Parent Guide: Handwashing

Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of respiratory tract infections. 80% of common infections are spread by hands.

When to wash your hands:

• Before meals
• Before breastfeeding
• After using the toilet or helping your child use the toilet
• After changing diapers
• After blowing your nose or wiping your child's nose
• After playing with toys shared with other children

How to wash hands:

• Use soap and water. Washing with water alone does not get rid of germs
• Wet your hands
• Apply soap. Do not use antibacterial soap
• Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds (or the time it takes to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
• Rinse your hands for 10 seconds
• Dry your hands with a towel

What you should do:

• Expect doctors, dentists, nurses and therapists to wash their hands before they examine you or your child
• Make sure soap is available in the washroom of your child's school and your workplace
• Make sure that childcare sites have places for adults and children to wash their hands
• Use regular soap. Antibacterial soap is not needed because it promotes bacterial resistance
• Teach by example