It seems that there is nothing complicated about personal hygiene. However, we often make mistakes and pass them on to our children.
Self-care is important, but it must be done correctly. Sometimes even with infants, we do not provide proper care. For example, when bathing a newborn, we can make many mistakes, instilling incorrect hygiene habits in the baby. Let’s consider some of them.
Cleaning ears
It is necessary to wash the ears, but using a cotton swab inside the ear is unnecessary. Doctors warn that excessive cleaning can lead to injuries to the eardrum. It is sufficient to gently wipe the outer ear with a soapy finger without inserting anything inside.
Cutting nails short
Short nails may look unappealing. Many men have already discovered the joys of manicures and take care of their hands. Additionally, there is a risk of ingrown nails, especially if nails are not cut in a straight line. It is better to carefully file nails and teach children to shape them rather than cut them too short.
Washing with soap twice a day
Some areas of the body, such as legs, arms, armpits, neck, and intimate areas, do need to be washed with soap. However, scrubbing the entire body with a washcloth twice a day is excessive. This can destroy the skin's natural protective layer, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.
By the way, a baby does not need to be washed every day. Local washing is necessary, and it is fine to bathe them in the tub every day, but washing with soap is not mandatory, as they do not get very dirty.
Using mouthwash
The main function of mouthwash is to kill pathogenic bacteria. However, as dentist Alexandra Smirnova says, it should not be overused. Normal flora does not require disinfection, so mouthwash should be used no more than ten times a month if there are doubts about breath freshness.
Combing hair too fanatically
Many of us remember our grandmothers' and mothers' advice about the importance of combing hair. This is indeed beneficial, as it distributes sebum and improves blood circulation. However, it is important to use the right brush made of natural bristles to avoid damaging hair and the scalp. It is better to comb simply for pleasure and do massages with hands.
Brushing teeth for three minutes
Teeth should be brushed thoroughly, but one should not focus on the time. It is important to teach the child the correct movements of the brush, which takes more time than three minutes. For example, horizontal movements can damage tooth enamel, as Alexandra Smirnova explains.
Washing hair every day
In a metropolis, hair can look dirty by the second day. However, this may be due to the fact that we have accustomed our hair to frequent washing and choose the wrong products. Ideally, hair should be washed twice a week. To keep hair cleaner for longer, choose the right shampoo and monitor your diet — the less fatty, spicy, and sweet food, the less often you will need to wash your hair.
What to teach a child
* Use dental floss — cavities most often occur in the inter-dental spaces.
* Don’t forget about deodorant (and that it needs to be washed off).
* Use age-appropriate skincare products — this is important!
* Don’t be shy to use a pumice stone — calluses exist for children too.
* Use sunscreen every time you go out in the sun.
* Change underwear, socks, and t-shirts every day.
