If you have a young child needing care, it may feel stressful trying to keep them safe from germs and illness. While some exposure to germs helps their immune system develop, teach them to practice personal hygiene skills. Children can be safer at preschool and at home when they learn the following cleanliness principles.

How to Keep Your Child Germ-Free

1. Have Clean Hands & Face

Teach your young child to wash for 20 seconds with warm, soapy water. Singing a nursery rhyme while scrubbing is an excellent way to keep their attention. Also, demonstrate how to cover their mouth with their elbow when coughing.

It’s hard to expect children not to touch their own faces. Give your preschooler a hairstyle that keeps hair out of their face so they don’t have to keep adjusting it.

2. Practice Healthy Habits

Diet and exercise are the foundations for a healthy immune system and recovery from potential illnesses. Get outside with your child at least once a day. Absorption of vitamin D boosts the immune system, and being physically active helps with healthy circulation and lung function. Offer vegetables and fruit multiple times a day, and ensure each meal includes options from every food group.

3. Don’t Share

Make it a habit to designate your child’s eating and toiletry items at home and at preschool. Don’t share food, lip balm, toothbrushes, or any other product around the mouth.

Your child should always have and use their own utensils, cups, water bottles, and labeled lunch box. Bring water bottles to preschool and other public places instead of using drinking fountains.

4. Sleep

Preschool-aged children should have 10-14 hours of sleep every day. Adequate sleep is related directly to mental and physical health, so create a consistent bedtime routine. Help your child brush their teeth, use the restroom, and wash their hands every night before bed. Clean bedding frequently, especially if others in the home are or have been sick.

5. Stay Home

If your child experiences any cold or flu symptoms, keep them home from preschool. These symptoms may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, runny nose, aches, and chills.

Stay home and seek medical attention if you notice any rashes or sores around your child’s hands or mouth or redness and discharge in their eyes.

Get safe, quality care for your infant, toddler, or preschooler at Kids & Cribs Child Enrichment Center in Fort Thomas, KY. They assess each child’s learning style and customize activities to help them develop at their own pace. Meals are provided following Federal Food Program Guidelines, and each age group has their own bathrooms and sinks for thorough hand-washing. Visit their website to see what they offer, and call (859) 441-5888 to ask about enrollment.