Hand hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness and maintain good health. For young children, especially those in early learning settings, teaching and promoting healthy hand hygiene practices is a vital part of their development. Educators play a crucial role in helping children understand and practice proper hand hygiene from an early age, even as young as babies. By providing consistent education and role modelling, educators can help children build healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The Importance of Teaching Hand Hygiene Early
Teaching children the importance of hand hygiene at an early age sets the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Handwashing helps prevent the spread of germs, reducing the likelihood of illness and infection. For young children who are still developing their immune systems, good hygiene practices are particularly important to ensure they stay healthy and feel safe in their learning environments.
Introducing hand hygiene early also aligns with children’s growing awareness of their bodies and the world around them. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and learn by observing the behaviours of those around them. By starting early, educators can embed healthy habits into children’s routines before they even develop the ability to understand the full impact of hand hygiene.
"But look! My hands are clean."
Why Educate Babies and Toddlers About Hand Hygiene?
Because they too, have dirty hands and it is up to us to teach them how to care for their bodies!!
Early Exposure to Hygiene Practices: Even though babies are not yet fully verbal or able to independently wash their hands, it’s important to expose them to hygiene practices early. Babies observe and absorb everything in their environment, and while they may not grasp the concept of handwashing immediately, the repetition of these activities will help them understand the process as they grow older.
Modeling Healthy Habits: Babies and toddlers learn through imitation, and one of the most effective ways to teach them about hand hygiene is through role modelling. Educators should demonstrate proper handwashing and the actions associated with it, such as using soap, scrubbing for 20 seconds, and drying hands thoroughly. When babies see adults consistently following these practices, they will begin to mimic them in their own way, even if they are not yet able to wash their hands independently.
Instilling Lifelong Habits: The early years are a critical period in a child's development, and habits formed during this time are likely to last into adulthood. By teaching babies and toddlers the importance of hand hygiene, educators are laying the groundwork for healthy practices that will continue as the child grows. These habits will not only help them stay healthy but also contribute to a sense of responsibility and self-care as they mature.
Preventing Illness and Promoting Well-Being: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections. Educating even the youngest children about hand hygiene reduces the transmission of germs and helps keep everyone in the learning environment healthy. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of sick days, supporting better attendance and overall well-being for both children and educators.
How Educators Can Foster Healthy Hand Hygiene Practices with Babies and Toddlers
Start with Routine and Repetition: Even with babies and toddlers, consistency is key. Incorporate hand hygiene into daily routines, such as before meals, after nappy changes, and after outdoor play. The repetition of these routines will help babies become familiar with the actions associated with handwashing, even if they don’t fully understand the purpose yet.
Model and Demonstrate: Babies and toddlers learn by observing their caregivers. Educators should model proper hand hygiene at every opportunity. For example, when an educator washes their hands, they can make a point of talking through the process ("Let's wash our hands to get rid of the germs!" or "Time to make our hands clean with soap and water"). By saying these things aloud while demonstrating, educators help children make the connection between the action and its purpose.
Make Handwashing Fun: To engage babies and toddlers, make hand hygiene a fun and interactive activity. For example, sing a handwashing song with a catchy rhythm to make it enjoyable. Brightly coloured hand sanitiser bottles or fun soap dispensers can also make the process visually appealing and engaging for children.
Use Sensory Play: Sensory activities help young children explore the world around them and develop new skills. When introducing hand hygiene, educators can use sensory-based activities such as playing with water, soap bubbles, or foamy textures. This makes the process feel less like a chore and more like a sensory experience.
Encourage Independent Exploration (When Ready) As children grow older and begin to develop their motor skills, educators can encourage them to take an active role in washing their hands. Provide child-sized sinks or handwashing stations that are accessible to toddlers so they can begin to take responsibility for their hygiene. While they may need help at first, toddlers will gain confidence as they learn how to wash their hands on their own.
Provide Support and Reassurance: Some children may feel unsure or apprehensive about washing their hands, especially if they are still learning the motor skills involved. Educators should offer gentle support, reassuring children that washing their hands is safe and important. Patience and positive reinforcement are essential in encouraging children to participate in this practice.
We lead by example and set the expection of washing hands before meals, after toileting and when coming inside.
Create a Healthy Hand Hygiene Environment: Set up the environment to support healthy hand hygiene practices. Ensure that sinks, soap dispensers, and paper towels are easily accessible to children. For babies and toddlers, educators should also ensure that hands are wiped clean after each nappy change or mealtime to promote cleanliness and health.
Final thoughts:
Hand hygiene is a vital life skill that plays a key role in promoting health and preventing the spread of illness, even in the earliest stages of a child’s life. For babies and toddlers, fostering healthy hand hygiene practices starts with education, consistency, and role modelling. By introducing hand hygiene early on and making it a fun, routine part of the day, educators can help set children up for lifelong healthy habits. Through repetition, positive reinforcement, and appropriate support, even the youngest learners can begin to understand and practice proper hand hygiene, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for all. After all, we request families keep children home when unwell. But how are we ensuring we do are part?
Article Written by Janine Kelly
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