During this cold season, the main preventive method is washing hands, especially after playgroup. But with two kids, it's hard to keep an eye on one while taking the other to the bathroom to wash his hands. So I've been using diaper wipes to wipe his hands down.
But are the ingredients in the wipes bad for him to ingest? If I use alcohol wipes, I don't want him to get drunk (read an article about that). I don't want to use antibacterial liquid because of superbugs, plus he doesn't have enough patience to wait for it to dry before eating. So I thought about carrying a spray bottle of water to wet hands, and just wipe off with a napkin, but that doesn't take care of germs like soap does. And I don't want to carry around two spray bottles, one soap, one water cuz really, I have enough things in my diaper bag as is.
So...does anyone know any brand of wipes or soap that is safe to use(or be eaten off of hands)? Or any other solutions? Thanks a lot!
Thank you all for your suggestions. While my oldest seems to be sick every 3 weeks for several months now and wishing to reduce the probability of ear infections due to colds for my infant, I am going to try each of the different methods to find the easiest one for me. It'll be a while before my tiny boy can reach the sink to wash his hands by himself, so if I incorporated everyone's suggestions...use spray soap with tree oil, rinse off with bottled water, rub hands vigorously, sanitize with alcohol wipe, dry with paper towel...I think that might help. But I'm thinking now I should just minimize playgroups during this winter if his sick trend keeps up cuz I need my sanity....
I use a wet wash cloth with a dab of soap on it and stick it in a zip loc baggie. "old school style" ;) When we're out and about.
Hi S.:
I use the antibacterial gels. We have them everywhere...car, bags, babybag, their backpacks..something that's fast and easy. It might work for you. Good luck. Let me know how it goes for you.
I totally love Kirtland Brand (from Costco) baby wipes. They dont have all the harsh alcohol based cleansers, but do the job. My son is 6 1/2 yo and I STILL use them!
I'm glad to know someone else also prefers not to use anti-bacterial everything (my husband is a veterinarian and has asked that I NOT buy AB soap.)
Hi S.,
This organic cleansing gel can be safely used for grubby hands and faces ~ no need to carry extra water and it doesn't have to be rinsed off! Made with certified organic aloe vera, certified organic sunflower oil and certified organic herbal extracts, it's completely natural and safe. It can be used for quick clean up of hands and faces as well as a more ecological alternative to diaper wipes for baby's bum (use with washable cloths at diaper changing time).
http://aromatherapist.mionegroup.com/en/product/33202
Most commercial diaper wipes have synthetic chemical preservatives, such as parabens in them. Parabens have been found in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer. I'm glad you're reading labels and looking for healthier alternatives!
Warmly,
K.
K. Lee
Miessence Certified Organics, Independent Rep & Manager
http://www.aromatherapist.mionegroup.com
Certified organic products for a healthy body, home and planet.
http://www.aromatherapist.mienterprize.com
Get paid to do FUN organic spa parties!
###-###-####
The wipes should be fine, they're not going to leave enough residue on their little hands to make a difference I think. As for alcohol wipes getting your babies drunk, highly unlikely, They don't contain a huge amount of alcohol, and as it dries the alcohol evaporates, so by the time their hands are dry there isn't much on them. The main ingredient in anti-bacterial gels and such is alcohol. You might try Kandoo wipes, or, I think pampers makes wipes for little hands and faces, and I believe they (not pampers, but pharmeceutical companies) just came out with anti-bacterial spray for hands. Which ever route you choose to take, the main thing is to try not to worry so much, the very small amount of soap from wipes, or alcohol from alcohol wipes they might ingest before you get a chance to actually wash their hands with soap and water isn't going to be as bad as the days and nights of vommiting and no sleep that you may get otherwise.....
And, sometimes, despite all your efforts a bug or two is going to get by. It really is good for them to get sick once in a while, it builds a stronger immune system!
These all sound like good ideas, and I do make my boys clean up if they are covered in mud. But I actually think it's good for them to get a few colds a year. Gives their immune systems something to do. So maybe you don't need to worry too much.
I use "cleanwell". They have both individual wipes and a spray for hands. No alcohol or triclosan, just plant derived but very effective. You can read about it on their website, and I see it now in Target. It's a tad more expensive than other cleaners, but read the website...I think it's worth it.
Google cleanwell.
The alcohol in wipes is a totally different type from the kind that makes you drunk. The kind in wipes is rubbing alcohol which can cause serious issues if ingested in large amounts...large amounts being the key. It evaporates quickly so the likelyhood of your child getting ill from having his hands wiped with alcohol wipes is highly unlikely. Just thought I'd clear that up for you.
Hi S.,
I commend you for trying to avoid antibacterials. I do have an idea: a spray bottle with a solution of water and some drops of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil in it. They are both clinically proven to be antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and (in the case of TTO) anti-viral. And if you give a few sprays to the hands and then have your sons rub them together to get it into all the crevices you should be ok. That said, I would like to suggest you not worry too much. I know it's inconvenient to get sick, but at the same time, that is how the immune system is built up when we're young. Kids who grow up in too sterile environment are at risk for asthma and allergies which are also VERY inconvenient and sometimes life-long. So it may be worth a few colds to see them grow up strong and healthy. Also good are several-times a week servings of good, organic yogurt, which help build the gut's ability to fight off ingested bacterial problems, and also help with the absorption of nutrients. Good luck!
