How to Teach Proper Hygiene to Children

Start proper grooming when a child is young.

Left on their own, many children would skip a bath for another round of sandbox play. Unfortunately, dirty skin becomes damaged skin. The same goes for teeth, nails and hair. Children should clean up on a regular basis, not only for the sake of others, but for their own well being. Good personal hygiene habits will stick with a child thoughout his life.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth
• Body soap
• Shampoo
• Fingernail clippers
• Tooth brush
• Tooth paste
• Hair brush
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Shaving Cream

Instructions

Good Hygiene From the Beginning

1. 

   Wipe babies clean each night before bed

   Bathe your infant as directed by her doctor. Most babies do not need baths every day, but you must keep their bottoms clean and dry, scalps clean and mouths clean. Do sponge baths for newborns and for older babies on days that full baths are not practical.

2. Lead by example. Let your child see you bathing, washing your hands, brushing your teeth and washing and brushing your hair. Use this time to talk to her. Explain what you are doing and why it is important.

3. Give your toddler a washcloth when she is bathing. Ask her to wash her body, naming each body part as she tries to scrub up. Give her a toy to wash, and have her explain what she is doing. Use bath times as teaching moments.

4. Wash your hands and encourage your child to wash his hands, too. Remind him to use soap after using the restroom, preparing food, coming in from outside, touching garbage and after sneezing or coughing.

5. Clip your child's fingernails and toenails regularly. Make it a habit so he is comfortable with short, clean nails. As he gets older he should cut his own nails. Supervise the first few times he does it himself.

6. Help your child pick out clean clothes to wear each day. Talk to her about the importance of clean clothes. Not only do dirty clothes harbor bacteria and dirt, dirty clothes often smell and look bad.

7. Provide your tween with deodorant and a hair removal option, like a razor, if needed. Talk to your older child about hormonal changes that produce funky odors and hair in new places. Get his opinion on shaving. If it is warranted, offer to show him how to shave and take him with you to get a razor and shaving cream. If your daughter is anxious about the hair growing on her legs, bikini line and underarms, ask if she would like to remove it. She could shave, use depilatories or wax.

Tips & Warnings

• Use smaller, thinner washcloths for infants and toddlers. These are easier to clean their small ears, toes and faces with.

• Wash your toddler while the bath water is running. Let her practice washing herself as she soaks and enjoys bath time.

• Use tear-free shampoos and soaps for kids.

• Never leave babies or young children alone in a bathtub.

References

• Children, Youth and Women's Health Service: Personal Hygiene, Taking Care of Your Body:
• Parents: Hygiene Basics for Kids