As a mom of a baby and an almost 3-year-old, I spend a lot of time thinking about germs. Our kids are not in school or daycare yet, which, from what I hear, is a whole other ballgame during flu season. They are predominantly home with my husband and me, but we are not home all day. We go to libraries, parks, grocery stores and other places where there are inevitably kids, shared toys, and germs everywhere.
So far, our kids have not been sick very often. I know some of that may be luck and the fact that they are not in group care. I also know there is no routine that can make a child germ-proof. Still, we have a few habits that I believe help cut down on the number of germs we bring home and make healthy choices feel normal to our kids.
These are the things that work for our family during flu season and throughout the rest of the year.
If I had to choose the habit we are most consistent about, it would be handwashing. We started this ritual when our toddler was very young. As soon as we get home from an outing, we go straight to the sink. Every. Single. Time.
We also wash before eating, after using the bathroom, after a diaper change and after wiping a runny nose. Soap and water are our first choice, especially when hands are visibly dirty.
We were just as diligent when both of our kids were newborns. If someone came over to visit, we politely asked them to wash their hands when they arrived, especially if they wanted to hold the baby or play with the kids. It was a simple boundary, and no one ever had a problem with it.
My advice is to make handwashing non-negotiable but not unpleasant. With enough consistency, kids begin to understand that it is simply part of coming home, just like taking off their shoes. At least in my experience, there is less pushback once it becomes familiar.
It also helps to make it fun. We keep a sturdy step stool at the sink so our toddler can climb up and participate. Sometimes we sing while we wash. My son loves listening to the Elmo handwashing song on his Yoto player. Fun foaming soap can help, too.
I carry hand sanitizer in my purse and diaper bag, and I keep another bottle in the car. I usually use it on my toddler’s hands when we leave the park, library or grocery store and cannot get to a sink right away. We still wash with soap and water once we get home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. Because hand sanitizer can be harmful if swallowed, I always apply it myself, supervise my toddler and make sure his hands are completely dry before he touches his face or eats. I also keep the bottle where neither child can reach it.
We use the sanitizing wipes at the grocery store to wipe down the cart before putting the kids in it. I also carry disinfecting wipes for shared tables and other especially sticky surfaces. I do not try to wipe down everything they might touch. That would be impossible, especially with a curious toddler. Cleaning their hands before they eat and when we leave is the part I focus on most.
My toddler is still learning how germs spread, but he can understand simple directions. We remind him to cough or sneeze into the inside of his elbow. We practice at home when no one is sick so it is easier for him to remember when he needs to do it.
We also remind him not to put his hands in his mouth or rub his eyes when we are out. Does he remember every time? Of course not. He’s a toddler. I try not to constantly correct him or make him anxious about touching things. I give him a quick reminder, clean his hands when we can and move on.
Although we generally teach our son the importance of sharing, we also explain that some things are not meant to be shared. That includes cups, water bottles, utensils and food that someone has already taken a bite from. He is still learning, so we give him gentle reminders and make sure he has his own drink, snacks and utensils whenever we go out.
The small everyday habits matter, but I do not treat them as a substitute for medical care. We keep up with our children’s regular well visits and recommended vaccinations, including flu vaccine, and we talk to their pediatrician if we have questions about what they need.
This boundary can feel awkward, but it has become easier since having a baby. If someone has a runny nose, cough, sore throat, stomach bug or other symptoms, we ask them to wait until they are feeling better before visiting.
We follow the same rule ourselves. If one of us is sick, we cancel the playdate or skip the library. It is disappointing, especially when my toddler has been looking forward to an outing, but I would rather change our plans than risk passing an illness to another baby, child or family.
We don’t stop going places during flu season. Getting out of the house is good for all of us, and my toddler needs to get his energy out. That said, we often pick the park, a walk or another outdoor activity over a packed indoor play space.
I don’t disinfect our entire house every night. That would be an impossible task. Instead, I focus on cleaning and disinfecting the things that get touched or put in mouths most often: high-chair trays, frequently handled toys, pacifiers, bottles and changing surfaces.
Even with all these habits, I know my kids will get sick sometimes. That is part of childhood. My goal is not to make them afraid of germs or keep them away from every other child. I want to teach them a few simple ways to care for themselves and the people around them.
I also keep our pediatrician’s number handy and trust my instincts when something seems off. If I think either child may have the flu or any other sickness, I call instead of trying to figure everything out on my own. I’ve also learned the pediatrician’s office is the best place to reach out to or take them when they are sick, as opposed to a random urgent care center. My pediatrician will tell me if the emergency room is where I should go if needed.
For our family, consistency matters more than doing everything perfectly. We wash our hands, clean what makes sense, get our flu vaccine every fall, stay home when we are sick and keep living our lives. These habits are now part of our normal routine, and that makes them much easier to stick with all year long.
Need a pediatrician who will partner with you through flu season and every season after it? Schedule a visit with one of our clinicians. Walk-in availability is also offered at select Zarminali clinics.