Although parts of the U.S. are still experiencing an Indian summer, it’s not too early to prepare for dropping temperatures, stuffy noses and bundled up babies.

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Because children are explorers, they’ll touch anything and everything, spreading germs faster than you can prevent them. In fact, children can get as many as 5-10 colds every year because they are not yet immune to certain viruses, whereas adults only get 2-3 every year.

As we head into the latter part of fall, here are four things you can do to help prevent the spread of germs among kids.

 

  • Wash your [and your child’s] hands – From door handles to faucets to gym equipment, germs are lurking everywhere. Because we can’t all live in antiseptic bubbles, we need to be proactive to prevent germ spreading. A proper hand washing should last about 20 seconds, or for kids, encourage them to sing a whole verse of “Happy Birthday.” When a bathroom or sink is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which also kills germs.
  • Sanitize public equipment– You won’t always have control over how clean a public facility is, but you can be conscientious of spreading germs. For example, if you’re shopping with your toddler at the market, , wipe the shopping cart seat and handle with an antibacterial wipe before placing your child in the cart. Luckily, more retailers now offer antibacterial wipes for shoppers in the front of the store.
  • Clean personal items at home – Unfortunately, germs travel with you, so it’s important to clean your baby’s personal toys and clothes, especially if he or she attends daycare. Babies are also notorious for chewing objects during the teething stage, so use a safe, but antibacterial solution that’s not harmful.
  • Help your child build and maintain a strong immune system – Your child’s immune system plays a significant role in preventing colds and viruses from infecting his or her body. Be sure your child is well-rested and eats a nutritious diet that helps improve immunity.

As we approach Winter, keep these tips in mind to help prevent the spread of germs for you and your family.