If you have a toddler, now's the time to start teaching them some basic hygiene principles. If you need some help with the process, there are kid-friendly books designed to teach young children about personal hygiene. Books provide a lively way for children to learn what they need to know to stay clean and sanitary. If you're not sure where to start, here are some simple hygiene principles your toddler will need to learn. 

Keep Hands Clean

If you want to make sure that your toddler learns about personal hygiene, the best place to start is with the hands. Clean hands help your toddler keep germs out of their mouth. In the beginning, you'll take care of all the handwashing needs. However, as your toddler grows, you can pass on more of the handwashing to them. Begin by wetting their hands and applying a small dab of liquid soap. Allow your toddler to lather up their own hands and them help them rinse the soap off. Be sure to have your toddler wash their hands before each meal. Once they're potty-trained, begin teaching them to wash their hands each time they use the toilet. 

Cough With Care

When you're teaching your toddler about personal hygiene, it's important that they learn how to cough with care. Your toddler won't start out knowing that they need to provide coverage for their coughs. Visual examples are a great way to teach your toddler the right way to cough. Each time you cough, place the inside of your elbow up to your face. That way, your toddler has a physical example of how to properly cough. When you sneeze, follow the same process. It's also a good idea to show your toddler how to use a tissue correctly. 

Avoid the Nose

It's not uncommon for infants and toddlers to explore their nose. However, once your toddler is old enough, personal hygiene training should include ways to avoid the nose. While nose picking is an expected occurrence with young babies, steps need to be taken to help end the practice once they reach toddler stage and beyond. Each time your toddler approaches their nose with a finger, gently move their hand away. Once they're old enough to understand, you can explain that nose picking spreads germs and can make others sick. 

Wipe With Confidence

Finally, when you're teaching your toddler about personal hygiene, include lessons on how to wipe with confidence. In the beginning, especially during potty training, you should be the one to conduct the wiping. However, you can use this time to explain the process. That way, once your toddler is old enough to wipe for themselves, they'll be confident enough to get a thoroughly clean bottom region.

For more information, contact companies like SBA Books.