Written by Mandy Black , Early Years Manager at KidsUnlimited
It is inevitable that young
children will pick up coughs, colds and sniffles, especially when they attend
nursery and play closely alongside their friends. When they are younger, they
have a lower resistance to infection and you should expect that they will
become unwell from time to time. However, we can all help minimise the spread
of infection……..
Hand washing
The single most important factor
in preventing the spread of any infection is careful hand washing by everyone …
children, staff and parents.
Children and adults should always
wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after playing
outdoors or handling animals.
Wash hands well with warm water
and soap. Liquid soap in a dispenser is more hygienic than a shared bar that
can harbour germs … and dry with a clean towel (paper towels are used in our
nurseries).
Be persistent when establishing
good hand washing routines with children and these will soon become a habit
that they will remind you about! Think about introducing these routines early,
for example, they can be encouraged to wash their own hands with you after a
nappy change and also after using the potty. There are a range of lovely soaps
around that appeal to young children and nursery staff will confirm that
children really enjoy washing their hands! In the absence of soap, when out and
about with the children, antibacterial gels are a good substitute.
Using tissues
Have plenty of tissues readily
available for wiping children’s noses and dispose of them into a covered bin as
soon as possible. Older children should be supported to do this themselves as
soon as they are able, so keep everything easily accessible to them. Encourage
your child to cover their mouth with their hands when sneezing.
Toys and Furniture
Plastic toys that are put into
children’s mouths should be washed and disinfected regularly. Wipe doorknobs,
cot rails, baby furniture such as high chairs and low shelves accessed by
children with antibacterial spray.
Medication
Coughs and colds are usually
caused by a virus infection and they will generally clear up on their own
without the need for antibiotics. If
required, paracetamol based products may be given at home to ease the symptoms,
along with plenty to drink to avoid dehydration. Menthol, used either as a vaporiser, or applied
to cot sheets or their pillow, can help children breath easier as they sleep.
Outdoor Play
It is a myth that children will
catch a cold by playing outdoors, especially in the colder weather! The
benefits of being outdoors far outweigh the negatives and children have fewer
colds and infections where they have regular access to outdoors. This is
because bacteria and viruses multiply in the warmer conditions indoors and then
pass from child to child when they are all playing inside close together. Even
if they have a cold or a bit of a sniffle, they will be fine to play outdoors
as long as they are warm and dry.
‘There is no such thing as bad
weather, only unsuitable clothing’!