Wow, I totally never even thought about the bum cream. I apply with my finger all the time!

I just put a wipe over my fingers, scoop out some bum cream and apply it with the wipe.

[playfelt]

I keep a roll of toilet paper at the change area for applying the creams. Saves trying to wash it off the hands too since it is meant to not wash off without effort.

[Momof4]

I've thought about using gloves and I've bought the little disposable package of Mr. Clean clear see-through gloves at Dollarama and have them here but never use them, silly me. I have 3 little ones in diapers right now and usually only have to change 1 or 2 poops a day. However, I do take the diapers immediately to the garbage and wash my hands thoroughly after every diaper change, poop or not. I use a lot of hand cream too as some of you mentioned.