Among the many stay-safe tips, hand hygiene remains a chief precaution against the novel coronavirus.
With the market flooded with new hand sanitizer companies, it becomes difficult to find the best hand sanitizer for children.
While it’s already a challenge to follow health officials' do's and don’ts when it comes to COVID-19, it’s even more tricky when factoring your kids’ safety.
If you're like many parents, you have questions like...
"What should you look for in a hand sanitizer for kids?" or "How to keep your kids safe with hand sanitizers?" or more importantly "Where can I buy hand sanitizers for kids"
Keep reading for safety applications tips and how to choose the best hand sanitizer for kids plus another important information for parents.
But first, let's look at why and how children get colds and other winter infections.
Coronavirus, Cold and Flu in Babies and Kids
Dr. Cindy Gellner, a pediatrician at Westridge Health Center, explains that babies, toddlers, and preschoolers contract the common cold about seven to eight times a year.
But why?
As it turns out, your children are constantly exposed to new viruses as they interact with older siblings or classmates. Not very shocking but nonetheless true.
These viruses are virtually everywhere and surviving despite your cleaning and sanitization efforts.
All it takes is one infected person to spread the virus and contaminate surfaces.
There are at least 200 different cold viruses and they mutate over time as it replicates its genetic material.
Enter COVID-19
The COVID-19 novel coronavirus was transmitted to humans from an animal population, and since this is the first time human immune systems have seen this particular strain, we have not developed any immunity yet.
“What makes this a ‘novel’ strain is that it’s never been seen in humans before,” said Dr. David Wein, chief of emergency medicine at Tampa General Hospital.
“We’re also noticing that the COVID-19 strain is a lot more infectious, or contagious, than other novel coronaviruses.”
Can Children Get coronavirus?
Yes. While there is still uncertainties about the novel coronavirus, a recent research article published in ACTA Paediatrica, concluded that the children can contract the coronavirus but they seemed to have a milder disease course and better prognosis than adults.
In rare cases, children can become very sick with COVID-19, and deaths have occurred. That’s why it is important to use precautions and prevent infection in children as well as adults.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Kid Safe and Healthy From the Cold, Flu and Coronavirus?
While there is no cure for viruses, you can help minimizing infections by following health experts advice.
Healthy Immune System
Your child's immune system will do most of the heavy work as it fights of viruses. Over time as your child grows, he or she will build up defenses or immunity against these pathogens when exposed again.
However, you can give your kids immune system a boost by provide and encouraging good healthy nutrition by having your child eat food high in protein and vitamins on a regular basis.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that a good nutrition is vital to a healthy immune system and may provide protection from seasonal illness and other health problems.
Encourage Health Hygiene Behaviors
According to the CDC, infections with respiratory viruses like COVID-19 are mainly transmitted through three modes: contact, droplet, and airborne.
The epidemiology of COVID-19 indicates that most infections are spread through close contact, not airborne transmission. However, airborne transmission can still occur in some cases.
Droplet Transmission: Face Covering for Kids
Droplet transmission is infection spread through exposure to virus-containing respiratory droplets (i.e., larger and smaller droplets and particles) exhaled by an infectious person.
Research is showing that COVID-19 is spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing, generally within about 6 feet.
The CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and school.
Thus, parents should encourage kids to wear mask or face coverings but with so many options which mask is right for your kid?
When selecting a mask for your child follow these tips from the CDC
Choose a mask with two more layers of washable, breathable fabric and make sure the mask completely covers their nose and mouth.
Contact Transmission: Hand Washing and Sanitizing for Kids
Contact transmission is infection spread through direct contact with an infectious person (e.g., touching during a handshake) or with an article or surface that has become contaminated.
The best way to combat contact transmission is to teach your child to practice good hand hygiene.
The CDC recommends regular handwashing with soap and flowing water. This, they say, reduces germs and chemicals on our hands, and, in turn, curbs further spread.
Which begs the question....
Is Soap and Water Better than Hand Sanitizer for Kids?
Sure – handwashing is the best preventive measure against germs.
Supporting bodies of research say in the absence of water, alcohol-based sanitizers may be as effective as, if not more than, hand washing.
A 2018 research study found about 97% of people wash their hands incorrectly. This gives hand sanitizers an edge over the soap and water approach.
Plus getting your kid to the nearest faucet to wash after every ‘suspicious’ surface contact is most unlikely!
For instance, a 2015 research article examined the benefits of water and soap vs. hand sanitizers.
The study showed that sanitizers are a more effective preventive measure against respiratory infections in kids. But for these kids, thoroughness and frequency of their handwashing are typical concerns.
When left unsupervised, we can’t be so sure the little ones have ticked off all the "how-and-when-to-hand-wash boxes".
Note that hand sanitizers, on the other hand, may not work on visibly dirty or oily hands.
Kids will be kids and they will find ways to get their hands dirty. Therefore, it is imperative to teach our kids good handwashing practices.
How to Choose the Best Hand Sanitizers for Children?
The market is flooded with hand sanitizers with a “kid-friendly” tag. Well, while kid-friendly hand sanitizers are a thing, don’t trust every label with that promise.
For a guide, let’s quickly discuss some tips to help you choose the best hand sanitizers for your kids.
Alcohol concentration
The CDC, WHO, and the FDA unanimously recommend not less than 60 percent alcohol-concentrated hand sanitizers. They warn that non-alcohol hand rubs may, at best, reduce germs’ development, but not get them off out rightly.
To keep the kids safe, stick to only alcohol-based hand sanitizers, with not less than 60 percent alcohol.
