I do not use hand sanitizers or antibacterial soap; it can lead to resistant forms of bacteria.  Plain soap and water works just fine; I encourage toddlers to wash hands by singing a song, or a simple "Bubble 1, Bubble 2 (up to 10)" helps to keep them at the sink.  We wash hands after changing a diaper as well as before and after eating snacks or meals; if you make it a consistent part of the routine, kids respond to it.

peanutmom Dec. 20, 2008 at 11:14 AM

I didn't vote...I don't have to make my two year old wash his hands, he LOVES it. My problem is getting him out of the sink and making him STOP washing his hands  lol  The only time we ever use the hand sanitizer is if we're at someplace like the petting zoo--our local one offers hand sanitizer at the gate when you leave, instead of a hand washing station.

sweetashyb Dec. 20, 2008 at 12:04 PM

I carry hand sanitizer with me at all times.  I find it very difficult to hold my daughter up to an adult-size sink in a public restroom, especially while holding my newborn, so it is just easier to use the sanitizer.

ktslittlefaith Dec. 20, 2008 at 2:56 PM

Hand sanitizer is handy when you are away from home. They recommend washing for at least 30 sec. Friction, H20 and soap,  I wrote and recorded a fun song called, Rubba Dub Dub, google The Singing Nurse, Have a Merry Christmas.  

TheSingingNurse Dec. 20, 2008 at 3:11 PM

I have the opposite problem, I can't get my toddlers to STOP washing their hands. I let my little girl go potty alone to have some independence but she will stand and wash her hands FOREVER. If I am busy and don't notice she will be running water for 5 minutes until I come in and make her finish up. She and her two year old brother are always pulling a kitchen chair up to the sink and wanting to wash their hands. If I try to wipe their hands it's not good enough, they have to wash. As for myself, I hate washing my hands. I hate the feel of handsoap, but I use hand sanitizer frequently at work and after using the restroom.

MidnightMama911 Dec. 21, 2008 at 2:30 AM

Isn't hand sanitizer bad for our kiddies, with the high alcohol content and everything??

McQueeney Dec. 22, 2008 at 4:01 PM

I didn't vote 'cause I use baby wipes most of the time--I have them all over the house.  It's such a giant pain to lift my big boy up to the sink that wipes are so much easier.  I only wash his hands when he's really yucky (and it would take way too many wipes) or when he touches something totally gross, like the litter box.

BobbysMom2007 Dec. 22, 2008 at 11:54 PM