Why Should Children Wash Hands Before and After Eating?

Why Hand Hygiene Matters for Children

Children are naturally curious explorers. They touch playground equipment, school desks, doorknobs, and countless other surfaces throughout the day. Research published by the World Health Organization shows that proper handwashing can reduce diarrheal diseases by nearly 30 percent and respiratory infections by about 20 percent.

Young children often put their hands in their mouths, touch their faces, and rub their eyes without thinking. This makes them particularly vulnerable to germs that cause common illnesses like colds, flu, stomach bugs, and food poisoning.

Essential Hygiene Practices Before Eating

1. Proper Handwashing Technique

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a specific handwashing method that removes the maximum number of germs. Teaching children this technique early helps them develop lifelong healthy habits.

2. Clean Eating Surface

The dining table or eating area should be wiped clean before meals. Use a clean cloth with mild soap and water or food-safe disinfectant. This removes dust, food particles, and germs that accumulated since the last meal.

3. Fresh Clothes and Clean Face

If children have been playing outdoors or in messy activities, encourage them to change into clean clothes or wear a bib before eating. A quick face wash removes dirt, sweat, and outdoor pollutants that might transfer to food.

4. Remove Distractions

While not strictly about hygiene, removing toys, devices, and books from the eating area prevents children from touching contaminated items and then touching food. It also promotes mindful eating and better digestion.

5. Check Food Temperature and Cleanliness

Before serving, ensure food is at the appropriate temperature. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, produce should be washed even if you plan to peel it, as germs can transfer from the outer surface to the inside during cutting.

Critical Hygiene Practices During Eating

Using Utensils Properly

Teaching children to use clean utensils instead of eating with hands reduces germ transmission. For younger children learning to self-feed, ensure utensils are washed properly before each meal.

• Use separate utensils for different food items when possible
• Avoid double-dipping spoons into shared dishes
• Do not share utensils between children to prevent spreading infections
• Keep dropped utensils aside and replace with clean ones

Avoiding Hand-to-Mouth Contact

Teach children to avoid touching their face, nose, or mouth while eating. If they need to sneeze or cough, guide them to use a tissue or their elbow, then wash hands before continuing the meal.

Essential Hygiene Practices After Eating

1. Immediate Handwashing

After finishing a meal, children should wash their hands again following the same thorough technique. Food residue on hands can attract insects, cause skin irritation, and spread to surfaces they touch next.

2. Face and Mouth Cleaning

Wipe the face and around the mouth with a clean, damp cloth. For younger children who tend to get messy, this prevents food from drying on the skin and causing irritation or attracting pests.

3. Oral Hygiene

Dental care is a crucial part of post-eating hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth twice daily, including after breakfast or dinner. For younger children who cannot brush after every meal, rinsing the mouth with water helps remove food particles.

4. Clean the Eating Area

Involve children in cleaning their eating space. This teaches responsibility and reinforces the importance of hygiene. Wipe spills immediately, clear dishes, and ensure no food remains on the table or floor.

5. Proper Food Storage

Teach older children about storing leftover food properly. The United States Department of Agriculture advises that perishable foods should not stay at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Special Considerations for Different Settings

At School or Daycare

• Pack hand sanitizer if handwashing facilities are limited
• Use lunch boxes that are easy to clean and have separate compartments
• Include napkins or wet wipes in the lunch bag
• Teach children not to share food or drinks with classmates
• Clean lunch boxes daily with hot soapy water

While Traveling

• Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol content)
• Bring disposable placemats for restaurant tables
• Pack personal utensils when hygiene standards are uncertain
• Choose freshly cooked hot foods over raw or cold items
• Avoid street food unless vendors follow visible hygiene practices

At Parties and Gatherings

• Ensure children wash hands before approaching the food table
• Use individual plates and utensils rather than sharing
• Serve buffet items with designated serving spoons
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
• Discard any food left at room temperature for extended periods

Teaching Children About Germs and Hygiene

Age-Appropriate Education

Children understand hygiene better when they know why it matters. Use simple, age-appropriate explanations about germs and how they make people sick.

Making Hygiene Fun

• Use colorful soaps, fun-shaped soap bars, or foaming dispensers
• Create handwashing songs or use popular tunes for timing
• Set up reward charts for consistent hygiene practices
• Let children choose their own towels and toothbrushes
• Practice together as a family to set examples

Common Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid

Quick Rinse Instead of Proper Washing

Many children rush through handwashing, barely getting their hands wet. This does not remove germs effectively. Always supervise younger children to ensure they complete all handwashing steps properly.

Using Dirty Towels

Drying clean hands on a dirty towel puts germs right back on. Change hand towels frequently, ideally every two to three days, and ensure each family member has their own towel.

Skipping Handwashing After Certain Activities

Some parents remember handwashing before meals but forget after playing with pets, using the bathroom, blowing noses, or touching garbage. All these activities require immediate handwashing.

Over-relying on Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is convenient but not a complete replacement for handwashing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sanitizers do not remove all types of germs and are less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Building Long-term Healthy Habits

Consistency is Key

Hygiene habits take time to develop. Research in behavioral psychology suggests it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. Be patient and consistent with reminders and supervision.

Positive Reinforcement

Praise children when they remember to wash hands or practice good hygiene without reminders. Positive feedback is more effective than criticism in building lasting habits.

Age-appropriate Independence

Gradually increase independence as children demonstrate understanding and consistency. This builds confidence while maintaining safety standards.

When Hygiene Practices Need Extra Attention

During Illness

When a child is sick, hygiene becomes even more critical. Increase handwashing frequency, use disposable tissues, and ensure they cover coughs and sneezes. Sanitize eating areas and utensils more frequently to prevent spreading infection to other family members.

After Antibiotic Treatment

Children recovering from bacterial infections need maintained hygiene to prevent reinfection and protect weakened immune systems during recovery.

During Outbreak Seasons

During flu season or when infections are spreading through schools and communities, reinforce hygiene practices with extra reminders and supervision. Consider temporarily avoiding sharing food at school or in group settings.

Resources for Parents and Educators

Recommended Educational Materials

• World Health Organization publications on hand hygiene
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention handwashing resources
• National Health Service United Kingdom child health guidance
• UNICEF water, sanitation and hygiene education materials
• Food and Agriculture Organization food safety guidelines

Books on Child Health and Hygiene

• Caring for Your Baby and Young Child by American Academy of Pediatrics
• Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics for comprehensive medical reference
• WHO Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care
• Food Safety for Families published by various health departments

Key Takeaways