Good hygiene is a barrier against viruses and bacteria and contributes to better health in children. From the age of 2-3 years, he has the ability to perform simple hygiene gestures independently. What are good hygiene habits and how can they be instilled in the child? Some answers.

The rules of hygiene are part of the learning that the child must acquire during his childhood. These acquisitions are important not only for the health and well-being of the child but also for his autonomy and his relationship with others. Indeed, it is important that the child understands that by taking care of himself, he also protects others.

To begin with, it is essential to explain to the child what a microbe is, how we get sick, by which route (s) viruses and bacteria are transmitted. By understanding the usefulness of each gesture, the child will become more attentive and responsible. Pediatricians also recommend teaching the essentials of hygiene practices (blowing your nose, washing your hands well, wiping your private parts) before entering kindergarten to make the child more independent outside of the classroom. House.

To be effective, hygiene actions must be performed correctly. Otherwise, they not only lose their effectiveness but can also promote the proliferation of microbes or bacteria, as is the case with intimate hygiene. What are the recommendations for performing each particular gesture?

Body wash

Bathing is an early habit. Around 18 months – 2 years, the child becomes curious about his body and shows the first signs of autonomy. Now is the right time to involve him more. In order for him to integrate the actions well, he will have to be shown how to use the soap, how much to use, and provide him with a washcloth. He will have to learn to soap himself from top to bottom, insisting on the folds of the skin. Thorough rinsing will remove dirt and soap and / or shampoo residue. To avoid the risk of hot water burns or falls, especially in the bathtub, adult supervision is necessary.

Hair washing and brushing

Hair washing is carried out on average 2 to 3 times a week. The use of a mild shampoo suitable for the child’s scalp is recommended. If the child apprehends the sensation of water on his face and in his eyes, we can suggest that he protect the eyes with a washcloth or with his hands, to soothe him and give him confidence.

Brushing the hair removes dust, detangles the hair and checks for lice. It should be done daily with a brush or comb suitable for the child’s hair type.

Intimate hygiene

Regular intimate hygiene gives the child a feeling of comfort and helps prevent infections. From 3 years old, children can be taught to dry themselves well after each use of the toilet. Little girls will need to learn to wipe themselves from front to back to avoid the risk of UTI.

Foot washing

Particular attention should also be paid to washing the feet. Children move around a lot, and sweaty feet can promote fungus growth. To avoid infections, the child should soap and rinse his feet well, especially between the toes.

Brushing teeth

In a child, two daily brushings of two minutes are recommended: the first time in the morning, after breakfast, and the second time after the last evening meal, before going to bed. Up to the age of 3-4 years, tooth brushing should be completed by an adult. To ensure quality washing over the entire surface of the teeth, the child should follow along the way, starting, for example, at the bottom right, then at the bottom left, then at the top left to finish at the top right. Brushing can also be taught in a fun way and be accompanied in particular by nursery rhymes. To help the child to respect the recommended duration of the 2 minutes of brushing, you can use a timer or an hourglass.

Nasal hygiene

Good nasal hygiene helps prevent colds and promotes child comfort. From the age of 3, children can learn to blow their nose on their own. To start, the child can try to empty one nostril at a time while blocking the other, or else to blow first through the mouth and then through the nose to fully understand the process. A packet of tissues left at the disposal of the child will help him to get into the habit of wiping his nose and blowing his nose regularly. Also make sure he thinks about throwing the used tissue in the trash and washing his hands every time he blows his nose.

Hand hygiene

Thorough hand washing is recommended after each outing and going to the toilet, after blowing your nose or sneezing, or even after stroking an animal. To perform good hand washing, the child will first need to wet their hands, soap themselves for about 20 seconds, then rinse them with clean water. The different stages must be well explained to the child: the palms, the backs of the hands, the fingers, the nails and the handles. Once his hands are clean, remind him to dry off well with a towel.

Get dressed

Knowing how to manage your clean and dirty clothes is also part of the acquisition of cleanliness. While some clothes (sweaters, pants) can be worn for several days, underwear and socks should be changed daily. From 2-3 years old, children can start putting their dirty things in a place provided for this purpose (the laundry basket, the washing machine). The child can also prepare his own things the next day, the evening before bedtime.

A regular and predictable routine will allow the child to integrate good hygiene practices more quickly. Indeed, associating certain gestures with specific situations helps the child to memorize better and to become more autonomous. So, for example, if the evening meal is followed by tooth washing, the child will make it a habit. Likewise, if the child is required to wash their hands after each use of the toilet, it will become automatic.

A child grows and is built by imitation. As a result, the adult, a fortiori the parent, should serve as an example in terms of hygiene rules to make the child want to do like him. By dint of repetition, the child will learn to perform hygiene procedures independently.