Personal Hygiene for the Caregiver

Simple hand washing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Every time you touch your baby, you can transfer germs to and from your hands — but proper and throughout hand washing removes most germs from your hands.

There are two key aspects to proper hand cleaning: when to wash and how to wash. Both are particularly important as you (and others) hold and care for your baby.

Learn more about how and when to wash your hands.

Hand Washing Prevents Common Illnesses

Frequent and thorough hand washing has been shown to prevent illnesses that are commonly spread by hand-to-hand or hand-to-surface contact. These include the common cold and seasonal flu.

Hand washing can also help prevent the spread of:

• H1N1 flu
• Foodborne illnesses
• Infectious diseases like strep throat and hepatitis B

Your baby's immune system is not developed yet. That makes your baby very susceptible to disease and infection... and it makes a strict hand washing regimen important for you and any else who touches or holds your baby.

Always clean your hands:

• Before and after handling the baby
• Before nursing/feeding
• Before holding or rocking
• Before dressing
• After diapering