Staying healthy in childcare Environment

staying healthy in childcare environments are prone to a high risk of infection, especially from viruses and bacteria. This is because children are commonly sick and many have eczema or other skin problems. The risk of catching a virus is higher when you’re around a lot of other kids who are also sick. Also, the germs tend to spread more quickly among young children than adults.

To keep your child healthy in childcare, you need to do your part as well as take precautions. Here we look at some of the things you can do to protect your child from getting sick while they’re in daycare.

Be proactive about safety

The first thing you can do to keep your child safe in daycare is to be proactive about safety. If you’re worried about the safety of your child, you need to talk to the daycare centre. Ask to visit the kitchen and the bathrooms if possible, as well as the general area where your child will be playing.

If you notice any safety hazards, such as hazardous materials, you need to let the centre know. Also, be aware of other safety hazards in the area. For example, keep an eye out for hazards like a high risk fall-off area, where your child could fall, or a high traffic area where other kids and adults could easily run into your child.

Wash your hands

When you take your child to daycare, you also need to take care of yourself. If you don’t wash your hands with soap or sanitizer, you’re putting your child at risk of infection. Washing your hands before and after your daycare visit is the best way to prevent sickness and infection in childcare.

You can also sanitize your child’s hands with sanitizer, if possible, or with antibacterial wipes. Be sure to use antibacterial wipes on your hands and the rest of your child’s body, as well. Wash your hands well after you’re done, and don’t forget to wash your hands well before you go to bed.

If you have to leave your child in the care of other adults, you need to wash your hands well before you go to bed. You can also keep antibacterial wipes handy in case you have to leave your child in the care of other adults.

Stay up to date on vaccine requirements

Before your child goes to daycare, make sure you know if they need vaccinations. If they are required, make sure the centre is aware and that they are up to date. Many childcare centres have their own vaccination requirements, and they may change over time. Also, some states require certain vaccinations, even if your child doesn’t need them. This is so that no child ever gets sick from being in daycare. You can find out about your state’s vaccination requirements online, or by talking to your doctor.

Don’t share dining bowls, cups or utensils

While sharing utensils, cups and dining bowls is common among toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a big no-no as soon as your child starts daycare. Sharing eating utensils increases the risk of bacterial infection. This is because bacteria spread easily when people touch their mouths with unclean hands. Because your child is very young and developing, they are more likely to catch a bacterial infection from sharing utensils. Also, sharing utensils increases the risk of cross-infection: when bacteria from one person gets transferred to your child.

Don’t touch your face or mouth with unwashed hands

This is one of the most important rules for staying healthy in childcare. Your child will come into contact with many people in daycare. They will touch their face and mouth with unclean hands. Don’t let your child touch their face or mouth with unclean hands. You can wash their hands well before they eat, drink or go to bed, and after they handle their toys, but they need to keep their hands away from their face and mouth.

Store food safely and properly

Your child will be eating a lot of food in daycare. Make sure that the food you store is properly sealed and not leaking. Make sure that there are no holes in the containers and that the seals are intact. If possible, store food at room temperature. This prevents food from spoiling and makes it safer to eat. If you have to store food in the fridge, make sure that it’s properly sealed and that there are no holes in the container. Also, make sure that the fridge is at the right temperature.

Keep your home clean and dry

Your home should be clean and dry. This prevents germs from growing and spreading. Clean your home well, especially your kitchen countertops, cutting boards and surfaces. Wipe down tables, chairs and toys that your child has used, and clean them well with hot water and soap.

You should also clean your child’s toys, bedding and books, and clean their bathroom and changing areas well. Dry all surfaces well, especially your kitchen and bathroom surfaces and the surface where you store your food. Your home should be free of dust, and items should be stored properly.

Conclusion

Kids in childcare are at a high risk of infection. To keep your child healthy, you’ll need to do your part as well as take precautions. When you have to leave your child in daycare, you need to wash your hands well with soap and sanitizer, keep food properly stored and keep your home clean and dry. If your child is at high risk of infection and you take these steps, they should be safe.