As new parents, every first-time task can feel like a daunting challenge. One such task is ensuring the hygiene of your little one’s hands.
Given the nature of infants to explore the world through touch, maintaining clean hands becomes essential for their health and well-being.
Our guide simplifies this crucial task, providing you with a step-by-step breakdown to confidently wash your infant’s hands while ensuring a fun and safe experience for your little explorer.
Why is Handwashing Important for Infants?
Infants are more susceptible to illnesses and diseases because their immune systems are not fully developed. They can easily catch infections from the environment, especially through their own hands. Babies tend to touch everything around them, and they put their hands in their mouths frequently. This makes it essential to keep their hands clean and germ-free.
Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent disease control the spread of germs and bacteria. It helps to remove dirt, grime, and harmful microorganisms from the hands, reducing the risk of infections.
When infants come into contact with contaminated surfaces, such as toys or door handles, they can transfer the germs to their hands. If they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can infect themselves with the germs.
When to Wash Your Baby’s Hands
Washing your infant’s hands is important to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Here are some instances when you should wash your infant’s hands:
Before feeding or nursing your baby
Before or after eating food
After changing your baby’s diaper
After blowing your baby’s nose or wiping their face
After being in contact with sick friends (and if they have been playing, don’t forget to disinfect all toys)
After being in a public place like grocery stores
It’s important to note that infants have weaker immune systems than adults, so it’s crucial for kids to keep their hands clean to prevent infections. Regular hand washing can also prevent the spread of illnesses like the common cold or flu among kids by preventing spreading germs.
It’s also important to teach your child good hand hygiene from an early age. This will help them develop good habits that will last a lifetime. You can start by washing your infant’s hands together and making it a fun activity. Use warm water and a mild soap to first wash your hands hands, and make sure to dry their hands thoroughly with a clean towel.
How to Wash Your Infant’s Hands
Gather Supplies
Before washing your infant’s hands, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies. You will need a clean, soft washcloth, mild baby soap, and warm water. Make sure the damp cloth and soap you use when washing your hands is gentle and free from any harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin.
Wet Hands and Apply Soap
Wet your infant’s hands with warm running water and apply a small amount of baby soap to the washcloth. Rub the liquid soap and water together back onto the washcloth until it lathers. Ensure the soap is age appropriate.
Wash Hands by Rubbing Together
Place the washcloth on your infant’s hands and rub them together, making sure to cover all areas of the hands, including the fingers and under the nails or her hands. Continue rubbing the hands hand washing them together for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse Hands with Water
Rinse washing your hands and infant’s hands thoroughly with warm water to remove all the soap. Make sure to rinse clean hands in between the fingers and under the nails.
Dry Hands
Gently pat your infant’s hands dry with a clean, soft towel. Make sure to dry between the fingers and under the nails to prevent any moisture from lingering, which can lead to skin irritation.
FAQs on How to Clean Newborn Hands
Should I wash my newborn’s hands?
Yes, it is essential to wash your newborn’s hands to help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Keeping your child’s hands clean is a crucial aspect of maintaining their overall health and hygiene.
Is it OK to use baby wipes on baby’s hands?
While baby wipes can be used for quick cleanups, washing your baby’s hands with soap and warm water is more effective in removing dirt and germs. Baby wipes can be used when soap and water for washing hands are not available, but make sure to choose wipes that are gentle on the baby’s skin and free of harsh chemicals.
When can you wash a newborn’s hands?
You can start washing a newborn’s hands from the first few days after birth. Establishing a daily routine for washing their hands will help develop a healthy habit and reduce the risk of illness due to germs.
For an older child its worth getting a step stool for them to reach the sink. With their step stool, the children can easily reach the sink to scrub their hands under the flow of clean water
How do you clean a 3-month-old’s hands?
To clean a 3-month-old’s hands, follow these steps:
Wet the baby’s hands with clean, warm water.
Apply a small amount of mild liquid soap to your hands or your baby’s hands.
Gently rub your baby’s hands together, making sure to clean between the fingers. Some people sing happy birthday to assure the right amount of hand washing is done.
Rinse your baby’s hands thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue.
Pat their hands dry with a soft, clean towel or paper towel.
How often should you wash newborn hands?
Wash your newborn’s hands several times a day, particularly before feeding, after diaper changes, and after coming into contact with potential sources of germs, such as pets or pet food or sick family members. Even if the hands are not visibly dirty, you should wash their hands.
What do you wash newborn hands with?
Wash newborn hands with a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap and warm water. These gentle products are less likely to irritate your baby’s delicate skin. It is best to avoid using a hand sanitizer, especially an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, on newborns, as they can be too harsh for their sensitive skin. Alcohol based hand sanitizers should be avoided.
