Toddlerhood: the best time for teaching hand hygiene

New research reveals that toddlerhood is the key time to teach kids about thorough hand hygiene...

17:29 09 October 2012

With Global Hand Wash Day approaching fast - October 15th - parents are encouraged to highlight the importance of hand hygiene as being the first line of defense against germs.

  

New research, sponsored by Dettol, found that almost half of a toddler’s day is spent playing, and that most mothers are likely to spend play time with their kids in a park or the garden. 

 

Fortunately, the majority of mums in the study ensure their kids wash their hands after playing outside. But this means that, according to the research, a remaining 26per cent of mothers fail to ensure their kids clean their hands after playing. 

 

The survey also reveals that 56per cent of mums follow a basic daily plan for their toddlers, but still retain a bit of spontaneity. Aside from being outdoors, the majority of mums like drawing and finger painting with their toddlers.

 

These activities however, can be quite messy and 79per cent of mums were found to ensure their toddlers washed their hands when they look dirty, but 26per cent of mums did not.

 

Precaution through cleanliness is thought to be important in keeping toddlers from ingesting bacteria that could affect their health. 

 

It is understood that experts view the teaching of basic hand hygiene from a young age, including washing the hands before eating, after going to the toilet, and after playing in the park, will help ensure that these habitual behaviours become part of an everyday routine.