Be prepared

When you’re out and about, running water may not always be readily available. A pack of disposable hand and face wipes can be handy to help get rid of germs immediately.

If you’re travelling overseas, going to the toilet may be a whole new experience. Flushable wipes can be really handy as there’s a greater chance your tummy may have a reaction to different water, food and hygiene standards.

Start to like soap

Show kids how to enjoy soap. Invite them to have fun with it – lather up and make beards, pointy ears, whatever they can imagine. Kids can never have enough soap. Bathe their bodies and wash hair on a regular basis. The cleaner they are, the fewer germs. They’ll learn there’s nothing like the fresh, clean feeling one gets from bathing or showering.

Encourage good hygiene habits

Washing hands after visiting the toilet is essential. It helps stop the spread of germs. It’s also a good idea to wash hands before making or eating food, and after handling animals – as well as being around someone who is coughing. Try to leave the toilet clean. Not only is it polite, it encourages good standards of personal hygiene.

Encourage good behaviour with words of praise. Good personal hygiene habits learned at a young age can provide a whole lifetime of health benefits!

Placing the toilet roll

Make sure you place the toilet roll on a holder, instead of just holding the roll and tearing sheets off. Less handling of toilet paper minimises the chance of germs transferring from user to user. When the toilet roll is finished, just pop it in the bin. Don’t use it for playing with or paper mache modelling, as it may spread germs.

Make sure the scene is clean

When visiting public toilets or less maintained toilet facilities, as well as checking out the seat, make sure you observe just how clean the floor is. Depending on whether it is dry or not so, you may be wary about letting your clothes or even belt buckle come in contact with a germ-laden environment.

Also, be hesitant to use toilet paper that is damp or even wet – it may not have occurred by splashed water from previously washed hands.

Take home comforts with you

Having a pack of flushable wipes in your handbag or car glovebox can be a lifesaver. Aside from quick emergencies like spilled milkshakes, sticky chip or chocolate fingers, you’ll never know what emergencies may arise with car-tripping tummies and bottoms – let alone visiting parks and beaches.

Hygiene for sneezing

Encourage your child to cover their coughs and sneezes, and to blow their nose properly. Blow with both nostrils fully covered by an opened-out tissue and, if possible, with their mouth closed.

Put a Kleenex Pocket Pack in your child’s school bag. It’s also useful to have tissues in coat pockets and lunch boxes, but make sure to check for used tissues in these places regularly! Having tissues within reach of kids will encourage them to use them whenever needed, instead of wiping little hands and noses on their clothes!