Guiding Your Children in Proper Hand-Washing Techniques

Article

Dec 11, 2024

4 mins

Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the more effective ways to eliminate these germs

Your little ones are always curious, and the world is full of surfaces and objects that can carry germs. From toys to playground equipment, and even handshakes or high-fives, these germs can easily transfer to your child’s hands. These will then possibly lead to illnesses like colds or even more serious infections.

The good news is there’s a simple habit you can help them form that will help reduce their risk of carrying these germs that lead to illnesses.

Yup, it’s as simple as teaching them the right hand-washing techniques. Regular hand-washing with soap and water is one of the more effective ways to eliminate these germs. It helps remove any dirt, bacteria and viruses from their hands, reducing the chances of these organisms entering the body and causing illnesses.

When to Wash Their Hands

With children, it’s important to create a routine or trigger that will help them remember when to wash their hands, and in turn, make it a habit. As parents, when we start teaching them these habits, we should remind them in an encouraging way.

Here are some routines or triggers you can remind them for:

After using the restroom
Before and after meals
After playtime
When their hands are visibly dirty

How to Wash Their Hands

While the act of handwashing itself is important, learning the right way is equally as important. Make sure they follow these steps when they wash their hands.

Wet their hands with clean, running water.
Apply soap and lather well, making sure to cover all hand surfaces.
Scrub hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between fingers, under nails, and at the back of the hands.
Rinse hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
Dry hands with a clean towel or let them air dry

In the beginning, try to be there beside them, doing these steps alongside them so they can watch and learn, which will help them remember better.

Fun Ways to Teach Hand-Washing

Making the right hand-washing technique fun to learn can help engage your children in this important habit. Here are a few creative methods you can try:

Colorful soap: Kids love bright colors. Choose hand soap in vibrant colors to make the process more visually appealing. Let them pick their favorite color or even a soap with their favorite character, and they'll be more eager to use it.
Singing during washing: Make hand-washing enjoyable by incorporating songs. Teach your kids a catchy tune, such as 'Happy Birthday' or 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,' and have them sing it as they scrub their hands. This also ensures they wash their hands for the recommended duration of at least 20 seconds.
Turn it into a game: Children enjoy games, so why not make hand-washing one? Design a routine with specific actions, like rubbing palms together, washing between fingers, and scrubbing under nails.

Challenge your child to complete each step correctly, rewarding them with a sticker or a small treat for their efforts.

Aside from handwashing, it is equally important to ensure that your child has a strong immune foundation to protect them from various illnesses and infections brought by germs and bacteria surrounding us. That is why NANKID OPTIPRO formulated growing-up milk is formulated with 2’-FL Oligosaccharide & Probiotic B. lactis to support children’s immune defenses.

And so, by prioritizing your child's immune health and teaching your child good hygiene habits, you are taking proactive steps to ensure their overall well-being and resilience against illnesses; enabling them to immerse themselves in their environments without constant worry of falling sick.

BOILERPLATE:

When it comes to safeguarding children’s immunity, there's only one choice that stands out. NANKID OPTIPRO, with its Immunity Guardians* comprising of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and Probiotic B. lactis is the ideal formulated growing-up milk to support your child's immune system. With the highest levels^ of 2’-FL Oligosaccharide and 100 million+ Probiotic B. lactis, NANKID OPTIPRO helps to strengthen their immune defenses, reducing the risk of infections while promoting healthy growth and development. Make the right choice for your child's immunity - choose NANKID OPTIPRO

*Immunity Guardians refers to 2'-FL Oligosaccharide & Probiotic B. lactis to support immune foundation

^Compared to Key Formulated Milk Powder For Children aged 1-3 years per 100g of milk powder (as of March, 2024)

+Refers to 100 million Probiotic B. lactis per 100g of milk powder

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