Can You Use Hand Sanitisers on Babies?

Hand sanitisers have become a popular alternative for keeping hands clean when there’s no water and soap. And why not? All you have to do is just squeeze a little out, rub it on your hands and you’re good to go. But can babies use hand sanitiser? Hand sanitisers claim to keep your hands 99.9 per cent bacteria-free. However, while killing germs, they may also bring in some health issues if you make the wrong product choices. This is why you need to make an informed decision as a mom. Not all products are created equal, and choosing a baby hand sanitiser specially made for delicate skin is important. In this article, we’ll tell you whether hand sanitisers are safe for babies, what the risks are, and what safer options might be available for keeping those little hands clean.

Is it Safe to Use Hand Sanitisers on Baby?

Is hand sanitiser safe for infants? It’s a question many parents ask, and the answer is a bit tricky. Regular hand sanitisers with alcohol are not safe for babies, especially those under 2 years old. Their skin is very delicate and can absorb the alcohol, which can be harmful if they lick their hands or put them in their mouth. The best and safest way to clean a baby’s hands is with mild soap and water (1).

If soap and water aren’t available, only use a tiny amount of sanitiser in an emergency, and make sure their hands are completely dry before they touch their face or mouth (2). You can also use baby-safe, alcohol-free wipes if needed.

Think Before Buying Hand Sanitisers for Babies

Thinking before buying hand sanitisers for babies is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. Below is a list of questions to ask yourself before choosing a hand sanitiser for your baby, helping you make an informed decision.

1. Do Hand Sanitisers Contain Alcohol?

Yes. Most hand sanitisers contain 60 per cent or higher alcohol content to make effective germ-killers (3). While most of the alcohol evaporates when rubbed on the hands, some is absorbed through the skin and gets into the bloodstream. Even if you use it and your toddler doesn’t, he can ingest it if he licks your hands or puts your fingers in his mouth. You can work around this by using only alcohol-free, baby-safe hand sanitiser.

2. Can Hand sanitisers Weaken Your Child’s Immunity?

While an ultra-clean environment seems a sound option for your baby, it doesn’t exercise his immune system at all. Even though your child gets some immunity from breast milk, in case you are breastfeeding, you need to encourage his immunity to build up further. This can only happen with some exposure to environmental pathogens. Our advice would be to use sanitisers in moderation (4).

3. Can They Cause Allergies?

No, sanitisers haven’t been linked to allergies in children. However, since babies put almost everything into their mouths, you don’t want them inadvertently ingesting trace amounts of chemicals and alcohol. It is always a good idea to opt for organic and natural sanitisers that are free from harmful ingredients.

4. Keep the Sweet Smell in Check

Some sanitisers may have ingredients/chemicals that trigger asthma in kids. Consult with your paediatrician if it is okay for your child to use sanitisers in this case.

5. Pick a Fragrance-free Sanitiser

Hand sanitisers may work when there’s no access to soap and water. But using one every day to clean hands and toys is not safe. It’s also unnecessary to use a hand sanitiser every time your baby comes in contact with dust. On those rare times when you do have to use it, go for a fragrance-free sanitiser so your little one isn’t tempted to lick it.

FAQs

1. What’s the safest way to clean a baby’s hands?

The safest method is always washing the baby’s hands with mild soap and warm water. This helps remove dirt and germs without introducing any harmful chemicals.

2. What happens if a baby ingests hand sanitiser?

If a baby ingests even a small amount of hand sanitiser, it can lead to alcohol poisoning (5), causing symptoms like drowsiness, vomiting, or confusion. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such cases.

3. Can I use hand sanitiser to clean toys or baby gear?

It’s not recommended to use hand sanitisers on toys or baby gear. While hand sanitisers are designed for hands, they may leave residues on surfaces that could irritate a baby if touched or mouthed. Clean toys with warm, soapy water instead.

Don’t be a germ-freak mom. Yes, keeping your surroundings clean is important. When choosing an infant hand sanitiser, ensure it’s alcohol-free and designed specifically for babies’ delicate skin. While hand sanitisers are effective for germ-killing, they should be used in moderation. However, always stress upon hand washing for your kids whenever possible, which is a much safer option.

References/Resources:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics – Hand Sanitizers: Keep Children Safe from Poisoning Risk

2. Texas Children’s – How to keep your children safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic

3. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles – The Dirt on Hand Sanitizer Safety

4. PubMed Central – Hand Sanitizer: Stopping the Spread of Infection at a Cost

5. Texas Poison Center Network – Hand Sanitizers: How Toxic Are They?

Also Read:

Is Zinc Oxide Safe for Babies?
Is Baby Powder Safe to Use on Babies?
Hydrocortisone Cream for Infants
Safe & Unsafe Mosquito Repellents for Babies

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