Germ Free 60 for children?

[Helen Clayton]

Hi,

I''ve been reading a couple of threads about illness on holiday, in particular the dreaded stomach bugs. We are from the UK and always choose USA for such high levels of cleanliness (not to mention service!) and to avoid illness. Now we have a child (almost 3) we are just a bit more worried this year, particularly as the last time she had rotavirus it lasted a week and she almost wound up in hospital.

I know there are no guarantees but I've been reading about a product called germ free 60 hand sanitizer. This sounds like it might me a good idea, particularly as Holly is always snacking and we sometimes forget to wash hands first. Has anyone tried it and is it safe for children to use on their hands?

Many thanks
Helen

 

[Kermit]

I don't know about that particular brand, but we carry baby wipes and water free hand santizer. The baby wipes just get off stuff you can see and feel that makes your hands sticky or dirty. For the santizer, I choose ones that are alcohol based but don't include antibacterial ingredients. I guess that's a decision everyone has to make for themselves, but I don't use any antibacterial products in my home. I'm too concerned that their overuse may lead to more resistant bacteria. You shouldn't have any problems using an over-the-counter hand santizer with kids.

 

[campingcorgi]

We use the Germ-X and Purell brands in my first grade classroom. The kids do fine with it--I just have to remind them not to clap their hands with it so it won't splash in their eyes. My experience is that it helps keep down the spread of colds and viruses.

 

[R4racing]

Helen, I haven't heard of Germ Free 60, is it a UK thing? There are many different hand sanitizer products that I have seen at the drugstores and discount stores in the US (Walmart, Target, etc) The ones I have seen come mostly in a gel form, although I have also seen sanitizing wipes. We have used them on our now 3 year old and just like Kermit, try to avoid the antibacterial ones for the same reasons. I tend to carry a small bottle of sanitizer in the diaper bag, we have also used the regular baby wipes too.