Health and Hygiene

Keeping your child safe and clean are some of the most important parts of being a parent. Babies and young children are naturally active and curious about their surroundings. This can be good for their development and expose them to germs that can help their bodies and immune systems grow stronger. However, it also means they might come across potentially harmful bacteria, substances, or objects. Avoiding these risks and practicing good hygiene can help parents make sure their children remain as healthy as possible. 

 Cleaning babies and children is essential to keeping them healthy. Dirt, poop, and even dust can carry germs that are harmful, so it’s important to make sure they don’t linger too long on children’s bodies or on surfaces they constantly touch. 

 Diapers should be changed quickly when a child dirties it, especially when it is soiled (poop). Poop has strong acids that after 2-3 hours can lead to rashes and infections that can be uncomfortable and harmful (such as yeast, bladder, and staph infections). Make sure to clean babies thoroughly with baby wipes or a damp washcloth each time you change a diaper. Leaving dirty diapers on for hours also means a child might dirty the same diaper at least twice. This can make it hard for parents to count dirty diapers, which can be important when a child is sick or is not digesting foods well. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about the number of diapers your child might go through in a day since this number can change with age and the types of foods a child eats (breast milk, formula, or solid foods). Learn more about diaper changing here.  Good hygiene is also important when children graduate from diapers to toilets. Children usually start using training toilets between 18 months and 3 years old. This is called “potty training.” It is important that parents help and observe children closely during this process to make sure they clean up properly. Children become interested and ready to potty train at different ages, so don’t worry if your child takes longer. Talk to your child’s doctor or nurse if you have questions about when your child might be ready to start potty training. Poop that is not properly or quickly cleaned up can leave behind harmful germs. As soon as your child is clean, throw away dirty diapers, wipes, or toilet paper in a trash can. If you used a washcloth, wash it well with soap and hot water. Make sure to also clean up any surfaces that might have gotten dirty, such as a changing table or toilet seat. Always wash both your hands and the child’s hands with soap and warm water when finished. 

 Cleaning children’s skin, genitals, and hair routinely – usually with baths – is important. During the first year, three baths per week is enough since babies do not sweat and bathing them more often can dry out their skin. (“Sponge” baths with a small, damp towel are best for newborns until their umbilical cords fall off and the area has healed). As children get older and become more active, they are likely to get dirtier and to need a shower at least once per day. If possible, use “tear-free” soaps and shampoos or ones labeled for babies or kids to protect their sensitive skin and eyes. It is important to teach older children to wash their own bodies from head to toe. However, children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult until they are at least 6 years old since a slip or accident could happen at any time. To learn more about bathing and skin care for babies, see resources below from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and our video here. 

 Like adults, children’s teeth need to be cleaned to prevent build-up of bacteria and germs that can lead to cavities or tooth decay. Even babies without teeth need to have their gums cleaned twice a day with a soft cloth to remove bacteria from breast milk or infant formula. Children’s teeth must be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste labeled for babies or kids. Baby’s first few teeth usually appear between 6 months and 1 year of age. By age three, children usually have a full set of baby teeth, which they begin to lose at age 6 to make room for bigger, permanent teeth. Although children lose their baby teeth, it is important to keep them clean since cavities and tooth decay in baby teeth can make their permanent teeth less healthy. It is recommended that children start seeing a dentist around 1 year old. The dentist can check for cavities or other problems, show parents how to properly clean a child’s mouth, and talk to parents about habits that can affect children’s teeth, such as thumb sucking. For help learning how to clean your child’s mouth at different ages, see the resources link below from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 Starting at birth, children might receive vaccines to protect them from diseases and infections their immune systems are not yet able to fight. Up to 2 years of age, they will receive vaccines every few months, and after that every few years. See CDC resources, below, for a list of vaccines recommended for children. Some vaccines are for diseases that adults can unknowingly carry but could be life-threatening to children (such as hepatitis B and whooping cough). Because of this, parents and others caring for a baby or child should speak with a doctor or nurse to make sure they are up to date on vaccines. Although children, like adults, can have mild reactions to vaccines (such as pain or a rash), these reactions are normal. Children might also develop a low fever after being vaccinated. Ask your child’s doctor or nurse about the side effects of the vaccines your child receives and ways you can help comfort them afterwards. If you have any questions about vaccines or your child’s reaction to them, contact the child’s doctor or nurse right away. Avoid giving your child medications that are not prescribed or recommended by the doctor. 

 When children begin crawling and walking, they might be at greater risk for harming themselves. For instance, they can grab sharp objects or poisonous substances (such as medicines and household cleaners) or stick their fingers into electrical sockets. To minimize risks, keep sockets covered as best as possible and store sharp or poisonous items somewhere children cannot see or reach. This includes bottles or containers with safety caps, which children can still open. For extra protection, consider installing child-proof electrical socket covers and safety locks in cabinets and drawers that children can easily reach and open. Learn more about safety planning at home.  If you believe your child might have touched or swallowed something harmful, call the poison control center right away (1-800-222-1222). To learn more about other ways to protect your child, see the list of CDC resources, below. 

Baby Bathing & Skin Care (AAP): This website has detailed information for how to bathe babies and care for their skin, nails, umbilical cords, and genitals. Children's Oral Health (CDC): This website offers guidance for how to clean your child’s mouth from birth to 6 years old. It also has links to other helpful resources by expert organizations, such as the American Dental Association. Recommended Vaccinations for Infants and Children (CDC): This website provides a list of vaccines for children, starting at birth, and includes a schedule that parents can print to keep track of when a child is due for a vaccine. Safety in the Home & Community (CDC): This website includes useful information about child safety and the different dangers that could exist at home and in the community for infants and toddlers. Topics include burns, sun safety, car safety, and water safety.   The information in this article is intended to be used for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional when making decisions about your health.