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Teaching children good hygiene habits from an early age is essential for their health and well-being. Hand sanitiser is a helpful tool to keep kids’ hands clean when soap and water aren't available, but it’s important to ensure they understand how to use it safely. Children are naturally curious and may not always be aware of the potential risks that come with using sanitiser. By teaching your little ones the right way to use sanitiser, you can help protect them from harmful chemicals while encouraging healthy habits. Here are some sanitiser safety tips to ensure your child benefits from good hygiene practices.
Why Hand Sanitiser Safety is Important for Kids
Sanitisers often contain alcohol (either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol), which is effective at killing germs and bacteria. However, alcohol can be dangerous if ingested or overused, especially for young children. Ingesting alcohol-based sanitiser can cause poisoning, while excessive use can lead to skin irritation. It’s important to ensure the right sanitiser is used in the right way, especially with children.
Sanitiser Safety Tips for Kids
Always Supervise Usage- Supervision is key when it comes to children using sanitiser. Kids may not understand the dangers of overusing sanitiser or ingesting it. Always supervise them, ensuring they use only a small, safe amount. By teaching them how to apply it properly, you instill positive hygiene habits.
Keep Sanitiser Out of Reach- Store sanitiser bottles out of your child’s reach when not in use. This is important to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. Child-resistant caps can help, but keeping sanitiser in a high cupboard or locked space ensures your child can’t access it when you're not around.
Use the Right Amount- Teach your child to use only a small amount of sanitiser—about a pea-sized drop. Using too much can negatively affect their skin, leading to dryness or irritation. Moderation is key to safe and effective sanitisation.
Avoid Contact with Eyes and Mouth- Sanitisers should never come in contact with a child’s eyes or mouth. Alcohol can cause serious irritation. Encourage your child to rub the sanitiser into their hands and avoid touching their face. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical help if necessary.
Choose a Natural Ethanol Sanitiser- Opting for Palmtree Hygiene’s sanitiser, which contains natural ethanol, is a safer choice. Derived from palm tree sap, this natural ethanol is gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation. It’s also a more eco-friendly alternative compared to synthetic alcohols.
Teach Proper Hygiene- Teach your child that sanitiser is for cleaning hands, not for tasting or drinking. This helps prevent accidental ingestion. By educating them, you ensure they use the product correctly and develop good hygiene habits early on.
For more helpful advice on hygiene for toddlers and children, you can visit this link on hygiene for toddlers from the NHS.
Conclusion
Hand sanitiser can be a helpful tool in keeping your child’s hands clean and germ-free, but it’s essential to use it responsibly. By following these sanitiser safety tips, you can ensure that your child remains safe while benefiting from good hygiene habits. Supervise use, choose products like Palmtree Hygiene’s natural ethanol sanitiser for positive results, and always teach your child proper hygiene practices.