Personal care habits are just as important for children as they are for adults. As a parent, it is important to instill these habits in your child at an early age. Personal hygiene has a huge impact on the health and well-being of your child.

Parents will notice that their children will develop habits and preferences that can be hard to break. It is important for them to set a good example and maintain good personal care habits in order to teach their children healthy habits.

 

 

The products available to the public have changed so much over the years and there are many chemicals being used in many children’s shampoos, lotions, and body washes. These products are not only toxic but can cause irritation to your child’s skin. For these reasons, it is important for parents to seek out certified organic products whenever possible, like Waxelene’s Multi-Purpose Ointment.

We need to keep clean and healthy. This makes it harder for germs to live on our body and affect us, prevents the effects of sun damage that can lead to new cancers, and ensures we’re providing a cozy home for all the bacteria in our mouth which can have a big impact on how smoothly the rest of your body functions. Think back to habits that are now second nature to us as adults, like brushing our teeth, washing in the shower, and eating our fruit and vegetables – these are all learned behaviors that become lifelong habits.

 

 

 So, let’s talk about some of these personal care everyday habits for toddlers:

 Washing Hands

Hand hygiene is more important than ever. For all households, it needs to become a consistent daily practice. The spread of germs is helped by hand contact, so washing your hands regularly helps prevent illness in children and others.  Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water before eating a meal or a snack, after blowing their nose, sneezing, or coughing. Also, encourage them to wash their hands after going to the bathroom.- just to name a few. Using natural hand sanitizers, soaps, and lotions means that your child’s skin is not exposed to harsh chemicals which can dry out the skin and cause discomfort.

 

 

Bath time

Bath time can be the best part of your toddler’s day and it can also be a fun family activity. Teach your child the importance of washing themselves and make sure they are fully dry before getting dressed. Practicing clean habits can help wash away the germs and other icky stuff, like bugs you can get from playgrounds. Taking an evening bath or shower is also important when creating your child’s bedtime routine. Waxelene’s Calming Ointment is the perfect moisturizer to help get your little one ready for bed. The soothing scent of lavender relaxes the mind and aids deep rejuvenating sleep.

 

 

 Oral Care

Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities which cause other problems outside of the mouth. According to oral care experts, children with poor oral hygiene and cavities may have trouble sleeping, eating nutritious meals, focusing, speaking, and smiling. Children with severe tooth pain may find it difficult to concentrate, often avoid school, and become withdrawn. Teeth are important for chewing, speaking words clearly, and general confidence levels. The state of your oral health can affect your risk of developing a wide range of health conditions. Research has shown that teaching your child about oral health at an early age will make it more likely they’ll continue to take good care of their teeth as adults.

Parents can start their baby on an oral care routine from the first few weeks of life.  Begin by gently wiping their gums with a damp washcloth to soothe those sore, itchy gums when teething commences. Use a soft baby toothbrush and a rice-sized smear of natural toothpaste twice a day from the moment the baby’s first tooth appears in the mouth. And once two teeth are touching, it’s vital to begin flossing with a soft kid’s floss to avoid impacts like tooth decay. Teaching your children about oral hygiene through playing dental games and reading dental books can help kids relax and have fun. Our smiles are an important part of communication and connection and research has shown that smiling can increase your mood and even make you physically healthier. Help your child to value their smile!

 

 

 UV Protection

The sun feels amazing on our skin and has many benefits but UV radiation is one of the most dangerous realities we face every day. The Earth’s atmosphere blocks most of the sun’s damaging rays, but when we go outside without wearing sunscreen, we are at risk. Don’t forget that UV radiation can also be very high on cloudy/overcast days, not just on sunny days. Our children have very sensitive skin, and as parents, it’s our job to protect their skin from the severe effects of the sun. We recommend protecting your little one’s skin by making sure they’re wearing a wide brim hat when outdoors, seek shade where possible, slide on your sunglasses, avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, and cover their skin in sun-protective lightweight clothing and apply an all-natural sunscreen. It is essential to apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out in the sun.

 

 

 Keeping healthy and active

Eating healthy food and being consistently active are two of the best personal care habits you can instill in your children. Studies have shown that children who eat well and exercise regularly have a much better quality of sleep, and good sleep contributes to so much – overall health, a happy mood, healthy energy levels, and much more. Healthy eating is consuming a reasonable amount of foods daily; vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, oils, and proteins. Have your little ones assist with meal preparation; this makes it an enjoyable family activity and encourages toddlers to try new foods. Of course, a balanced approach is to serve a variety of foods in moderation.

 Personal care habits can be implemented and practiced together as a family every day. Encourage your toddlers to start their habits from a young age, making it much easier when they get older.