Hand Washing

Hand washing is the most effective way to keep your kids from getting sick and sharing those icky germs with their friends and siblings, right. But are your kids doing it correctly? The CDC recommends washing your hands in the a specific way and at specific times.

When washing hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean, warm running water
• Apply soap.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" or the "ABCs" twice.
• Rinse hands well under running water
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

All childcare facilities are required to have this information posted above their sink areas. Even babies are required to have their hands washed with soap and water after having their diapers changed.