Don't Be Careless, 5 Healthy Tips For Toddlers That Are Often Forgotten

Illustration of babies and mothers (Photo: Freepik/jcomp)

JAKARTA - Maintaining the health of toddlers does not always have to involve big things such as immunization or routine control to doctors. In fact, there are many small habits at home that we often take lightly, even though the impact is very large for the growth and development of the little one.

The following are five simple habits that have proven important and can be directly applied daily to maintain the health of toddlers, as reported by the Ministry of Health's website.

1. Wash Your Hands Before Breastfeeding And Feeding

It looks trivial, but washing hands before breastfeeding or feeding children has a tremendous impact. This habit can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea in toddlers. There are still many cases of diarrhea in children caused by unclean hands when touching food or milk bottles.

"It's enough to wash our hands with soap and running water for 20 seconds before feeding, we've helped prevent disease that can harm your little one."

2. Diligently Clean Children's Toys

Toys are objects that are touched almost every day and even enter the child's mouth. Unfortunately, toys can also be a hotbed of germs and viruses if they are rarely cleaned. For that, make it a habit to clean children's toys regularly.

Wash with warm water and soap, or use special disinfectants that are safe for children. That way, the risk of children being infected with digestive or respiratory channels can be suppressed.

3. Make sure the child sleeps Sufficiently and Regulates

Sleep is not just rest time for children. While sleeping, the child's body produces the growth hormone and strengthens the immune system. Toddlers who sleep less than 10 hours per day tend to get sick more easily and can experience behavioral disorders

In order to sleep, children are of higher quality, create a consistent sleep routine, keep gadgets away an hour before bed, and create a comfortable and calm room atmosphere.

4. Don't Force Children To Eat

Many parents worry when their children have difficulty eating, then try to force them to eat. In fact, forcing food can traumatized children or even lose their appetite.

It is better to apply a diet that follows the signal of hunger and saturation of children. This is called responsive feeding'' and has been proven to support healthy growth and eating habits in the long term.

5. Invite Children to dry in the morning

Early sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D that children really need for bone growth and maintaining endurance. Just invite the child to play outside or sit relaxed on the terrace of the house before 9 am for 1015 minutes.

This simple habit can help prevent vitamin D shortages, which can have an impact on bone growth and health in general.