Protecting your toddler from infections

Why do children get infections?

Babies have immature immune systems when they are born due to which, babies tend to get frequent infections. Their immune systems start to mature soon after birth, and gradually, the number of infections begins to go down. Usually, by the time they are of school-age, their rate of infection is the same as that of adults.

What can I do to protect my child from infections ?

• Wash your hands and teach your child to wash hands often.
• Hands should be washed after using the bathroom, after sneezing, blowing your nose and coughing, after playing, before touching food, after touching animals.
• You must not forget to wash your hands after touching garbage.
• Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Ensure that your child understands good hygiene and the importance of handwashing after using the toilet and before and after eating.
• If you smoke or anyone else smokes at home, stop smoking. Until you/ the other person quits completely, it should be done outside of your home and outside of your car.
• Remember, smoking in a room away from your child is not helpful.
• Vaccinate your toddler against common childhood diseases.
• Use separate sinks for preparing food and washing hands.
• Handle food in areas separate from the toilets.
• Clean the toilets and sinks regularly.
• Sanitise toys that toddlers put in their mouths.
• Clean all doors and cabinet handles, all surfaces in the toilet should be disinfected at the end of every day.
• Always use a clean potty chair and disinfect after each use.