Learn More About Your Pregnancy
Handwashing to Reduce Germs
Q:
After I change baby's diaper, how long should I wash my hands?
20 seconds
Correct!
Rub your wet and soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds. Need something to help know how long 20 seconds is? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
10 seconds
Incorrect!
Rub your wet and soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds. Need something to help know how long 20 seconds is? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
When should you wash your hands?
To avoid or prevent your baby from getting sick, it is important to wash your hands frequently and encourage others to wash their hands before picking up or interacting with your baby. Please ask anyone who is sick or symptomatic to not visit until they are well.
When to Wash:
- Before, during, and after preparing food.
- Before eating food.
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound.
- After using the toilet.
- After changing a diaper or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching an animal or animal waste.
- After handling pet food or pet treats.
- After touching garbage.
- After returning from the store, doctor’s office or other place outside the home.
How to wash your hands
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need something to help know how long 20 seconds is? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
If you don't have soap and water
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
How to Use Hand Sanitizers
- Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together.
- Rub the product over the front and back of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