Clean Well is a non-toxic/all-natural cleaner. It comes in a small/travel size and a big size for the home or car too. They sell it at our Whole Foods and Target in San Ramon, also at the Nurture Center in Lafayette.
My kids are 5 and 7 years old and I *still* carry a small case of wipes in my purse. I use them for dirty hands and faces, wiping off yucky restaurant tables, small spills on clothing.... The ones I get are Pampers Clean 'n Go, and they come in a red and green package with a picture of a bigger kid (not infant). Since the package has little pictures of a hand, face, and bum, I figured they must be safe for everything. I buy the big package and just keep refilling my old, little plastic Huggies travel case.
I use diaper wipes, and keep bottled water in the car to rinse hands.
how about soapy water in a small spray bottle
Hi S.,
I just found an instant hand sanitizer spray at Babies r us that is alcohol free. It's called Hands2Go. I also use pampers clean and go wipes. They seem to work good.
I was addicted to antibacterial soaps, lotions, you name it, for SO many years. Finally, about a year and a half ago, I read about the dangers of Triclosan and parabens, preservatives, etc. and have eliminated these cleansers from our home. I urge you ladies, read the labels! Triclosan is NOT GOOD for you or your loved ones!
if you want more info, this is a good resource: ewg.org
Essential oils, baking soda, dr. bronner's soap, and vinegar are the way to go!
I always have a pack of Wet Ones (the red package, for hands & mouth and it's for sensitive skin) in my diaper bag and in my purse and car. They work great for on the go and they have anti-bacterial stuff in them as opposed to baby wipes, which I'm sure are fine as well :)
A.
I actually just use baby wipes and they seem to do the trick.
I know that making sure those hands are clean can be a toll on you. I sure don't have a problem with any of my kids. They all are boys (3 boys) and they learned to wash their hands at about 1 1/2 yr old and up. It is pretty simple to wash their hands. For your 5 month old doesn't really get into whole lot of stuff, so I wouldn't worry too much about him. Your older son, you can simply teach him to wash hands with luke warm water and soap to hands and quickly wash hands and dry them. If it is too much for ya, here is your advice, use hand sanitizer. It is safe to use. Alot of schools use it on kids in order for them to keep them healthy. I have a 18 month old little girl and I do wash her hands when needed to. I have no problem with that. I hope this helps.
I have a little bottle of purell in my car and purse. I'm sure soap and water is the first choice but I'd rather them use hand sanitizer than nothing. I swear, it really cuts down on the viruses getting past around.
Hi S.,
One winter when we had a lot of colds, a nurse told me that the friction of rubbing your hands together while washing is a big part of what kills the germs. So whatever you choose to take along with you, perhaps you can incorporate some vigorous hand rubbing as well.
Good luck,
C.
Hi S.,
"He doesn't have enough patience to wait for it to dry before eating"???
If your home or in a place where soap and water is available, teach your little guy "patience". ("WE WASH UP BEFORE WE EAT") Washing and drying hands is a very short process. Patience is an ongoing process and will be of great value throughout his life.
When you are out with no bathroom, water and soap available, most of the other recommendations will work. If you are using non-toxic products, it won't matter if his little hands are dry before he begins to eat.
Blessings.....
Hi S.,
I get these fabulous-smelling organic hand wipes at Whole Foods. They are called Giovanni Refresh Towelettes. (they are pretty expensive, though - ugh). I also have a small spray bottle in my diaper bag of EO Organic Peppermint Hand Sanitizing Spray. Much more cost effective.
By the way, you can't get drunk from the alcohol used in hand wipes. Some antibacterial wipes and sprays contain triclosan. That is the ingredient you want to avoid. Obviously, never use Clorox product on the skin. Baby wipes are fine, but probably don't sanitize.
Sounds like you're doing a great job. Keep those hands clean!
-E.
So carry a small bottle of Clorox Anywhere and so,e napkins to wipe it off with. You're supposed to be able to spray it on a kids high chair while they're sitting in it and be safe. I know you can use it around kids and pets. But I would say to check a Clorox's website and see if it's safe to use that way.
I saw shampoo that doesn't require water the other day when I was at elephant pharm... that might work. It's still soap!
My daughter is 20 months and I use the Wet Ones Antibacterial wipes especially after playgroup, church or Little Gym. She is also in an in-home daycare and hasn't been sick since March. I also use them for high chairs, tables. I says for children 2 years and over, but they have worked fine. I just make sure I dry her hands really well and use it sparingly. I use baby wipes to wipe her face and hands, but not if I am trying to get rid of germs.
Any of the hand wipes should work fine. I wouldn't use Clorox spray because, remember it is a bleach. You don't want to make sprinkled bleach stains on your families clothes or someone elses carpets.
We use Vick's foaming hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
