Since we all know that preventive care is better than cure, it’s important to start early with our toddlers and teach some basic preventative home care steps right from the beginning. This blog post will discuss some easy-to-follow tips that can help keep your toddler healthy and safe at home. So without further ado, let’s get started!
1) Basic hygiene:
Teach your toddlers to practice basic hygiene, such as washing their hands after every diaper change, before eating and after playing outdoors. Please encourage them to use soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds and also make sure that they dry their hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure that your toddler does not put anything in their mouth, such as toys or objects that might have been contaminated.
2) Proper nutrition:
Provide a balanced and nutritious meal for your toddlers at regular intervals. Make sure that their meals are nutrient-rich with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Also, remember to include dairy products, proteins, grains and healthy fats in their diet according to the recommended dietary guidelines for children.
3) Exercise:
Exercise is an essential part of preventive home care for toddlers. Please encourage them to be physically active by engaging in fun activities like running, jumping, and playing outdoors. Make sure that they get at least one hour of physical activity daily, such as walking, biking or swimming. Limiting children’s time on electronic devices, including television and phones, is also important.
To encourage healthy eating habits, you can involve your toddler in cooking meals and grocery shopping trips with you. Furthermore, make sure that your child gets enough sleep (11-14 hours a day, depending on age) to ensure their physical development and cognitive functioning remain intact.
4) Vaccinations:
Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventive home care for toddlers. All recommended vaccines must be given to your child on time and according to the pediatrician’s advice, as this will help protect them from dangerous diseases. Vaccinating your toddler early can provide immunity from severe infections like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, etc., and significantly reduce the risk of developing long-term health complications. Make sure that you adhere to all instructions provided by the doctor while giving these vaccinations and examine any potential side effects or reactions that may occur post-vaccination.
5) Clean surroundings:
Maintaining a clean environment at home is an essential part of primary preventive home care for toddlers. Ensure that your toddler’s living space has minimal clutter to reduce the chances of infection and allergies. Regularly vacuum, dust and mop floors, carpets, furniture and other surfaces in your home.
Additionally, bathroom areas should be kept clean with disinfectants to minimise any potential risks from bacteria and germs. Avoid leaving toys or objects lying around the house, which can cause trips or falls. Lastly, ensure that all windows are tightly closed to keep away insects and pests from entering your home.
6) Necessity of visits to the dentist:
Visiting the dentist regularly is a major part of preventive home care for toddlers. Regular checkups help detect and prevent potential issues arising from poor oral hygiene. It also helps to establish healthy dental habits and teach toddlers about proper brushing techniques, proper diet for teeth and gums, limiting sugary foods, etc.
Furthermore, visiting the dentist regularly will also ensure that your toddler does not suffer from cavities, gum diseases or any other periodontal issues due to inadequate dental care. This can help avoid costly treatments and maintain good overall health in the long run.
7) Mental health and emotional wellness:
In order to ensure optimal mental and emotional well-being, it is important to be attentive to your toddler’s needs. Show them kindness and compassion and engage in activities that make them feel loved. Spend quality time with them daily by reading stories, playing games or doing crafts together — this will help foster their creativity and boost their self-confidence.
In addition, try to create an environment of support for your toddler where they feel safe expressing their feelings without feeling judged or criticised. This will help them develop a positive outlook towards life which can go a long way in maintaining good mental health.
In conclusion, providing the proper preventive home care for toddlers is essential to ensure their physical and mental well-being. From providing a clean and safe environment to ensuring that they get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise regularly and receive all recommended vaccines on time, these are just some ways you can provide your toddler primary preventive home care. However, it is also important to remember that creating an atmosphere of trust and love is the most important factor in providing good preventive home care for toddlers, so make sure you nurture this bond with your child too!