We all know how important hand washing is, especially with everything going on at the moment. Handwashing is just as important for Babies and Toddlers as it is for older children. But what do you do if your child is too young to wash their hands themselves? We’ve put together this simple guide on how to wash your baby’s hands.
When should you wash your baby’s hands?
Babies should have their hands washed just as often as
adults and children…
- Before & after eating
- Before & after playing with other children
- After playing with toys shared with other
children - After playing outside
- After you change their nappy
- Whenever their hands are dirty
How to wash your baby’s hands.
Before you start washing your baby’s hands, it’s important to ensure you’ve washed your own.
Your baby’s hands should be washed as thoroughly as you
would wash your own hands. Also, keep the fingernails short so that they are
easy to clean under.
Using a pre-moistened baby wipe
- Wipe the baby’s hand all over with the baby wipe
- Wipe the front and back of the hand and fingers, and in between the fingers
- Pay special attention to areas where skin folds and the wrists
- Pat dry using a paper towel
Using a wet, reusable cloth
If you’re using a wet cloth, you’ll need two wet cloths.
- Put mild soap and water on one cloth and use it to wipe the baby’s hands all over
- Wipe the front and back of the hand and fingers, and in between the fingers
- Pay special attention to areas where skin folds and the wrists
- Use the second clean wet cloth to wipe away the soap residue
- Pat dry using a paper towel
If your baby is old enough to stand
If your baby is old enough to stand (with or without your support),
you should encourage them to wash their hands at a small basin. You should
always assist them to wash their hands for them using the correct procedure…
- Rinse hands under lukewarm water (always test the temperature first)
- Use a mild soap and rub hands all over for 20 seconds
- Pay special attention to areas where skin folds and the wrists
- Rinse under lukewarm water
- Pat dry using a paper towel
Remember, We’re here to help.
As we all learn to cope with the current Coronavirus pandemic, Sunkids would like to remind all within our greater community that we’re here to help you. We’ll continue to do all we can to assist our families, children and staff throughout this difficult and uncertain time, and continue to share helpful advice along the way.
Further information regarding Coronavirus.
For additional information regarding Novel Coronavirus (COID-19), we encourage you to only visit trusted sources.
Queensland Department of Health
https://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/838/novel-coronavirus
Australian Government Department of Health
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
You can also call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
If you have concerns about your or your child’s health, speak to your doctor.
If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus, call ahead first.
If you are having a medical emergency, please call 000