cleaning baby's hand

[carey]

Do you know if it's safe to use Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs for infants?

My curious 11 month old touches everything and then rubs his eyes and puts fingers in his month.

I try to be vigilant in cleaning his hands because we are living at the center of the hand-foot-month disease (Dongguan city, Mainland). So many children, especially the ones going to kindergarten come down with it.

I was reading a column written by an Australian mum about her life as a parent in Dongguan. Both of her children got infected with this illness.

Thank you.

 

[0ze_Kid]

I am by no means an expert but I think good old fashioned soap and warm water will do the trick.

I am not a fan of those gels to tell the truth. I guess that is obvious. you could carry some hand soap in a small container (like the gel) and some water wipes for when you are out.

 

[carang]

it's a fairly common illness among children, even in hong kong.

please do NOT confuse it with FOOT & MOUTH disease, which is different and AFAIK more dangerous.

 

[lesliefu]

i would agree - my baby just recovered from foot and mouth..she doesn't ever put her hands in her mouth and plays only with her cousins (whom are much older) - probably spread somehow, but really nothing to be too worried about - it will run it's own course and then the next time they get it will the severity will much lower (my dr. says)....

 

[Honkyblues]

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) affects children.
Foot and mouth (or hoof and mouth) disease affects only cattle.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Fast Facts | CDC - Respiratory Viral Diseases

HFMD is not usually dangerous, but can result in complications such as encephalitis, so the progress of the infection should always be monitored.

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water should definitely help wash the virus away.

HTH

 

[baffelly]

I use those alcohal hand sanitiser with my 15 mth old all the time when we are out and wash his hands when we get home. I think it's safe.

 

[karmah1]

I've used the alcohol gel sanitisers on my son since he was about 10 months. But only when we are out, at home its just soap and water. He is now 17 months.

 

[Shenzhennifer]

I use hand sanitizers, probably since around 10-11 months. That's how my son learned to rub his hands together to 'wash'.
I use them when he can't wash his hands otherwise - I figure it's better than nothing, but will try to make sure he's not putting his hands in his mouth right after.

 

[Aava.Wong]

i use the gel too but i don't put it on my son (i normally use the johnsons baby wipes when we're out and about) but looks like other mums are ok with it so i'll start using it on him too.

i kinda got wary coz the gel stings when i've got a scratch so i didn't want to put it on my bub.