Teaching children handwashing in childcare

Why it's worth the effort

Young children touch everything, put hands and toys in their mouths and share space closely, so germs move quickly through a room. The NHMRC's Staying healthy guidance expects educators to help children with hand hygiene — and the habits children learn at care stay with them.

When children should clean their hands

• When they arrive at the service (families can help with this).
• Before eating or handling food.
• After using the toilet or having their nappy changed.
• After touching snot or wiping their nose.
• After coming in from outside play and after touching animals.
• Before going home.

The steps, in child-sized language

1. Wet your hands under the running water.
2. Put soap on.
3. Rub, rub, rub: palms, backs, between the fingers, thumbs, nails and wrists — about as long as singing "Happy birthday" twice (at least 20 seconds).
4. Rinse all the bubbles off.
5. Dry your hands properly with a paper towel and put it in the bin.

Making it stick

• Model it — let children see you wash your own hands at the same times.
• Guide younger children to the basin after toileting and help them; supervise older children.
• Explain simply that washing and drying hands stops germs that can make them sick.
• Use songs, picture posters at child height and a step to reach the basin.
• Praise good washing rather than rushing it at busy times like lunch.

Drying and hand sanitiser

Drying matters as much as washing, because damp hands pick up and pass on more germs. Disposable paper towel is preferred. Hand sanitiser is useful when soap and water aren't available, such as in the playground or on an excursion, but keep it out of children's reach and only let them use it with an adult supervising. Follow your service's hygiene policy for the products and routines it uses.