Hand sanitizer and babies: Are hand sanitizers safe for the baby

We all want to keep our babies and kids safe and sound. We cannot see our kids falling sick even for a single day. And for that, we tend to maintain a lot of vigilance and care. We use sanitizers to clean the surface of the floors and what not. Do not let our kids touch the surface of dirty things. We ask our kids to wash their hands frequently. And the use of hand sanitizer is a must for all of us when we are outside. But, when it comes to hand sanitizer and  babies have we given a thought about it?  Are hand sanitizers safe for the baby? We should know about the safety of hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizer and babies

Before using any hand sanitizer on your kids skin, it is very important that the parents know the following facts about hand sanitizers that we use. These facts are as follows

• Alcohol contents in hand sanitizers
• The safety of hand sanitizers

Alcohol contents in hand sanitizers

Most hand sanitizers have alcohol present in it. Hand sanitizers usually contain 60% of alcohol content which is way much higher than any alcoholic beverage. Beer usually contains 5% alcohol and whiskey and other alcoholic drinks usually contain 40 to 45% alcohol. So, the alcohol content in any hand sanitizer is way much higher. Hence, it is recommended to keep the hand sanitizer away from the reach of children.

The safety of hand sanitizers 

Yes. But, the use and the amount of use should be restricted. The child should be strictly supervised while using hand sanitizer. After applying hand sanitizer rub the hands of the baby vigorously until the sanitizer totally evaporates. If, there are toddlers and older children at home, strictly supervise the use of hand sanitizer and see to it that they do not use it frequently. You should use only a pea size of the hand sanitizer. Use the hand sanitizer only twice or thrice a day.

The Do’s and Don’ts  of using a hand sanitizer on kids

You should be extremely cautious about using hand sanitizer on kids. You should also keep the hand sanitizer away from the reach of children. Because the amount of alcohol present in a hand sanitizer is equal to four shots of hardcore liquor if swallowed by the children. Here are the dos and don ts:

• Strictly supervise children while using hand sanitizer
• Use small amount of hand sanitizer.
• Ask children to keep their hands out of their mouths
• Ask children to rub their hands vigorously and let all the hand sanitizer evaporate
• Buy hand sanitizer without sweet smell and low alcohol content
• Keep it away from the reach of children
• Contact physician immediately if your child ingests it

Strictly supervise the use of hand sanitizer. Especially toddlers who just tend to repeat what their parents are doing. Unless and until it is a kid safe hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer and babies do not go really hand in hand.