Bringing your baby home is an incredibly exciting time. It’s also a time, when as parents, you’ll feel a little nervous at the tremendous responsibility of looking after your little bundle of joy, all on your own.
Being new to the world, your baby’s immune system is not fully developed. Until they start with their immunisations, they need all the help they can get to fight off germs and illness. These simple hygiene tips will help give them the healthy start they need.
Wash your hands
Germs travel around your home on your hands. It sounds simple, but washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. If soap and water isn’t available, Dettol Hand Sanitiser will kill 99.9% of germs.
You should wash your hands:
- Before breastfeeding or preparing formula milk
- Before and after preparing food
- After changing a nappy or going to the toilet
- After cleaning or touching something dirty (faeces, urine, vomit, saliva)
- Whenever your hands look dirty
Clean surfaces before and after use
As a new mum, you’ll have your hands full, but by establishing a good hygiene routine in the home, you can help protect the whole family from harmful germs. Surfaces that you regularly touch need to be cleaned and disinfected. These should include:
- Kitchen surfaces before and after food preparation
- Baby changing mats and nappy bins
- Door handles around the home
- Taps, flushes and toilet seats
- Light switches and bin lids
- Once your baby starts to use a high chair (yes, they’ll soon be going up in the world) it’s important to keep it hygienically clean. Dettol Antibacterial Cleansing Wipes will kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses that may be present.
Prevent infection from visitors
You can be sure that the moment you’re home, friends and family will be lining up to say hello to your healthy new baby. Don’t be afraid to ask them to wash their hands before and after holding your baby, and ask anyone who is ill to delay their visit until they are better.
Immunisations for your baby
Immunisations – or vaccinations – are a quick, safe and extremely effective way to help protect your little one from infectious diseases, such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and polio. Once vaccinated, your baby’s tiny body will be able to fight off disease that much better.
The recommended age to start your child’s vaccinations is two months. Contact your GP to plan your vaccination schedule, so your baby gets the right vaccinations at the right time.