Scented or Unscented
It can be a bit tricky to choose between these options. For kids, they’ll swear by a scented hand sanitizer, as it appeals to their inquisitive senses.
However, many organizations, like hospitals, schools, and related public settings, adopt only unscented hand sanitizers to reduce allergy risks.
To balance your kid’s safety and preference, an unscented-to-mildly-scented sterilizer should do.
However, if your child is sensitive to fragrances, it is best to go with an unscented hand sanitizer or a hand sanitizer that is “Dermatologically Tested” or "Safe for Skin” like MOXĒ Premium Hand Sanitizers.
Besides, a well-fragranced hand sanitizer may increase the risk of ingestion, particularly among younger kids.
Portability
Hand sanitizers' portability makes them widely preferred over water and soap. So, when considering a good hand sanitizer for your kids, factor in portability.
Well, although you want something portable enough not to cause a heavy bulgy backpack for your fragile ones, remember, too-tiny bottles may quickly get missing. Again, to save cost, consider buying a large-sized had rub container and share it into smaller bottles for you and your kids.
Packaging
While a uniquely appealing packaging is cool, they may entice your kid(s) to taste.
When checking out the options, prefer decent packaging that does not mimic foods or beverages. This will help reduce the chances of ingestion in kids.
Safety
The FDA regulates hand sterilizers with the recommended 60 to 90 percent alcohol content.
To be safe, insist on ONLY FDA-registered hand sanitizers.
MOXĒ Premium Hand Sanitizer is registered through the FDA as an OTC or over-the-counter drug.
Examine the label for FDA approval and ensure it has no 1-propanol or methanol.
If in doubt, check FDA’s official website for a list of recalled hand sanitizers – that is, hand sanitizers you shouldn’t buy.
At What Age Should Babies Use Hand Sanitizers?
The FDA, responsible for hand sanitizer regulations, discourages hand sanitizers for infants.
However, there is not much guidance on using hand sanitizer with children. For clarity, the term ‘infant’ represents ages from birth to one year.
What if my child licks hand sanitizer?
While it’s common to fear the possible adverse effects of hand sanitizers for kids, the National Capital Poison Control Center (NCPCC) reminds parents that a ‘lick’ won’t hurt your kid.
However, parents should discourage their kids from tasting hand sanitizer...its awful tasting!
While a small lick or taste is harmless, accidental alcohol poisoning from hand sanitizer can happen.
Hence, it’s in your best interest – and your kids – to store hand sanitizers out of children’s reach.
Hand sanitizers and your toddler’s eyes?
Dr. Yishay Weill, an ophthalmologist at Shaare Zedek Medical Centers, warns that alcohol kills viruses however it also damages other cells in your eyes.
When alcohol contacts the outside eye, it destroys cells and proteins, which may cause severe inflammation and, in turn, trigger an eye infection.
Though rare, this condition may even cause blindness. When placing our hand sanitizers within the home, remember that a height that befits you might be just a little above your kid’s head.
An attempt to reach and use the rub puts the child at risk of spilling content all over. If you suspect hand sanitizers in your kid’s eyes, wash their eye with lukewarm water. If the eye remains irritated see an eye doctor.
Conclusion
Remember – If provisions for regular and thorough hand washing is scarce or [for whatever reasons] unrealistic, hand sanitizer is the next best thing for your wee ones.
But while hand sanitizers are cool for kids, an unsupervised application may expose kids to alcohol’s dreaded effects.
Until your kids are responsible enough to do it rightly with no supervision, monitor them always.
The guide above should help you make a well-informed decision when shopping for hand sanitizers for your kids.
Still not sure what’ll work best for your child’s sensitive skin?
Let’s help you find one. We have a range of premium products that makes your kids’ health a priority – both scented and unscented.
Our staff will guide you through the options and help you choose the fittest.
Helpful Tips When Applying Hand Sanitizer With Children?
Adult Supervision
An adult should present when dispensing hand sanitizer to children. Obviously.
Educate your kids about the rightful application and the overall benefits of hand rubs
Read the Label
Always refer to the label's directions printed on the bottle of hand sanitizer. Note any other information that may be relevant such as storage and warnings.
Avoid Eyes and Let Dry
Ensure your child does not rub their gel-wet hands on their eyes or mouth. Encourage them to allow the gel to dry before touching. If your child eats with or licks their hand after the hand sanitizers dry, it won’t harm them but will not taste so great.
Keep Out of Reach
Keep all hand sanitizers out of children’s reach. Always ensure you know where your hand sanitizers are being stored and make sure they are not easily accessible.
Do not pack hand sanitizers in beverage-like containers
Emergencies
If you suspect your child has swallowed hand sanitizers, regardless of the amount, contact the local poison control center by calling (800) 222-1222.
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About MOXĒ Premium Hand Sanitizer Gel
-70% Ethyl alcohol
-Aloe Vera
-Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)
Features
-FDA-approved ingredients and facilities
-Meets U.S. quality standards (made in the USA)
-Leaping Bunny Certified
-Hypoallergenic & Dermatologist Approved
Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MOXĒ Hand Sanitizer boasts high-standards for quality and efficacy.
Get your alcohol-based sanitizer now, and stay safe and fresh.
About MOXĒ
MOXĒ is a manufacturer of innovative health and wellness products focused on complementing any lifestyle. With our holistic approach, we add custom essential oil blends in everything we create and ensure every product is made with the highest quality ingredients to support clean living and peace of mind.
Visit MOXĒ at https://bemoxe.com/ or follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @bemoxe