Hand washing is by far the most simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria and viruses and keep yourself and your baby healthy. Handwashing has gained newfound importance in the light of COVID-19 pandemic and we have frequently heard doctors and healthcare providers emphasise on the importance of the right handwashing techniques, how often you should wash your hands and for how long. If you are wondering how you can ensure your baby’s hands stay clean and when you should wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs then this article will help you find the right answers.
When should parents wash their hands?
Apart from washing your hands when they are visibly dirty, parents should wash their hands before
- Preparing food, cooking and eating
- Feeding the baby
- Giving medication to the baby
- Before changing diapers
Parents should also wash their hands after
- After changing diapers
- Using the toilet or after helping a child use the toilet
- Taking care of a sick family member
- Handling pets or animals
- Sneezing, couching or wiping nose
How should parents wash their baby’s hands?
Washing baby hands can sound challenging, especially when your baby is small and cannot support their head on their own. In such cases, it’s best to use the three towel method to clean their hands effectively. In this method, parents should take one damp, soapy towel and use it to apply soap on their baby’s hands. Next, use a clean, damp towel to rinse off the soap. Once you are done rinsing the soap, take a clean, dry towel and dry your baby’s hands.
For babies who are old enough to hold their head, you can take them to the sink and help them wash their hands. When you are holding up your baby at the sink, ensure that you are not pushing their belly into the sink or the counter.
Next, run your hand under warm water to check the temperature. If the temperature is fine then run your baby’s hands under warm water. Now apply soap on your hands and lather up. Gently work the soap over your baby’s hands for 20 seconds.
You can sing Happy Birthday song twice or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to keep a track of time. When applying soap on your baby’s hands, ensure that you follow the eight steps to hand washing and apply between fingers, on the palms, the back of the hands, thumbs and wrists and under the nails to clean the hands thoroughly.
Rinse your baby’s hands thoroughly under warm water and pat their hands dry on a clean, dry towel.
For toddlers, you can assist them in handwashing by helping them stand over a stool to reach the sink. You can assist them in lathering up and demonstrate what’s the best way to wash hands by showing them the eight steps. Use liquid hand wash to help your baby wash their hands as it is easier for them to lather up and rinse it off.
What are some fun ways to teach handwashing?
As your baby grows, they will explore the world through touch and use their hands to do everything – from crawling on the floor to playing toys and eating food.
Proper hand washing technique can help stop the spread of germs and prevent illnesses such as common cold, stomach infections and others. While hand washing is an easy, inexpensive yet effective way to keep your baby healthy, it’s important to use a foaming hand wash that cleans the hands without stripping the skin of moisture. Here are some tips you can follow to teach your child hand washing:
- Show your child how to wash hands properly through demonstration. Children learn best when they are watching and doing.
- Do remember to explain steps of handwashing one at a time while your child is practicing so that they understand it in a better way.
- Try interactive activities such as picture books or stories about handwashing and germs. Point out pictures of germs and pictures of role models who are washing their hands
- Remind children important times when they should wash their hands with soap and water. These can be:
– Before eating and cooking food
– After touching a pet or animals
– After using the washroom
– After cleaning around the house
– After sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose
– Before and after visiting or looking after a sick family member or friend
– After coming home from a public place such as the school, park etc. - Become a role model for your children and wash your hands with them. When you are about to go and wash your hands, tell them why you are going to wash your hands and how it will help keep you healthy by preventing the spread of germs and bacteria.
- Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for times when you are out and there’s no water and soap available.
The best hand wash to use for babies and kids is a foaming hand wash for a number of reasons. A foaming hand wash is already in the form of foam so kids don’t have to spend time creating a lather.
Foaming hand wash is also required in lesser quantities as compared to liquid hand wash and requires less water to rinse off making it better for the environment. While both a bar of soap and foaming hand wash are effective at cleaning hands, foaming hand wash is a better alternative as it doesn’t require a lot of water, comes in a dispenser which makes it hygienic and easy to use and carry if you are travelling.
The Moms Co.’s Natural Foaming Hand Wash is a foam-based hand wash that offers natural protection from germs and bacteria, cleans away dirt and grime and doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry. The Natural Foaming Hand Wash is made with Calendula and Aloe Vera extract which are known for their antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
The Natural Foaming Hand Wash also has Organic Apricot and Jojoba oils along with Pro-Vitamin B5 which leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized after every wash. The Natural Foaming Hand Wash is dermatologically-tested, hypoallergenic and made without harmful chemicals and toxins such as Sulphates, Silicones, Parabens which makes it safe to use on your baby’s delicate skin and for repeated use.