Keeping newborns and children under 5 years clean and safe
Updated: 30 September 2022
Manuela Leporesi
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Credits
Tips and information
- Wash caregiver’s and children’s hands, such as before preparing and eating food, and after using the toilet
- Use safe and clean water
- Avoid going to the toilet in the open and disposing of human waste in the open
- Store food safely and use clean utensils
- Keep the home and baby’s clothing as clean as possible to protect from infection
- Store unsafe and toxic substances safely out of reach of children
- Keep the outdoor areas around the home clean
- Secure open waters such as pools, wells and ponds so children cannot access them
- Keep the home free of smoke from tobacco, cooking and heating
Related tips and information
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Videos & infographics
All →Question and Answers
All →Publications
All →Strengthening capacity for newborn screening, diagnosis and management of birth defects: WHO technical consultation on planning and implementing services integrated into national health systems in low- and middle-income countries
Health effects of air pollution: evidence and implications: technical brief
Second global conference on air pollution and health: key themes and outcomes
Guidelines for drinking-water quality: fourth edition incorporating the first, second and third addenda
Reports
All →Progress on water, sanitation, hygiene, environmental cleaning and waste management in health care facilities 2015–2025
Drinking-water quality: a roadmap to supporting resources
AIDE-MÉMOIRE: For enhanced country action to eliminate lead exposure
Throwing away our health: the impact of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps, and health sector responses
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