Taking care of your body involves more than just handwashing. Teaching your kids to have a healthy hygiene routine when they’re young can create habits that last throughout their lives.
Hair care
Most young children can get away with washing their hair two or three times per week. Washing hair too often can dry out young scalps, making them more prone to dandruff.
Bathing
Young children either love the bath or hate it. On non-shampoo days, you can make bathtime into a fun game. Have your child put on their bathing suit. Place them into the tub with a:
- washcloth
- bowl of warm, soapy water
- bowl of warm, clean water
Tell them to put the washcloth into the soapy water before scrubbing a body part and then into the rinse water before repeating.
Skin care
Your child still needs help with skin care. Skin blemishes such as the following are common at this age:
- rashes
- bumps
- scabs
Before getting dressed after a bath, help your child look over their skin from head to toe to make sure they don’t see anything that needs care.
Mouth care
Regular cleaning of the teeth and mouth helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. Children can carry toothbrush kits in their backpacks so that they can brush at school. Remember to follow the two-minute rule that a good tooth brushing requires.
Handwashing
Handwashing is a very important part of good hygiene. Washing before and after meals, after playing in the dirt or with pets, and after being in contact with someone who’s sick is the best way to eliminate germs. A tip for how long to wash: sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Hand sanitizers don’t work as well as soap and water, so use them only in a pinch.
Nail care
Fingernails are the perfect home for germs that can easily transfer to your child’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Buy a good nail brush and help your child scrub the dirt out from under their nails before bedtime. A weekly clipping will help get rid of dirt and lower the possibility of painful nail problems.
Toileting
Once your child becomes toilet trained, you’ll need to focus on the habits that keep little body parts clean. Teach your child to wipe thoroughly from front to back and wash hands when they’re done using the toilet.
Just like teaching your child how to zip a zipper or tie shoes, you will have to teach your child body care. Use these tips to help your child realize that our bodies not only feel better but they perform better when kept clean and healthy.
Learn more
- A dermatologist’s tips for effective handwashing
- Pink eye can be contagious but it’s not inevitable
- Make a healthy switch from summer to school mode
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Healthy Living, Parenting
