Pediatrician says hand sanitizer better than handwashing for toddlers

The first week of December is Handwashing Awareness Week, making it the ideal time to make sure your children are using the right handwashing techniques to keep themselves safe.

Masks – and social distancing – are the most visible evidence of people practicing prevention during the pandemic.

However, as we all know, proper hand-hygiene is also crucial.

“Wash your hands, any soap, twenty seconds at least – or an alcohol-based sanitizer will do the job," said Dr. Frank Esper, a pediatrician for the Cleveland Clinic.

Esper said germs can be transferred person-to-person when we touch things like doorknobs, money or even other people.

"You bring a bunch of people together; you are bringing a bunch of germs together," said Esper. "How to prevent those infections is washing your hands."

Esper said one and two year olds are not very good at handling soap and water – so they need special help.

"That’s where alcohol-based sanitizers help. It’s just a squirt into their hands and rub, rub, rub. That is so much better for the smaller children," she Esper.

Many parents agree – sanitizer is much easier than finding a way to keep their kids at the sink for more than 20 seconds.

While parents can teach their kids good hand-hygiene at any age, Esper said typically they should know how to wash their hands properly once they reach school age.​