Everyone who wants to touch your baby should first wash her hands. The baby's caretaker should wash her hands often, especially after:

• Changing a diaper
• Using the bathroom
• Wiping another child's nose
• Blowing her nose

School-age brothers and sisters should make handwashing a habit. While they may not like it at first, after a few days it will become part of their routine.

Keep a bottle of sanitizer in each room and in your diaper bag or purse. It can be used when handwashing isn't possible.

August 2009