how do you wash their hands?

hi there!

my little guys are really used to washing their hands before eating now, but i would like to find a better way to do it! i just hold them up to the sink in the kitchen and help them w/the water, soap, towel. however, it's not very good for my back (i hold each one to one side of me) and i'm really looking for ways to be better to my back.... carrying my two toddlers around all the time is taking it's toll. so, i'm starting w/hand washing!

anyone find a good way. is there anything they can stand on by themselves? or some other creative thing one of you has found?

tia,
jl

 

I just always use the antibacterial wet wipes (like Wet Ones). I sit them in their high chairs and then wash their hands with those before giving them their food.

 

I just use a wet paper towel to wash their hands. I'm too afraid I would drop them if I held them by the sink to do it and they are not tall enough to even reach with a stool.

 

I put a small stool in front of the sink, the put my leg up there, then sit the kiddo on my knee.

 

I used to just use a wipe or bring a washcloth over to them in the high chair.

 

I wish the step stools came a bit higher...Mine, even at almost 2 and 38" (above 97th percentile!) can't reach....We have higher-than-normal counters and vanities in the bathroom though. So I use Wet Ones, or, if in the kitchen, I will actually sit them on the counter next to sink, wet their hands, and pump some foamy soap into their hands and teach them to rub their hands together. When they are done, I swivel the faucet over to the side and they rinse. The sink's faucet comes all the way to the side so it's pretty easy. They seem to not mind...lol

 

Your poor back!!

I've always used a wet wash cloth [with warm/hot water] and bring it over to their high chairs. Once they are walking better I plan on putting a stool up to the sink and do it with soap and water.

 

Are you doing both at once? I always did one at a time. I actually still do it this way if we're not at a sink they can reach: I stand on one foot and sort of fold my other leg up as if I'm a stork (that's assuming there isn't something convenient to prop it on), then perch the child on my knee and hold her around the waist with that arm. That leaves one arm free to deal with water, soap, etc. Repeat with other child. My leg is a lot stronger than my back, so it feels a lot more comfortable.

 

lol, yea, i wasn't so clear about that. nope, just one at a time..... but i like your idea of propping my leg up!

i used wet washcloths in the beginning (not a big fan of wipes cuz one of my guys used to have really dry skin), but now i'd like to get them used to the sink. i'll try propping tomorrow.

thanks, everyone!

~~jl

 

We have a step stool in the kitchen that has 2 stairs tah the back is vertical so it can go right against the counter so they can reach. IT folds to like 3 inches flat and I store it beside the fride in that extra space. It is perfect for them to reach the counter or sink. I got it second hand but you could look for soemthing like that. I think it came from target. Then they could reach.

 

I just sit them on the edge of the sink with feet out and support them with one hand and body, while my other hand turns on the water and helps them rinse.

I guess I should have added that my kitchen sink has a ledge/narrow countertop where it's easy to sit.