Hand Washing For Toddlers: 6 Tips For Teaching Them The Basics

Toddlers are just discovering the world around them and with so many things to see and touch, those pudgy little hands are bound to pick up germs and bugs. It’s unfair to stop toddlers from exploring because of the fear of germs, so how do you protect them from these disease-causing germs? The correct way of hand washing for toddlers is very important.

One of the best ways to protect your curious toddler from germs is to make sure they wash their hands right. In case you’re out and can’t find water to wash their hands, use baby wipes to keep their hands clean and germ-free.

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We’ve listed a few tips for teaching your toddler the basics of hand washing and for making hand washing a habit.

Tips For Hand Washing For Toddlers

Explain to your toddler about the importance of hand washing and tell them why it is important to wash their hands before and after they eat, once they get back from the outdoors, after they use the toilet, sneeze, cough into their hands, or pick their nose. However, it’s easier said than done!

Here are some tips to foster a habit of hand washing for toddlers.

1. Use A Foaming Hand Wash

Toddlers touch and feel things around them and their hands are most likely to have germs, therefore washing their hands just with water is not enough to get rid of the germs. They need to wash their hands with either soap or a foaming hand wash. 

Most hand washing soaps are not baby friendly and can be harsh on their tender skin, opt for a baby-friendly foaming hand wash instead like the BabyChakra Natural Foaming Wash. It is Sulphate, Triclosan, and BHT Free making it ideal for repeated use throughout the day.

Toddlers will be tempted to wash their hands with this foaming as it foams up and has the delicious smell of mangoes!

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2. Read Books About Hygiene

Books are the best and most fun way to teach kids about things. Invest in some illustrated books on hygiene and read them to your child, let them see the illustrations, and encourage them to ask you questions while you patiently answer them.

3. Display Posters And Stickers On Hand Washing For Toddlers

You can either buy or print posters and stickers about hand washing and hygiene and display them on your child’s bathroom walls, the bathroom door, or the bathroom mirror. When your toddler sees these posters and stickers every day, it reminds them to wash their hands.

4. Show Them How To Turn On The Tap

One of the most important tips for hand washing for toddlers is to show them how to turn on the tap. Teach them the difference between hot and cold water taps so that they don’t burn their hands. 

5. Show Them How To Use The Foam Wash Pump

Pressing a foam wash pump may need some practice for a toddler. Show your child how to press it down a few times before they try it. Toddlers enjoy doing things on their own and this is one of those things that they may enjoy.

6. Wash Hands Together

Make washing hands an activity you both can do together. Wash your hands every time your toddler washes their hands before or after every meal or activity. This encourages your child and also teaches them about the importance of hand washing for toddlers.

Tips For Parents For Teaching Handwashing For Toddlers

There are a few things parents need to keep in mind while teaching handwashing for toddlers

• Practice what you preach: Set an example by washing your hands every time you use the bathroom, after you finish work, before and after eating or when you sneeze and cough.
• Help your toddler to wash their hands when they ask for help.
• Remind your toddler to wash their hands regularly.
• Most importantly have patience. 

Remember toddlers learn more when they observe you and with encouragement.

Cover image source: freepik