Toilets, Potties, Germs and Children

No, it's not the latest slogan from a German car ad, but a very real cleanliness hazard in your home!

Children like nothing better than splashing about in a bit of water, even if it is in a toilet, or bringing the potty to you to show you what they've done, generally having slopped most of it across the floor leaving the house looking like something from 'It's a Knockout'.

You'll never stop the fascination, or the stuffing of things down the toilet itself but they will grow out of that. What is of more immediate concern, however, is the transfer of germs and what you can do about it. The most likely outcome of a dirty loo is stomach disorders or eye infections as little hands get put in mouths or rub eyes quite often.

For your own sanity, remember that you'll never be completely germ free but you can go some way to ensuring it's not too bad. The best way is to make sure you double up: as well as keeping the toilet and surrounding surfaces clean, make sure your child's personal hygiene is good as well by encouraging good hand washing, preferably with a liquid antibacterial soap and that hands are dried on a towel (not clothes!) when they've been to the toilet.

For smaller children, provide a small step for when they use the toilet so that they don't have to haul themselves up and lean on the seat. Make sure it is a sturdy one, you can get a good one for about a fiver, that is light enough for them to move and try to avoid the folding variety that can also collapse.

Also, to avoid germ build up, make sure they learn as soon as possible to flush the toilet properly. You may not always know when older children have used the toilet by themselves and not flushed properly so a squirt of toilet cleaner under the rim will help get rid of any build up in the short term, as will using a toilet block - but make sure if you do use a toilet block that it is one that is used in the cistern, not one that dangles visibly and enticingly under the seat..

Doing just that little bit of extra cleaning can also be a big help - clean under the seat and lid as well as on the visible surfaces regularly as these are where splashes can cause the biggest build up of germs. The handle also should get a wipe each time it is used. If it's easier, keep a pack of disinfectant household cleaning wipes in the locked cupboard in the bathroom so you can quickly and easily wipe up any drips and give the loo a once over without needing cloths and bottles of cleaning stuff - it only takes a minute to wipe and when you're doing it umpteen times a day, that can make a big difference! Most supermarkets now stock these.

For potties, make sure they are emptied as soon as possible so that your child learns that wee and poo are not toys! This also teaches them where wee and poo should go. Wash potties in warm water and a rinse of disinfectant and make sure you pay attention to the handles and underneath as well, just as your child will have done! And even though it's a potty, hand washing is even more important as again, small hands go straight in mouths...it's non-toxic and non-tainting so it's safe.

If you want to be really good to your child, then consider using an eco-friendly range such as Ecover. Consistently coming out as good as if not better than chemical based cleaning products, they are also less hazardous to the touch and don't poison rivers and oceans - leaving a better place for your children to inherit. A bit of cleansing the soul to add to cleansing the toilet bowl!

On The Move?

Take your hygiene with you! Disinfectant wet wipes, baby wipes for bottoms young and old, a toilet roll, disinfectant hand gel, your own potty and a changes of clothes.

The Safekids Child Safety Handbook...

Safekids has worked with our most experienced writers to create the Safekids Handbook which contains highly detailed information in an easy to follow format. Priced at just £2.99 as a download or £5.75 in print it helps support the development of this site. For more information [Click Here]