Cold Season: Handwashing Technique for Kiddies

Brace yourselves: winter is coming! Now may be an ideal time to go over some key handwashing techniques with your little one. Germs and colds are lurking, and you’ll want to keep them as safe as possible. Here are some Q+A’s to go over with your kiddo.

Q: When should I wash my hands?

A: There are a number of instances that will call for a good hand wash. The following are just a few:

• Before eating
• After using the bathroom
• Before and after treating a wound
• After blowing nose, coughing, sneezing
• After touching garbage, dirt, grime, etc.
• Before and after caring for someone who is ill
• Before and after holding/touching a newborn

Q: How should I wash my hands?

A: Kids may think a quick dip under the faucet is enough when it comes to hand washing, but this is not the case. There is actually a technique!

• Wet hands with running water (warm or cool)
• Lather the soap by rubbing hands together – back, front, between fingers, under nails
• Keep scrubbing! Do this for at least 20-30 seconds
• Rinse hands under running water
• Dry with a clean towel

Stay well!