Germ Patrol: Keeping Your Toddlers Safe from Germs

During a Change

Because handling a diaper is an inherently germy activity, keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby so you won't spread bacteria throughout the rest of the house after you're done. (If your kid touches her privates during a change, you can use a small squirt on her fingers too.) When you're changing a poopy diaper, be sure to place a diaper pad or a paper towel under your toddler's bottom -- and then toss it into the laundry or trash (wash pads in hot water with bleach, separate from any kitchen stuff to avoid possible cross contamination). Finally, keep disinfectant wipes handy to quickly clean off the changing area after each use.

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