Information on Prevention of Infection and Disease in Small Children

There are many tips medical professionals can give new mothers such as preventing infections in small children. Here are some tips that over my years in nursing I have shared with some of my new parents.

Preventing Infections in small children.

The number one thing that new parents can teach toddlers and small children is to wash their hands and to not put things in their mouths. Hand washing is the best infection prevention method for not only children but adults and if taught early children learn quickly about what dirty means.

Teach small children to cover their mouths when coughing. Many children if taught early to cover their mouths when coughing will also notice others when they don't and some children will even encourage others when coughing to cover their mouths. Trust me as a nurse for many years you can never teach your child anything more important than how to be safe from germs and infection.

Teach your child to blow into tissues and properly throw them away. I have always smiled when I see a young child that knows to ask for a tissue when their nose is running. Make sure your child knows that if they get their hands dirty when sneezing or blowing their nose it is important to wash their hands immediately in order to not spread germs.

Small children should be taught how to wipe after going to the bathroom and how to promptly wash their hands. Set a good example and always wash your hands as well, kids will often learn quickly if shown by example.

Washing of hands before eating food is another great way to keep germs from getting on your food. Make sure you set good hygiene examples for your children early and they will gradually encourage other children to do the same. Hand-washing is so important in schools and should be encouraged by parents and teachers.

Teach small children, especially toddlers not to share partially eaten food with others. I know that many times parents are tempted to take bites from their children's food when handed, however this encourages your toddler or small child to do the same with playmates and this is not a good way to prevent disease. Transferring diseases often starts in daycare when toddlers share pacifiers, bottles, sippy cups and other food items. Pay attention to your toddler or small child's eating habits and try to teach them that their food should not be handled by anyone but them.

Teach your child to not eat anything or use any utensil if it falls on the floor. Dirty is dirty there is no 5 second rule when it comes to good sanitary habits.

Do not use other peoples hairbrushes, combs or toothbrushes. Teach children early that they have their own hairbrush, comb and toothbrush and sharing is fine for toys but not personal hygiene items.

References for this article include: www.drpaul.com/factsheets/infection.html
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring08/articles/spring08pg5-6.html
www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/infectionsguide/preventinginfections.html