3 Ways to Teach your Toddler about Hygiene

Hygiene is going to be a big part of your child’s life, naturally. Keeping our hands clean, breath fresh and knowing how to clean up after ourselves keeps germs at bay and will ensure your child is healthy. With many children catching colds and other infections in schools and nurseries it’s even more important to teach your toddler about hygiene.

Here are 3 ways you can help your toddler become aware of being hygienic, from this nursery in Battersea.

1. Brushing teeth songs

A popular one with parents is using songs to help children know how long they should be brushing their teeth for. If they’re able to keep up with the song and have it repeated to them on a regular basis, they’re more likely to follow the tune. If you like, you can add a little dance to the beat so it sounds even more exciting for your child.

You will have to do this at least twice a day, so it’s critical that you find something that works for both you and your child that is also fun. You can find many brushing teeth songs online, or even use an app or electric toothbrush to help out.

2. Using sensory bins

A sensory bin is a good way to get children used to the feeling of different liquids and materials that they will be using to keep themselves clean. Bath time will be a good time to bring out toys and cleaning tools to help your child get used to what will be asked of them later on.

Alternatively, you can make a sensory bin indoors or outdoors. Fill a bucket, or large tub, with warm water and soap to begin. Your child can pick out some toys they want to use in the tub at this point. So long as they’re getting used to the feeling of soap and water together they’re learning about what will be involved in keeping themselves clean.

3. Use positive reinforcement

There is a reason why doctors’ surgeries and dentists have stickers and lollipops for children who survive in the time they’re being seen. Check-in on your child often and see if they’re washing their hands before dinner, after going to the toilet, and so on. Just your presence should help your child remember to keep themselves clean. 

Should your child know what to do without your direction then you can start rewarding them for a job well done. Positive reinforcement and rewards are a good way to motivate any child to finish a task or do something that you’ve asked for, and the same goes for promoting good hygiene.