Due to the events of the past two years, washing hands upon arriving home, before eating, after using the restroom, and after visiting public spaces has become second nature even for those who previously tended to skip regular hygiene practices.

We can all agree that handwashing is a fundamental part of hygiene and the simplest way to prevent the spread of various diseases. But from when and how should we wash hands with the baby to ensure everything is in perfect order?

 

Let's wash hands even in infancy! 

For very small babies, hand washing and hand sanitizing are completely unnecessary, as dead skin cells, sweat, and breast milk are easily removed during daily bathing or wet wiping. However, after infancy, when babies start touching more and more and put their hands in their mouths more often, it is advisable to wash them at least before meals every time.

Of course, at this time, the emphasis is on the habit-forming nature of hand washing, but for truly successful integration, it is worth starting the hand washing routine as soon as possible.

 

How to wash hands? Tips for babies 

For perfect cleanliness, a little running water and a bit of soap are more than enough! If you are hesitant to use the latter due to the baby's sensitive skin, it is worth choosing a pharmacy bath product.

If you need to clean a small baby's hands, use a cloth diaper or soft towel moistened with body-temperature soapy water! For a larger baby who can sit or at least support themselves, the ideal position is to support your leg on something, then sit the little one in a riding position on your knee and hold their little hands under running water. Children usually enjoy the experience - and the execution is not impossible.

 

 

Wash your hands even if running water is not available! 

The risk of certain diseases and infections can be high, so wash your hands even if running water is not available during outdoor activities. First, remove the dirt, grime, and mud from the little one's hands, for which a few wet wipes are perfectly suitable. Then, by thoroughly cleaning the little one's hands with a skin-friendly disinfectant, we can ensure that the paws are truly clean and safe. 

Important: Make sure that the disinfectant does not get into the baby's eyes or mouth, and counteract the drying effect of the disinfectant by applying a baby-friendly moisturizer!

 

Wash your hands! Toddlers and older ones in the bathroom 

To establish a complete handwashing routine, it is very important to always be consistent and wash hands together with the child, as well as ourselves. Talk a lot and explain the importance of handwashing over and over again. 

If necessary, make a game out of handwashing! This way, every little one will eagerly take part in the cleaning.

And how do we get a toddler in the defiance phase to never forget to clean their hands? Here are some useful tips on how to wash hands effectively and successfully with toddlers and preschoolers!

 

 

1. Set an example and wash your hands! 

Actions speak louder than words! Instead of entertaining the uninterested two-year-old with boring monologues several times a day, show them what you mean. Wash your hands several times a day! If “necessary,” ask for help from your child! This way, they can show what they already know about hygiene and experience their own successes!

 

2. Give them the experience of independence! 

Anyone who has seen a toddler knows that the terrible twos are not just about play and stories, but also a very painful reality. A two-year-old never asks - they only command. You cannot convince a two-year-old with reason or anything else. They NEED it! and they want to do it ALONE!, even if the world starts spinning backward.

However, if we view tasks as challenges and offer the experience of independence to the little ones - e.g., with a step stool - we can more easily persuade the toddler to wash their hands several times a day.

 

3. Communicate constantly AND consistently! 

Big words don't mean much if there are no actions behind them. (Every parent learns this sooner or later, right?!) To make handwashing routine, wash your hands several times a day with the baby and talk about why this step is necessary. Children understand everything, so (a lot of) talking is one of the most effective ways to achieve what we want.

 

4. Sing!

Singing is fun, and little ones love melodic activities, so choose a handwashing song for effective and successful handwashing! The simplest is the classic Happy Birthday! song, as two rounds of it are just enough to clean the little hands properly.

Experienced - or song-loving - parents can freely vary the repertoire, as this 15-20 second duration corresponds to 3 verses of The Wheels on the Bus, one full round of Sitting by the Lake, or 3-4 verses of Baby Shark.

 

5. Fun and learning 2:1 

Children have a huge imagination, but they often only understand things if they see them. Therefore, it can be very practical to not only talk about germs but also show them!

There are many practical storybooks and videos available for this, and we can use some super fun ideas to illustrate handwashing! For example, take dad's shaving foam, color it with some washable food coloring, and try to rub the hands together so that there is no uncolored surface between the fingers, at the wrist, and on the upper part of the hand! This way, the little ones will immediately see what we mean when we talk about thorough handwashing!