Personal Hygiene Practices for Kids
Believe it or not, your surroundings are covered with millions of germs, viruses and parasites. They can linger on your body and in some cases, they may make you sick and your family. Good personal hygiene will help your little ones to stay healthy, ward off illnesses and build better self-awareness.
Why is personal hygiene so important?
It’s never too early to start teaching hygiene. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent different kind of illnesses.
• Oral Hygiene
It is important to start good oral care at an early age. Regular toothbrushing and flossing help to remove the bacteria and plaque that causes us bad breath, cavities, tooth decay, gum and heart diseases later in life. Introduce toothbrushing early so that your kids know it as part of their daily routine.
• Bathing
Young children either love the bath or hate it. Too much of bathing can lead to dry and irritated skin. Bathing your little ones two to three times a week is usually enough to keep them clean, especially with their:
*Armpits
*Neck
*Knees
*Elbows
*Belly
*Feet
*Groins/ genital areas
• Hair Washing
Washing hair too often can dry out young scalps, making them more prone to dandruff. Ideally your child’s hair should be washed at least two or three times per week.
• Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to maintain personal hygiene and stop the spread of disease. When kids come into contact with germs, they can become infected just by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. You should be washing your hands frequently throughout the day especially after tasks such as before and after eating, taking out the garbage, using the restroom, blowing your nose, coughing and coming into contact with someone who may be sick. Washing hands properly and keeping them clean always is very essential for protection to keep yourself and your family from getting sick.
Steps on how to wash your hands properly:
1. Wash hands with clean, running water and soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap.
3. Rub and scrub your hands and fingers for at least 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands with clean water.
5. Dry hands completely using a clean towel or air dry.
• Nail Hygiene
Fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria. Proper hand hygiene includes diligently cleaning and trimming fingernails, which may harbor dirt, germs and can contribute to the spread of some infections. Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water.
Good personal hygiene is very important since it also affects the personal life of a person. Having good hygiene habits involves more than just hand-washing. Teaching your kids to have a healthy hygiene routine when they’re young can create habits that last throughout their lives.