Avoid the antibacterial hand sanitiser warning
Too much cleaning could indeed cause havoc with children’s immune systems, according to a recent report on the Good Housekeeping website, which claims that dirt isn’t necessarily a bad thing – as long as hands are washed with soap and water afterwards.
The article by Caroline Picard refers to a recent publication by University of Chicago scientist Jack Gilbert – his book Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.
Dirt isn’t necessarily all bad, claims Gilbert and isn’t as potentially dangerous as many parents fear: indeed – exposure could help develop a child’s immune system he argues.
Effective hand hygiene is important
Ms Picard’s article also quotes American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) who advise caution when it comes to antibacterial hand sanitisers which may “kill off normal bacteria and increase the chances that resistant bacteria may grow”.
They advise that careful washing with soap and water is the best hygiene method for children with dirty hands.
“Hand washing may be the single most important act you and your child have for disease prevention,” the AAP says. “The best solution is to wash your child’s hands with warm water and ordinary soap that does not contain antibacterial substances.”
REJOICE: Scientist Says Dirt Is Good for Kids »
Mobile handwashing for children – whether it’s indoors or out!
Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill. A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to the sand pit – helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish play.
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands inside or out.
