Is there something in your day-to-day that you can always count on? Something you do each day without fail? Mine starts right when I start my day—having my morning coffee, of course. The second I hop out of bed, I’m throwing in the coffee grounds. I sip my coffee as I prepare for my day—the calm before the storm. I take comfort in my peaceful morning start; my morning routine is what sets my day in motion and makes me feel more prepared for what’s ahead.
Routines also give babies a similar sense of comfort and security. They are taking in the world as it comes, which can be overwhelming. Routines give them an opportunity to know what’s coming and take comfort in its arrival. ParentPal provides resources for activities throughout the day that allow parents to establish and stick with routines for their little ones.
Hygiene is a very important aspect of any daily routine. A child’s personal hygiene is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Staying ahead of germs helps your child and you avoid getting sick. Personal hygiene also supports a positive self-image and self-confidence by suppressing any body odor.
Instill good hygiene into your little one’s life by helping him or her follow these four essential guidelines.
1. Wash your hands. Hand contact is how most germs spread. Washing hands consistently throughout the day can help children avoid the transfer of germs. It’s not always easy to get little ones to wash hands, but making sure they do so before and after certain activities is key to maintaining good hygiene.
Depending on age, encourage or help your little one to wash their hands:
- After they use the restroom
- After they have been playing outdoors
- Before and after eating
- After playing with pets or other animals
- After sneezing or coughing
If your child is not yet able to wash hands independently, make sure you are taking the initiative to clean their hands throughout the day.
2. Take a shower or bath. Bathtime (or showertime) is a critical part of your little one’s bedtime routine. Consider using ParentPal’s Classics for Bathtime music to enhance the mood, whether it be a splash-filled and playful bath, or a quiet and soothing soak. Use a soft washcloth and no-tears soap and shampoo to clean your child from tip to toe.
3. Brush and floss teeth. Until your little one is capable of holding a toothbrush independently, you are responsible for keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Try to brush baby’s teeth just before bed, and floss their teeth regularly once they’ve come in. When your child is about 2 years old, encourage brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
4. Change dirty clothes. Clean clothing is a necessity when it comes to your little one’s daily hygiene. Even if their clothes don’t smell, little ones are in constant motion and producing body odors and fluids throughout the day. So, be sure to change your child’s dirty clothes, especially at bedtime.
Please remember that your routines are going to evolve as your little one grows. It still remains, however, that a routine is required to lead a consistently healthy life.
Try out our printable Daily Routines List which provides several ways for you to personalize your routine with whatever works best for you and your little one.
