A Guide for Ensuring Safe and Effective Hand Sanitizer Use for Parents and Children
In the era of constant hygiene awareness, hand sanitizers have become our trusty companions in the fight against illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. While these sanitizers are powerful, especially when soap and water aren’t readily available, it’s important to educate our little ones on their proper use to avoid potential harm like accidental ingestion or poisoning. Here are some practical tips to instill hand sanitizer safety in your child:
1. Explain to your children what hand sanitizer is and what it’s used for:
Inform your child that hand sanitizer is a unique gel or liquid that helps us eliminate bacteria from our hands. We use hand sanitizer to ensure our hands are clean or if we’re in situations where we don’t have access to soap and water. Emphasize that it’s not water or juice, and certainly not for sipping or playing.
2. Hands-on demonstration of how to use hand sanitizer:
Take the time to demonstrate the correct way to use hand sanitizer. Show them how to dispense a small amount onto their palm, rub their hands together thoroughly and avoid touching their face afterward. Although it’s also important to remind your child to wash their hands with soap and water whenever possible, as this is the best way to clean their hands.
3. Out of reach, out of sight:
Keep hand sanitizers securely stored out of your child’s reach. Whether it’s in purses, diaper bags, backpacks or cars, make sure these items are stashed away from wandering hands. Additionally, if you have a hand sanitizer dispenser at home, make sure it is not too high or low for your child’s eyes. If it’s in public, reinforce the idea that hand sanitizers aren’t something to play with.
4. Check the label before buying or using hand sanitizer:
Look for a product with at least 70% alcohol for effective germ-killing. However, some products may have methanol, a dangerous type of alcohol that can cause blindness or death if swallowed. You can also check the Ministry of Health’s ‘do-not-use’ list for a helpful resource to verify the safety of your chosen product.
5. Say no to DIY hand sanitizers:
Discourage the idea of making hand sanitizer at home using household items. Homemade concoctions may not be as effective and could potentially harm your skin or eyes. Opt for trusted commercial products or stick to the classic soap and water routine for a foolproof and safe cleaning experience.
6. Why using HOUM’s hand sanitizer is better (for both you and the environment):
HOUM’s hand sanitizer is the ultimate green product. With a formulation that’s made from plant-based ingredients and is also alcohol-free, it can kill up to 99.99% of germs without the risk of cracked hands due to dryness. To check the sanitizers out for yourselves, head towards the online store.
